GLASGOW 2014 CITY GUIDE
MY FAVOURITE PLACE IN Glasgow
‘There’s something
fairytale-like about The Mitchell Library: from its lofty location above a
tangle of busy streets, to its copper-domed roof, to its monochrome tiled floors and psychedelic
carpets, to the most magical thing of all –
thousands and thousands of books, available for free to any reader looking for a moment of calm in the middle of a hectic city.’
KIRSTY LOGAN
AUTHOR, THE RENTAL HEART AND OTHER FAIRYTALES (SALT)
G1 3PU, 0141 204 4762, riverhillcafe.com/coffee-bar With its city centre location, imaginative sandwiches, and incredible cakes, this coffee bar is worthy of daily visits. There’s a commitment to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, including Glasgow’s own Dear Green coffee, roasted nearby.
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
Where to kick off your day with some stylish nosh CAFÉ GANDOLFI 64 Albion Street, Merchant City, G1 1NY, 0141 552 6813, cafegandolfi.com The long-standing, artfully quirky and Scottish-inspired favourite has an enticing breakfast menu and an interior made for lingering. Eight different egg dishes, French toast, pancakes, scones and full breakfasts in meat and veggie versions mean early diners are well catered for.
CAFEZIQUE 66 Hyndland Street, West End, G11 5PT, 0141 339 7180, delizique.com With its scuffed shop front and cool interior, Cafezique is a popular café and bistro with imaginative dishes and a dedication to making everything on site, including fabulous bread from sister Delizique next door. Popular with brunchers tempted in by eggs various ways, top-quality local produce in the full monty and tasty home-made bakes.
CITY WALKING Routes through Glasgow’s top spots
With a name derived from Gaelic meaning ‘dear green place’, it’s no wonder that Glasgow is heralded as one of the greenest cities in Europe. It’s dotted with over 70 recreational parks and gardens, so those wishing to explore this city on foot (or bike) have a wealth of choices.
Glasgow’s biggest parkland at 360 acres is Pollok Country Park, a former estate with walled gardens to explore and woodland walks to get lost in. Stop by at the 18th century Pollok House for a snack in the Downton Abbey-style Edwardian Kitchen Restaurant.
The West End’s Kelvingrove Park is Victorian leisure at its best, with ponds, fountains, monuments and
great views to the University and Kelvingrove Art Gallery. Saunter around the undulating landscape, taking in the newly renovated Bandstand, or, for a longer walk, carry on north up the Kelvin Walkway as it leaves the park and passes by the Botanic Gardens (pictured).
Established in the 15th century, Glasgow Green is the oldest and biggest green space in the city and the choice for city-wide events from Bonfire Night displays and political protests to the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games 2014. It’s perfect for a thoughtful meander – just as James Watt was doing in 1765 when he figured out improvements to the steam engine that ushered in the industrial revolution.
For those who like things on the level, the Forth and Clyde Canal can be joined via an offshoot just north of
the city centre at Port Dundas. It’s a welcome watery artery through the north of the city, well used by locals (who call it the Nolly) for stretching the legs, with Maryhill’s series of locks and viaduct over the River Kelvin a highlight.
Walks around Glasgow can’t avoid the rich heritage of a once great religious and industrial city. For those who like a helping of history, the City Council produce a series of informative Heritage Trails to help explore the fascinating past of this green city. (Jay Thundercliffe) ■ See glasgow.gov.uk/heritagetrails
PLACES FOR COFFEE Top spots for caffeine shots
AVENUE G 291 Byres Road, West End, G12 8TL, 0141 339 5336, avenue-g.com Avenue G’s very skilled baristas deliver coffee in all shades and forms – served with accompanying tasting notes, with a sister café and roastery at Kelvinbridge doing the business with the beans. Excellent food options cover breakfast, light dishes, hearty offerings and home- made bakes.
ARTISAN ROAST 15–17 Gibson Street, West End, G12 8NU, 07449 325247, 38 THE LIST 10 Jul–21 Aug 2014
artisanroast.co.uk No matter how serious you are about coffee, the staff of Artisan Roast are more serious, serving up some of the best coffee in Glasgow. No fancy syrups, no litre lattes, just high-quality coffee, all roasted on site. Food-wise there’s a high-quality selection of soup, sandwiches, brioche and cake – all made in house, all delicious. GORDON STREET COFFEE 79 Gordon Street, City Centre, G1 3SQ, 0141 221 1367, gordonstcoffee.co.uk This latest addition to Glasgow’s vibrant bean scene is advantageously positioned at the main exit of Central Station. Kitted out in metal, tile and marble with sacks of coffee, it feels like stepping into a bygone era.
Coffee is roasted on site, with cakes and filled rolls completing an enticing pitstop. KEMBER & JONES FINE FOOD EMPORIUM 134 Byres Road, West End, G12 8TD, 0141 337 3851, kemberandjones.co.uk Long-standing favourite Kember & Jones offers a wide and varied menu along with excellent deli offerings and all manner of homebaking. Trained baristas serve up excellent home- blend coffee, roasted off site and manipulated wonderfully to act as the ideal partner to the espresso cake – or any other cake for that matter.
RIVERHILL COFFEE BAR 24 Gordon Street, City Centre,