10 of the best alternative nights out in Glasgow

If you need a break from the pubs and clubs, you can challenge yourself on Glasgow's indoor ski slope instead (Photo: Snow Factor)

We all love our local, but there's something to be said for branching out every once in a while.

Whether you're looking for alternatives to the pub, or simply want to try something new with friends or family, here are 10 ideas for exciting Glasgow nights out with a difference.

Savour your supper

Meeting monthly at various locations across the city, Glasgow Supper Club brings local foodies together to enjoy innovative and tasty fare on a different theme each time.

For around £20 per meal, diners can enjoy a freshly prepared three course meal with additions, like a welcome cocktail and homemade bread.

Bring your own bottle, and look forward to an enjoyable evening of socialising with old and new friends alike.

More: glasgowsupperclub.com

Plug in

From pinball machines to classic arcade games, this cafe is retro gamer heaven (Photo: MEGAbytes)

Video game connoisseurs will relish stepping back in time at retro gaming cafe, MEGAbytes.

Whether you're into old school arcade games (like Street Fighter 2 or House of the Dead 4), vintage consoles, or even classic pinball machines, you'll find something to keep you entertained.

Treat yourself to a coffee and a slice of red velvet cake and game to your heart's content well into the evening.

Visit: MEGAbytes, 169 Howard Street, G1 4HF - mbcafe.co.uk

Go record shopping

Hidden at the back of cosy bar and venue space, Mono, Monorail is one of Glasgow's most popular independent record shops.

Open until 7pm every night, music fans can easily spend an hour or two browsing the well-stocked racks here, and pick up the best of new and local music in a wide range of genres.

After you've finished shopping, catch a live performance in the main bar, or fill up on a delicious meal from Mono's exclusively vegan kitchen.

Visit: Monorail, 97 King Street, 12 Kings Court, G1 5RB - monorailmusic.com

Get competitive

Discover your inner ping pong champion at Maggie Mays (Photo: Shutterstock)

Open seven days a week (and until 10pm between Sunday and Thursday), King Pong at Maggie Mays offers a basement full of ping pong tables which can be hired for groups of up to 8 people at a time.

For £12 per person you can get a burger, a beer, a ball and a bat, but if you're really only there to play, then it's £5 per table per hour for your equipment.

If you want to get serious, head along to the weekly King Pong Battle from 7pm on Tuesdays to take part in an intense live tournament.

Visit: Maggie Mays, 60 Trongate, G1 5EP - maggiemays.co.uk/king-pong

Be crafty

Open until 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights, The Craft pottery studio is an unlikely BYOB venue, but bring your own bottle you can - and it makes for a fun and unique night out.

Paint everything from ceramic plates and mugs to keepsake ornaments and photo frames during your session.

There's no corkage fee, and prices vary depending on what you'd like to paint, but an evening at The Craft could set you back as little as £10, including the cost of your crafty creation.

Visit: The Craft Pottery, 120 West Campbell Street, G2 4TZ - thecraftpottery.co.uk

Hit the slopes

Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned expert, you'll enjoy an evening at Snow Factor (Photo: Snow Factor)

There's fun to be had for seasoned experts and absolute beginners alike at Braehead's indoor ski slope, Snow Factor.

Open until 10pm throughout the week and weekend, there's space for skiers, snowboarders and even sledgers here, and lessons offered for every age group.

If you're feeling particularly adventurous, give ice climbing a go on Snow Factor's ice wall.

Alternatively, retreat to the on-site ice bar for a well earned refreshment.

Visit: Snow Factor, SOAR, INTU Braehead, King's Inch Road, Renfrew, PA4 8XQ - snowfactor.com

Attempt an escape

Put your logic to the test and have fun at the same time at one of Glasgow's many escape rooms.

Escape Rooms Glasgow has four different themes on offer, from their Batman villain puzzle to a zombie quarantine game.

As few as two and as many as 10 players can take part at one time to solve clues in order to escape unscathed in an hour or less.

Visit: Escape Rooms Glasgow, 6 Dixon Street, G1 4AR - escaperoomsscotland.com/rooms

Take a tour

The views from Glasgows Necropolis are breathtaking (Photo: Shutterstock)

In the spring and summer months, guided walking tours of Glasgow's striking Necropolis begin as late as 5pm and 6pm.

Follow your knowledgeable guide around the nearly 200 year old cemetery to learn more about the approximately 3500 monuments erected there.

Though the history of the Necropolis itself is fascinating, the stunning panoramic views of Glasgow seen from the cemetery make this tour a truly unforgettable way to spend an evening.

Visit: Glasgow Necropolis, Castle Street, G4 0UZ - glasgownecropolis.org/tours-events

Climb higher

Scale new heights at one of Glasgow's indoor climbing walls, where you can safely try your hand at bouldering whatever the weather.

The Climbing Academy has plenty of space and is open until 10pm during the week.

If you're an experienced climber, then simply sign a form and climb. If not, all you have to do is watch a safety video and then you'll be ready to get started.

Visit: The Climbing Academy, 124 Portman Street, G41 1EJ - theclimbingacademy.com/our-walls/glasgow

Refine your palate

Learn more about wine, or refine your knowledge with a specialist wine tasting class (Photo: Shutterstock)

As an independent wine education company, Glasgow Wine School are not affiliated with any shops or wine brands, and run a plethora of tasting classes for anyone who would like to give them a try.

One-off tastings start at £22.50 per session, and attendees will sample a minimum of six wines while being tutored by an expert.

If you are especially enthusiastic, why not embark on a four or eight week-long course to really hone your skills?

Visit: Glasgow Wine School, DoubleTree By Hilton, 36 Cambridge Street, G2 3HN - glasgowwineschool.com