Glasgow Hidden Gems: Coffee Edition
Glasgow has had an emerging coffee scene for a few years now, and there are some hidden gems off the beaten track if you know where to look. This list is by no means exhaustive, just some of my personal favourites that have sprung up over time (and by god am I happy they’re still here post-covid!) and bring me joy whilst out and about in the city.
The Ottoman Coffee House
This absolute gem sprung up a few years ago and has just opened again following the pandemic. It is on the site of the old Glasgow Society for Musicians near the Mitchell Library at Charing Cross and is absolutely beautiful. I love the ethos behind this place - a secret coffeehouse where people could pass the day and not feel rushed out the door, and that is exactly what you’re greeted with. The two brothers who run it are full of a great welcome and pleasant chat and much of the decor was sourced in Istanbul - my personal favourites are the hanging lamps and portraits of various Sultans. They serve all the usual (lattes, flat whites etc) but the real treat is the traditional Turkish Coffee. I had a borek and the most delicious baklava alongside some coffee done in the traditional way. If you need any further reason to go - they also run a community kitchen to help those in need in the community!
Get there: 73 Berkeley Street, Glasgow. A few minutes from the Mitchel Library.
http://www.ottomancoffeehouse.co.uk/
The Good Coffee Cartel
A bit more off the beaten track, this one is definitely a destination spot. However, the coffee is amazing, the cakes are good and the chat is top notch too (the social media can be hilarious). The place is run by two boys on a mission to do some good in the world, hence the name. They source all their coffee from sources who actively put processes in place to ensure sustainability for the farmer, have introduced a reusable cup exchange system and sell coffee in tins that can be taken back and refilled time and time again. They have a range of roasts and flavours and an ever-changing series of limited editions that I can’t get enough of, and their salted caramel brownie is a major treat. They are re-opening their sit-in area following the pandemic, so drop by for a chat or pick yourself up some tins of deliciousness (they will grind the beans there and then if you don’t have a grinder). Note, you can also order online straight to your door.
Get there: 12 Cornwall Street, Glasgow. Just off Paisley Road West, not too far from Cessnock underground.
The Cherry & Heather
The Cherry and Heather is a tiny wee spot off Paisley Road West (not far from the Good Coffee Cartel actually), and serve Dear Green coffee, the Glasgow based coffee roasters. The food in this place is also amazing with lots of Asian flavours - highly recommend the Laksa noodle pot, a huge thai style curry pot full of flavour. The fennel and chilli sausage roll is also to die for, and they use local ingredients as far as possible. They have a few seats to sit in and enjoy or similarly do takeaway.
Get there: 7 North Gower Street, Cessnock. Just off Paisley Rd West and not far from the underground
https://www.cherryandheather.co.uk/
The Naked Soup
Having been a student at Glasgow Uni I visited Naked Soup most days and having been around a long time (my uni days were 2005 - 2010!) I am delighted that it is still going strong. Although located in the busy West End (just off Great Western Rd) it is so easy to miss in amongst the hustle and bustle. However, the food here is brilliant and one of my favourite spots to grab a bagel and a coffee on a Sunday morning (there is usually a special on the weekends, my favourite so far has been sriracha eggs and bacon). It was also the first place I tried a cruffin - I didn’t know there was a croissant/muffin hybrid, and definitely didn’t know how much I needed it in my life until I did (it was a Biscoff cruffin into the bargain). As I am writing this Naked Soup have announced they will also be operating as a late night bar after their refurbishment and I couldn’t be more excited about it.
Get there: 6 Kersland Street. A few minutes walk from the North end of Byres Road (near Oran Mor)
Sotto
Admittedly, I have never been inside Sotto having discovered it during lockdown but it quickly became a staple on my daily walk. The coffee is so good and has been sold out the big hatch near Central Station for the past year by Eddie who serves some great chat on the side. The coffee is the St Vincent Roast by local Thomsons coffee and is equally good iced on a hot day.
Get there: Although hidden, super easy to find. It is in the corner of Central Station beside the Heilanmans Umbrella, at the bottom of Hope Street.