Swing

I visited Swing on Saturday night (30 Aug 2014) and had a great time!
For something a wee bit different in Glasgow, this should be on your must-​visit list. The club is intimately sized and follows a retro early-​mid 20^th century aesthetic. This is backed up by the fantastic service by the staff who address you as sir and madam.
The entertainment began with RadioJam; a guy and girl duo playing acoustic r’n’b, which would normally be my idea of hell but it actually fit the mood nicely and my missus was ready to take them home with us to play in our living room on demand. After a short break, they were followed by the Fortunate Sons and their brand of Americana/​bluegrass, which then had us up for a bit of dancing! As mentioned, the place is small so there’s no place to hide if you want to throw some shapes. There was also a spot of aerial acrobatics by Silks. It was a short performance but threw up something different and was visually compelling.
Swing is apparently famed for its cocktails and i agree. The two bartenders obviously knew their stuff and took pride in the drinks. At the start of the night when it’s still quiet, they make more of a show of it and my ‘Old Fashioned’ was quite impressive compared to some previously had poor efforts elsewhere. Suffice to say, I reflected my appreciation with a good tip. There is a cocktail menu (which i think they vary each week) but they will make whatever you like. Also, while it’s quiet at the start of the evening you will get table service but understandably this peeters off as the club fills up. Cocktails are pricey so take plenty of dosh if you’re going to be ordering a few. However, beers etc., are more reasonable.
Another thing I liked was when a large hen party showed up, clad in sashes and all the usual getup, a polite word was had from the club owner to remove their gear as this, I guess, is not what he wants his club to be known for. And to be honest it was the most dour faced hen party I have ever seen!
We booked ahead to secure a table at an exrta cost (£7.50 pp) but folks can pay on the door for £5. I’d recommend getting a seat.

Well, for my beloved’s 30^th (aw bless) he decided to have a classy vs. trashy sort of an evening, with the classy part consisting of a nice meal and a trip to Swing! Getting onboard with the 20’s theme, I put on my flapper glad rags and even *gasp* HEELS!!!
This place was once the Crow Bar, a small nook for Glasgow’s rock contingent. Anyone who visited then would be impressed with what has been done with such a small space. Art deco style is all around, and with the bar staff dressed to the nines, it is just impressive.
As soon as we arrived, the hostess took our coats in exchange for raffle tickets (don’t worry, we got them back), which was a very nice touch. All of the tables were reserved for people arriving later — if you plan on staying beyond 9:30pm to see the entertainment, book your table in advance. These go so very fast. I do believe there is a charge to reserve a table, but I’m not sure how much. Regardless, as we arrived around 8:30, we were still able to sit at a free table until it’s rightful lease-​holders claimed it. ^^
Expect to pay London /​New York prices in here. The only reason we didn’t stay longer is because the drinks were too pricey for other members in our party, who were mostly drinking beer (I can’t quite recall the exact price, but it was over £5 a piece). If, however, you are drinking cocktails, for the quality you are getting I’d say the price is well worth it. The spirits used are all of the high end variety, nothing less than Grey Goose and Belvedere for the vodkas, for instance. The speciality cocktails are limited, but you can ask the spiffily dressed bar staff for any cocktail and they will make it for a similar price as those listed. I myself had a sidecar and a whiskey sour for the slurping, and having tasted the Long Island Iced Tea that Harry was drinking, I can say it was one of the best I’ve had in Glasgow!
Sadly we didn’t get to see any of the main entertainment, which was supposed to start from 9:30 (we left around 10), but there was live music in the form of a pianist /​lounge singer from the moment we stepped in. This was something a bit different from the norm, so very refreshing!
Next time, I shall make sure I have enough cash for the long-​haul, or will arrive later on. Tis worth a peek if you’ve never been, particularly if you have a love of all things vintage, or even if you’re looking for a touch of Gatsby to your evening.

So thought I would check out this place as I have been meaning to for an age! The place is absoloutely gorgeous. Venue has really used the space well, decorated it well and is to look at quite swish. This only got a 3 as we didnt stay long enough to see the entertainment which I think would set this place apart from the rest.
The other thing that I marked it down on were price £5 for a peroni and £7 — 10.50 for cocktails such as sidecars and long iand ice teas to champagne cocktails. These were made quite well and were tasty but if it is busy at all it takes a while to be served with all the kerfuffle in making it. Need to revisit for a more in depth review.

Stopped in as my wife and her friends are Swing dancers, didn’t know what to expect.
Went down the stairs into a wonderful bar area, Décor is lovely. Bar is well stocked and very nicely done. Definitely a place for a good cocktail and ideal fro a date.
There is space to dance and we did.
Will be back soon