15 Union Street, Glasgow. G1 3RB. Tel: 0141 248 6606.
The Cat House. 2005.
The Cathouse during the early evenings is a great place for under 18s to experience the rock and metal scene in Glasgow. The club has gone through a few refurbishments since the early ’00s including a recent upgrade in 2018. Click here to visit their facebook page
Cat House owner Donald MacLeod with Kirsty Smith.
In the NEWS…2018.
AFTER more than two decades working in one of Scotland’s best known and most enduring nightclubs, Kirsty Smith is gearing up for life on the other side of the bar.
The general manager of Glasgow’s Cathouse rock club completed her last shift on Saturday (February 10) and is set to pursue a full-time career in acting – something which has been a hobby up to now.
Kirsty quickly worked her way up the ranks to become management in 1998; and she’s seen no shortage of change at the 750-capacity club, which opened in 1990 and is owned by Donald MacLeod.
“The Cathouse has definitely evolved,” she said.
“We’ve changed the layout of the club and done renovations; but we’ve also kept evolving our operations – we were one of the first to build a smoking shelter before the smoking ban came in, we were ahead of the restrictions on glass. I think the fact we’ve always been at the forefront has been key to it and the fact the Cathouse is still here after 28 years.
“The clientele is always evolving too, although we still have a lot of regulars that have been coming every week as long as I’ve been here.
“We’re always asking our customers what they want – that’s been really important too.”
Kirsty counts gigs by Anthrax (for the Cathouse’s 25th birthday), Pearl Jam, Oasis and Foo Fighters – as well as every Halloween – among her most memorable times at the Cathouse. And while she said she will miss working there, Kirsty is looking forward to going to the club as a customer.
“I’m going to miss it a lot; I’ve worked here for almost half my life so it’s a big change,” she said.
“I love the customers, I love the music, I love the passion everyone has. We’re a family and Donald has been a fantastic boss.
“I stayed here as long as I did because of the family feel and what this club stands for.
“I’ll still be in to see them all though. I’ll be able to see it from the other side of the bar and I’ve offered to cover holidays and help them out whenever they need it; I can’t just walk away completely.”
This was once called The Viva disco. and Vega Disco 1978.
“Hi John,
The Cathouse on Union St was also called Deja vu, Heaven and Industria from about 1990-1994. This happened on it’s, unsurprisingly, last night as Deja vu-“ . Thanks to Peter for the email 2015.
Here are some adverts from the Vega Disco:
The Vega Disco advert 1970.
Vega restaurant 1972.
Advert for The Vega. 1974.
First Floor: Cocktail Bar to relax in and enjoy an aperitif before your meal.
Second Floor: Olde Worlde Inn Steakhouse. Visit the “Tartan Doubles Bar”, Open at lunchtime and evenings. Reduced prices for all double measures of spirits.
Third Floor: Business Lunch served daily from 11.30 – 2.30 p.m. 3 courses 60p including VAT. Open all day on Saturday 11.30 a.m. – 5 p.m. for all lunches and high teas. Function Suite available for private functions for up to 180.
Entertainment: Every Thursday Country “N” Western Nite 8-11.30 p.m. Mini Supper 50p. Fully Licensed.
Every Friday and Saturday in the 3rd floor Sherry Bar.
Live Groups. Admission Free. 7.30-10 p.m.
Advert from 1976.
The Vega, 15 Union Street.
Disco Dine with Radio Clyde DJ’s.
Friday, 10th Dec. Dougie Donnelly, 3 Course Dinner £1.95 (including V.A.T.) 8 p.m. – 1130 p.m.
Wednesday, 15th Dec. Steve Jones, 3 Course Dinner £1.50 (including V.A.T.) 8 p.m. – 11.30 p.m.
Wednesday, 22nd Dec. * Carnival Night * with Bill Smith and Dave Marshall, Christmas Dinner £3 (including V.A.T.).
The Vega Disco advert 1978.
The Vega Disco – Dine was owned by The Reo Stakis Organisation.
Do you have any memories of this venue? If so please leave a comment.
END.