My group already knew polo have a bad reputation for knocking back people with no justification, but until last night I hadn't had a problem getting in. We all only had a couple drinks, were very sober, and it was quite early. The female bouncer with the shaved haircut was rude, gave no reasons at first and when I asked her more directly she was just telling us to go away, and insinuating we'd drank too much. I work in a role where I regularly have to refuse overly drunk people, and know that there was absolutely nothing wrong with our group. You say the door policy is tight but I think from the amount of shared experiences it is just discriminatory and making a safe space inaccessible to the people it is meant to be for.

I see from other reviews the same particular rude female bouncer working here between 2100-2300 on 17/02/23 with shave sides continues to deny people at her leisure. She denied me and two friends entry for no apparent reason. After being recommended from friend’s in Speakeasy to visit Polo lounge; we were looking forward to enjoy ourselves in an LGBT safe environment only to turned away. We felt disregarded from our own community. This is not an inclusive venue and should be ashamed.

UPDATE: Your response is totally dramatised/biased for 2 reasons: 1. A member of staff never took the keys off of me, I handed the keys to a boy who was hell bent on changing it and started off his initial interaction with me by being extremely blunt and condescending. If this boy turns out to be a staff member then it would have made sense for the boy to make this known and I would have been more than happy for him to take this task off of my hands. 2. The toilet doors do not open out the way so I struggle to see how this is even realistic? I would just like to preface this by saying we had been to a couple of establishments nearby and had a great time without any issues whatsoever. We went to Polo and seemed to have no issues until I had to use the restroom. The stall I was using did not have any toilet paper so I had went out to let the attendant know. I was a bit thrown when the gentlemen proceeded to give me a lanyard with keys and a full toilet roll and asked me to go and change the dispenser for him. When I went back to the stall there was another person just coming out of it and I said to him that I was just changing over the toilet paper because it was empty. For whatever reason that I do not understand this boy became extremely rude and proceeded to try and take the keys and roll out of my hands whilst I was changing it over (I will just add for clarity, this boy had already used the stall and was leaving so the stall was just newly vacant when I was going to change it over). A brief exchange of words was had and at that point I gave the boy the keys and toilet roll to let him change it seeing as he was hell-bent on doing so. I then proceeded to wash my hands and buy some aftershave from the attendant when I was approached by bouncer asking me if he can speak to me outside about the incident that happened (the other boy had went out and complained to the bouncer about my attitude which led to me being confronted which I can honestly say he has some nerve considering all I had being doing was helping the attendant). Before we left to go upstairs I asked the bouncer to get the toilet attendants point of view, to which he backed up my recollection of events. I then proceeded to comply with the bouncer and headed upstairs, albeit feeling very aggrieved that I had to try and prove my innocence for doing a task that the toilet attendant should have being doing himself. I was asked to stand outside whilst another female bouncer went and got a revised statement from the toilet attendant in my absence (you know where this is going) and came to the conclusion that it was me who had been aggressive and that’s all she could tell me. I reiterated the fact that it wasn’t in my interest to be changing the toilet rolls over when I am on a night out so what makes them think that I would want to get myself involved in an altercation with strangers about it? The male bouncer all of a sudden adapted an “it is what it is” attitude, despite him seeing first hand that the toilet attendants initial statement matched up with mine. All I can say is that out of all the establishments I have visited in Glasgow, I have never known a place to have as much of a shocking write-up about it’s door staff (it is literally spoken about by everyone). I have previously witnessed the door staff being extremely heavy-handed with people and to be quite frank it is very unnecessary most times. The bouncers hold themselves on a high status which unfortunately has led to a bit of a bully culture on many occasions and it’s a real shame because the venue is actually brilliant otherwise. For my own safety I will not be setting foot in this place again and neither will my friends. The club would really benefit from spending some time with their door staff in understanding where it always seems to go wrong. Unfortunately it appears quite evident from any review response from the owner that they are never very forthcoming in taking any responsibility and will always use their advantage of sobriety to dismiss any concerns about the clubs operation.

Having been to Polo many times in the past, refused entry because we gave the wrong vibe. Firstly as a gay guy I find that horrific being told "I look too straight" and secondly having a friend who is new to the gay scene and was a bit scared of his first night being told not tonight as he gave the door staff a vibe. Whilst I absolutely accept we need to protect safe spaces the door staff need to be aware that not everyone "looks" gay (what ever that means) and secondly what a way to scare people new to the community. Shameful. Would expect this from door staff of other venues but not a well know and previous well respected LGBTQ bar.

Was turned away at the door for no reason, bouncers refused to give me a reason despite me and my whole group being completely sober, won’t recommend would rate no stars if I could Response: The door staff were on a total power trip and dismissive, we all had nothing to drink and I feel that the decision made on the door was wrong and purely based on profiling, I will continue to not recommend here to anyone. Be better.

Came to Polo Lounge on a Thursday night for the first time. I walked up with my four girl friends, hoping to have a nice night in an LGTBQ+ environment and club. The bouncer with a shaved undercut immediately said “not tonight ladies.” We had no idea why, and when we asked why we got rejected, it was followed up with a “no is a no,” etc. No explanation or anything. Of the five of us, we were all only 1-2 drinks in and not even tipsy. Very disappointed after having good expectations. Although I see now it’s very common to get rejected…

Knocked back and told we had too much to drink X 5 of us..sadly wrong as we had just finished work at 10pm after a 14 hour shift. Your so called female door steward got it very much wrong. I was one of the original ones who help launch the polo when it first opened. I now own a multi million pound business and will never recommend your club to any of my customers. Funnily enough 2 people got in just after we were refused who were seen snorting gear in front of the male steward. Will raise and show to the LSO the footage we took

Absolutely awful! We were refused entry after attending the Florence and the machine gig because we apparently had too much to drink. We literally had 2 drinks. It seems like if your face fits, then it’s fine. Detached establishment, if you’re from out of town, it’s a no go. “We’ve had too much b to drink” non sense.

Very disappointed with the treatment from the bouncers at Polo when me and my friend planned to go last night. We were both excited as it was my last night in Glasgow, and I’d previously had excellent time at Polo. However, when asked by a male bouncer how much we had had to drink, we replied we had each had a glass of wine at home. To this he abruptly said “not tonight, you’ll have to try somewhere else” even though we were not even remotely tipsy? When we were visibly confused since we were not even given a reason, we were rudely told by the female bouncer to step aside. Once the queue died down, we asked why we had been refused entry, and were told “it was my impression when I spoke to you that you had too much to drink”. I have a speech impediment and am unsure whether this made me sound intoxicated, but me and my friend were sober. Very disheartening to experience during my last night in this lovely city, we ended up going to Box on sauchiehall street and had a great time.

I wish I read these reviews before going, the door staff are so condescending and clearly on a power trip. I completely understand that they have the right to refuse entry, however it really cost nothing to be kind. We weren't being rude or rowdy and were met with nothing but disdain - it might be a shout to put your door staff on a training course about manners? I also wouldn't bother with the generic reply as going by the other reviews this behaviour is the norm. We went to AXM instead and had an absolute ball.

Need to hire new bouncers who can actually treat people with respect or at least train them better. Went there last night and they were letting other people in who were stumbling over and slurring their speech. Then my group was told we were too drunk to get in, I had literally not had a single drop of alcohol, my friend had a glass of wine, and we were not acting intoxicated in any way. Then they proceeded to be incredibly rude to us when we were confused as to why we were being turned away. Been to polo several times and the actual club staff are amazing, and its always the first choice. However, the security team have always been problematic and rude, and are known for not being inclusive.

The review is based on my visit to document polo. I neither went in or spoke to any employees. But the building is beautifully lit up

usually love polo and feel so safe, however tonight they didn’t let me in, tried multiple times and they decided they weren’t letting me in as a definite. had one drink and honestly feel stone cold sober. friends are away in and i’m on a hour long train home myself, the atmosphere is brilliant and i love the layout so honestly would recommend, just the bouncers aren’t really knowledgeable about people with neurodivergence and don’t know how to tell the difference between tipsy and Adhd. won’t be back for a while if i’m honest.

I would like tell you about the club that is polo but I can’t because I wasn’t let in because of the female bouncer wouldnt let me and my friends into the club. When my friend asked why we weren’t let into the club and the bouncer said “we are security we don’t need a reason” and then we waited outside discussing our next move and more people were getting in line to the club which were also denied entry. Honestly it’s just poor service if it’s some marketing tactic trying to create some sort of exclusivity then it’s really bad way to do it.

I had a terrible time at this nightclub. Me and my partner were excited to go out and have a good time, but they wouldn't let us in for no good reason. We asked why, but all they said was 'not today'. It was so frustrating and honestly felt pretty unfair. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone who wants to be treated with respect and fairness. The worst nightclub in Glasgow

It was mine and my boyfriends first time in Glasgow 9/05/23 and we were initially greeted at this bar by a kind gentleman bouncer, who was very informative and really polite! The atmosphere was amazing, made some amazing friends. The female bouncer who was on later at night (around 2am) was really helpful and supportive, as a random guy walking the streets outside the bar approached us and wouldn't leave us alone. She stayed with us outside and gave us a phone number for a taxi. We felt really safe at Polo Lounge and we will be coming back the next time we visit Glasgow

Terrible service!! This was my first time in Glasgow and with that customer service or lack of should I say. myself or any of my family and friends will not be back. Bar woman was incredible rude. If I gave that service I'd be fired before you could say the word prosecco! Shame as the act preforming was very talented. Place was very quiet for a Sunday night . Now I understand why. I very rarely gave poor ratings but very disappointed.

The toilets in polo are nicer than the club in AXM…. Strict door… for good reason… safe space. If you don’t behave you won’t get in! Best lgbtq+ venue in Glasgow

I have been visiting this venue for numerous years and upon this arrival this evening, alone and vulnerable, I was granted entry despite them pulling away at my passport -- which was fine. I entered the venue, as a returning customer despite the unwelcoming vibe and the collective deluge of staff members who had created an endless feeling of discomfort for me due to personal agendas throughout the visit. Due to aforementioned personal narrative, I was asked to leave the venue in which I compliantly did so, however alone, cold and vulnerable -- exposed to undoubtedly a fearful situation -- I felt humiliated, intimidated and mocked by the management on the door who made various personal verbal attacks towards me in which I feel have impacted my mental health -- within which I will be seeking appropriate external advise and/or therapy for due to the nature of the language and mannerisms utilised. It was upon being forcefully and physically removed, in a disregarding manner, displaying no care by physically violating me that I was standing outside, politely asking for my bag back -- that one of the bouncers, Mick (who is infamously known across the 'scene' for harassment, in an undisclosed approach) - had, in his official capacity, in the means of the licensed premises, displayed a personal mobile device, and began recording me -- evidently, on the aforementioned personal device. This has resulted in me suffering from additional anxiety and discomfort, and the appropriate procedures have been followed externally to conduct a transparent review into how this footage was taken and herewith - thereon after utilised, from the personal device - by the licensed security officer - with a legal obligation to uphold his duty of care; in the licensed premises. I waited outside, stranded, alone, cold and vulnerable in the cold for over an hour to await my property in which I entered the licensed premises with, acquiring the prior knowledge of the duty of care I was meant to have obtained, leaving my bag within a safer space - visible on CCTV, that I was told my bag wasn't there and nobody was looking for it. Justifiably and understandably so, I became increasingly frustrated and upset - on top of the collective deluge of anxiety I was already streamlining due to the aforementioned conduct of the named security officer who violated the duty of care he was meant to uphold by violating my privacy by utilising a private device to document a recording of me within a publicly funded area. Area Manager, Kenny and General Manager, Kirsty then displayed questionably unprofessional behaviour to me at the door by utilising endlessly vulgar and inappropriate language when I was simply standing in the public area, looking to file a complaint due to the privacy breach and illegal possession of my belonging(s) - which was recorded on bouncer's, Ray's body camera, yes this is a club...yes, I was slightly drunk but under the expectation the duty of care this licensed venue has to uphold to those it grants entry to I'd be protected by elaborated protocol - but instead, I was ganged up on at the door, in a corner, undermined and humiliated on front of other guests entering/exiting the venue. I have now conducted the appropriate legal and formal procedures to re-acquire the footage that Mick took of me on his private mobile device in the premises, within his official capacity - And I am expecting a swift, effective response from the bodie(s)/entitie(s) - that I have addressed this to maximise security, transparency and safety within Glasgow City Council, outlined by the aforementioned body in the newly proposed 4AM closing policy - in which the primary factor of such policy was undoubtedly and evidently breached due to aforementioned event(s) and factor(s) - collectively. To provide additional clarity, Ray and Amanda remained professional throughout this difficult and confrontational encounter and I'd like to offer credit and sincerest thanks to said security for averting the required measures to maintain a safe environment and atmosphere.

Well, what can I say. The daughter took us clubbing. Thankfully, she knows some of the staff so we got in. Upstairs area is like a fancy hotel lounge area. Downstairs is split into 2, with 1 area having little booths which were good. Other area is bigger with larger seating booths and a bigger dance floor. Service at bar was ok, no issues. Shout out to Sylvia in the ladies toilet and to Amanda who were approachable and friendly. Overall, it does what it says on the tin. As we were waiting for the taxi there was a scuffle across the street and the door staff went over to see what was going on.

Been going to polo for 20 years, I love the wee bar bit with the old fashioned pint glasses (it's clear I'm getting older, haha)! Only thing I don't like is when you go to the toilet, even when chatting to someone, the woman in the toilet basically screams at you to go in one at a time... yeah yeah, I get why, but maybe be a little calmer about it. Apart from that, I've always had a rare time there & also, never an issue with bouncers, always nice enough to us! X

Best to finish the night after your fantasy wedding ceremony. Staffs were really helpful and caring. Love Polo. Will always come back 🥰

Thomas at the Polo Lounge was extremely helpful to me. I had left my bag in the venue after a night out and Thomas helped me to courier it back to my address in Manchester. Can't thank him enough. The lounge singer was great and there is a bouncing dance area downstairs. Would recommend!