Snacks

Image by Roddy Cunningham

When I have an hour or two to kill Offshore is a favourite spot for me. A simple and comfortable coffee shop located right beside The River Kelvin, Offshore is the first place to go when I want to sip a coffee and work on my laptop. It has comfy couches and big windows with cushions and is warm and light, which in winter makes it a great break from the cold. I quite like to come here with friends for a chat at lunch or in the evening, as obviously do other locals because it is always really busy.

It is a great place to go when I want free wi-fi because although there are plenty of places in Glasgow that comes with wi-fi most of them charge ridiculous fees for using them. The only thing they ask is that you buy something from them before use.

It does also make a really rice coffee, has a nice selection of cakes and sweets as well as sandwiches, soups and sometimes a stew or curry.

Downstairs there is normally an exhibition of photographs and prints, which, whenever I have been down, has been really good, and these are usually available to buy.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Offshore Cafe | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Snacks | Expresso £ 1.60
3/5 Gibson Street | West End
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 22:00, Sat – Sun 09:00 – 22:00

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Image by Roddy Cunningham

Artisan Roast opened recently and has quickly become my go to coffee shop. As the name suggests, it is a coffee shop that specializes in all things coffee. All tastes are catered for as it uses beans all from apparently ‘better than fair-trade’ suppliers to produce cups of coffee that cannot be found anywhere else in the entire city.

Upon arrival you are given a choice between type of coffee, blend of bean and method of preparation. After choosing, they weigh out the beans and grind them right in front of you before preparing to your desired choice with expert skill.

For all other coffee fanatics out there the range of choice is staggering and you virtually guaranteed to find something to suit your tastes. For all bold and adventurous types, they do claim to have the smokiest blend on earth in store. If you have any troubles choosing, the staff are always willing to help you choose.

Actual coffee aside, the inside is really funky and quirky with pillows made out of old bean sacks and tables held up by ancient books and the atmosphere is laid back and chilled out.

I love the really smoky and caramel blends and every time I go in I tend to try a different blend. The baristas were really great in helping me on what to try and how to try it.

Some people think it is just for the hipsters but I think it is a must for all coffee lovers in town!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Artisan Roast | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Cafetiere £ 2.00
15-17 Gibson Street | West End | +447590590667
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 19:30, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 19:30

5

Image by Roddy Cunningham

A Sunday morning in Glasgow to many people means one thing- a big dirty hangover. For me it means brunch at Cafezique.

The café/restaurant previously know as Delizique, a deli now located next door, still displays obvious remnants of its original roots as a diary shop, which probably dates back to before the war. However, don’t let the exterior fool you into thinking your walking into a ruin as inside the modern l-shaped bar and glass panelled mezzanine floor make the most of what is quite a small space. The clever use of space along side a guaranteed flock of hungry locals helps create a light and bustling atmosphere which is perfect for sitting and reading the Sunday papers or a good book.

Cafezique boasts all-day breakfasts that can guarantee to fill any void in your stomach with high quality organic produce and generously large portions. My personal favourite- Eggs Benedict- is a house speciality and is definitely not to be missed and the ‘Big fry up’, a somewhat Glasgow staple, is just what is called for after a rough night before.If you are looking for a quick in and out meal, forget it. The staff are far too laid back and mellow to rush anything, this could maybe be frustrating during a midweek lunch or dinner, but on a Sunday morning the slow pace is just what is called for.

One bit of advice- try and get there early as come 12 o’clock this place will be packed!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Cafezique | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Deli) | Breakfast £ 5.00
66 Hyndland Street | West End | +441413397180
Mon – Sat 09:00 – 22:30, Sun 09:30 – 22:30

5

Image by Roddy Cunningham

Ever since I was a little boy I can remember being taken to the University Cafe. A Glasgow institution since 1918, the cafe has been supplying the ubiquitous fish supper and fry-up since its birth.

Little has changed in times past and walking in is like walking back in time. The cafe still retains an old school diner style with mirrored walls and solid wooden panelling. Service is all conducted over the counter which holds real sweet memories for me.

10 pence mixes and ‘soor plooms’ (sour luminous green sweets) to name a few sold by the University Cafe hold fond memories for me and kept my dentist busy. Nothing has changed since those days still and when I want to jump back to my childhood days I also head here to get my sugar fix.

Now however good the fish supper and sweeties may be at the University Cafe the main selling feature at the cafe has to be its legendary ice cream. Creamy, soft and delicious the ice cream I think, alongside a good few other Glasgow locals, is the best in town. The selection changes daily and is served my selection of toppings, although I always go plain. It is so good that many restaurants and bistros buy the cafe’s homemade ice cream.

The selection is served from behind the glass cabinet and the only problem may be choosing one, or in my case normally two flavours. If they have it available go for the coconut, you won’t be disappointed!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
University Cafe | Snacks | Ice Cream £ 1.80
87 Byres Road | West End
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 22:00, Sat 09.00 – 22:30, Sun 10:00 – 22:00

5

Image by Roddy Cunningham

The brainchild of an ex art school student and Starbucks barista it is no wonder that Where The Monkey Sleeps (WTMS) is no normal coffee shop.

A board on the wall displays a menu consisting of simple lunch snacks like paninis, bagels, soups and stews with various fillings including Scots specialty haggis. There are 3 rooms in this deceptively large shop and are all decked from head to toe in classic heavy metal vinyl covers whilst classic rock is blasting out of the stereo.

WTMS is located on the corner Blysthwood Square the main office area for high flying professionals and I always find it funny to see all the business types in their suits in WTMS, metal blazing, eating their lunch.

It is also a singlespeed bike hotspot and a favourite of the art students.

It always has a busy lunch trade and is a real favourite of mine when I just want a sandwich or pot of soup.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Where the Monkey Sleeps | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Soup £ 2.00
182 West Regent Street | City Centre | +442263406
Mon – Fri 07:00 – 17:00

5