A new report from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association paints a bleak picture of the future for the nation’s pubs with 59% expecting to make a loss this year. However, here Madeleine Ure, a former bar tender and aficionado of Glasgow’s going out scene, argues pubs and clubs could have a bright future – if they follow these seven golden rules to appeal to the under 25s.
Chat show
A bartender is always a Glaswegian’s best friend, some small talk as well as good knowledge of the drinks can go very far and is key to creating a welcoming atmosphere. A good server can often make or break your night with their social skills. In my time working behind the bar I recall remembering regular customers' drinks and engaging in conversation would often significantly improve their experience (and help get extra tips). Additionally, enough bar staff and quick service is essential to customers, meaning they don’t spend half their night waiting at the bar.
Let’s bounce
When walking into (or trying to walk into) a bar, the last thing you want is frosty reception, something many of my friends have experienced over the years. Bouncers who, instead of ensuring the safety of the venue and its occupants merely seem as if they have had a bad day. We can all understand being kicked back from the door when you’ve had one too many, however, being purposely rude to potential customers and raising your voice achieves nothing other than negatively impacting the bar’s atmosphere and reputation.
Hey, stranger
The best part of my nights are often the quick social smoke that turns into an hour-long conversation with the stranger who is sitting next to me. Pubs like The Old Schoolhouse and Lock 27 in Glasgow have ideal outdoor areas for smoking and socialising, resulting in my friends making our way back time and time again. While many don’t enjoy the act of smoking, it’s a great place to take a break and relax from the bustling bar. Heaters and parasols are a great addition to any smoking area in Scotland - I don’t think I need to explain why that is - comfortable benches and chairs set out for easy conversation are key and, of course, a couple of ash trays.
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I'll drink to that
When I hit my twenties I discovered my part-time job was enough for me to splurge out to appreciate the joys of cocktails, rather than my usual vodka lemonade, so you can imagine my disappointment when I see my hourly wage come from a tap rather than a cocktail shaker. A varied menu and a few freshly made cocktails are standard for any bar, it helps accommodate dietary restrictions, cater to different tastes and generally just make everybody happy. For bars that don’t want to have an extensive cocktail menu, I suggest adding an aperol and hugo spritz to the menu because, chances are, cocktail lovers will be happy with either of those. Keep quality strong with fresh kegs and bar staff who know how to make drinks including pouring a good pint and you will have a bar full of happy customers.
Hub not pub
The pub is a social hub for young people. Hosting weekly events such as pub quizzes is a great way to build community within the pub and create regulars. The friendly competition is good for both the pub and its customers, boosting sales while creating a fun and social evening. When popular sports events take place such as the UEFA Champions League, pubs can take advantage of this, having a few screens showing football games will allow people to enjoy the game with a pint and a good atmosphere.
Music, please
While not all bars and pubs have live music bands it’s a common feature to those in the centre and entertainment districts such as Ashton Lane in the west end. Kitty O’Shea’s, commonly known as ‘Kitty’s’, is known for its ‘warm Irish welcome’ . This is one of the many popular pubs that hosts live musicians, creating a friendly and spirited atmosphere. Similarly, Wunderbar shares the same music style of live bands and singers, however, is it presented in a more upmarket way, having been inspired by ‘bierkellers’ around the globe. The two pubs own locations in both town and west end. With dissimilar demographics, these pubs are demonstrating the desire for live sing-along music culture to a wide range of young people.
Price is right
Last weekend, my friends and I walked out of the subway station and stumbled into the first pub we saw without thinking much about it. After a good night and a large bill, the next morning, hanxiety hit. Since when did rum and coke become so expensive? Being a student in 2025, it seems challenging to find a pub that still does good prices for decent drinks especially outwith term times. A student menu and a cheap pint is high on the list of what young people are after in pubs and clubs. Simply put, the key to a good pub for under 25s, from someone who worked in and routinely visits Glasgow pubs, is a good atmosphere from music and staff, a varied and cheap-ish menu and a few TVs so the space can be used as a social spot for any occasion, night or day
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