For more on Glasgow’s East End visit www.list.co.uk > Six of the Best
ATTRACTIONS Eating & Drinking: East End
■ TRONGATE 103 Glasgow’s most exciting cultural development in recent years, Trongate 103 is a new arts and creativity centre which plays host to some of the city’s finest talents. Housing the likes of the Glasgow Print Studio, and Transmission, it also acts as a public viewing space and offers classes to encourage more folk to get involved in the arts. 103 Trongate, www.trongate103.com
Tapa 21 Whitehill Street, 0141 554 9981 A hugely popular organic bakehouse that has had even the most hardcore WEndies flocking over to Dennistoun. The menu is littered with a mouth- watering array of homemade chutneys and organic cheeses, while the bread and cakes baked on the premises will put any diet to the test. Tapa’s weekend brunch is also worth a look: perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon with the papers.
Coia’s Café 473–477 Duke Street, 0141 554 3822 A long-time East End favourite, Coia’s has been in business for over 70 years, and shows no sign of slowing. Italian classics such as carbonara and pizza are served alongside traditional Scottish favourites like mince and tatties. Their famous ice-cream is also worth a trip – the recipe is a closely guarded family secret and it’s easy to see why. Tibo 443 Duke Street, 0141 550 2050 Good, rustic home cooking is on the menu in this cosy eaterie. The menu is varied and surprising – whisky-cured salmon and peanut-fried fishcakes cry out to be ordered. The wine list is pretty reasonable too, with bottles starting at just £10.50. The pre-theatre deal is also tempting – just £9.95 for two courses. Tibo holds regular acoustic nights, so you can enjoy a little culture while you dine.
■ BARROWLAND BALLROOM Once a ballroom where your grandparents would go for a waltz, the Barrowland is now a cramped, sweaty and loud music venue where many Glaswegians have lost their gig virginity. It consistently wins both important awards and bands’ praise for being one of the UK’s best music venues. Gallowgate, 0141 552 4601
Mono 12 King’s Court, 0141 553 2400 Bar meets café meets record shop – Mono has it all. Specialising in organic and vegan produce, it even has its own microbrewery that produces local ales. Meat-free Mondays are popular with veggie diners, who can tuck into specialities such as smoked tofu on toast. On the side, Monorail records provides a fantastic soundtrack and the chance to pick up some independent white label tracks. Café Sejuiced 77 Hanson street, 0141 556 6733 Combining culture with cookery, the café is situated in the Wasps Artist’s Studio in the East End. With a passion for organic, free-range and healthy food, the family-run café places value on fresh, local and seasonal produce. With its fresh baking, good coffee, tasty smoothies and cheerful atmosphere, Café Sejuiced is the perfect place to while away an afternoon.
Café Source 1 St Andrews Square, 0141 548 6020 Serving good Scottish home cooking in a laid-back setting, Café Source is hidden out of the way in the basement of an old church in the Saltmarket. Enticing daily specials jostle for space with traditional favourites such as Scotch pies, stovies and haggis, and they have a good range of malts to go alongside. The portions are huge and the prices are reasonable, as is the excellent pre-theatre deal.
Monorail
SHOPPING
Often forgotten when it comes to retail therapy, shopping in the East End may well involve a bit more walking, but the results will certainly be fruitful. Pop into Brigitte for a spot of vintage heaven – designer cocktail dresses galore at mouth-watering prices, including Pierre Cardin and YSL. Then nip round to Mr Ben, a forager’s paradise for vintage bags, 70s sequins and 80s shoulder pads. The prices are low and the staff are always friendly and attentive. The West End’s vintage shops often tend to be cleared out pretty fast, especially in the autumn, but you can always rely on Mr Ben to have plenty of fresh and exciting stock. Next door, Monorail offers rare white label records and
independent music, providing a welcome alternative to the high street music stores. Pop into the adjoining café afterwards and enjoy the sounds. For foodies, the East End is giving its rival in the West a run for its
money in the deli stakes. Try Gospoda Polish deli in the Gallowgate, or wander down to Dennistoun to Olive for some tasty home baking.
Dennistoun is up-and-coming in the fashion stakes, too. Cocoberry is a chic new boutique which stocks a wide range of womenswear brands including Lipsy, Ruby Rocks and Traffic People.
■ CITIZENS THEATRE An innovative theatre space that aims to produce almost all of its own shows, the Citz also gets involved in the local community, providing acting classes and writing workshops for youngsters in the area. A new production of Othello starts a run mid-October, with a satirical panto version of Cinderella planned for Christmas. 119 Gorbals Street, 0141 429 0022 18 THE LIST 8–22 Oct 2009