Glasgow’s West End is awash with endless activities. If you could visit them all, you’d never get anything done. So, if you need help sifting through the very best of the West, here’s your handy guide to the top-notch eateries, drinking spots and more.
Brunches and Afternoon Teas in Glasgow’s West End
1. Indulge in a French-inspired afternoon tea at SugarFall Patisserie
SugarFall Patisserie is the mecca of little cakes, where guests can not only treat themselves to meticulously decorated sweet treats but also to the age-old British tradition that is afternoon tea. Served with little sandwiches, French pastries, cakes, macarons and tarts. As a family-run local business, the cafe continues to be a popular West End destination when in need of that sweet fix.
153 Byres Rd, G12 8TS.
2. Try Japanese souffle pancakes at Koko House
We’re just obsessed with these lightest, fluffiest pancakes in Glasgow. KoKo House in Hillhead has been delighting guests with Japanese soufflé pancakes which is arguably the best brunch ever. The cafe also offers specials, including a Biscoff or matcha sauce to top those phenomenal soufflé pancakes with.
175 Great George Street, G12 8AQ.
Cafes, Bakeries and Dessert Bars in Glasgow’s West End
3. Stock up on snacks at My Home Bakery
Whether it’s sweet or savoury you’re after, My Home Bakery has you covered. Divine pain aux raisins, Jaffa Cake cakes topped with almonds, white chocolate and raspberry cheesecakes, chilli beef pie, and butternut squash with feta focaccia, to name a few, are all available and all divine. We’re drooling just thinking about it all.
59 Hyndland Street, Partick, G11 5PS.
4. Get baked (goods) at Kember & Jone
A utopian yeast palace with all things baked. Scroll through their Instagram and marvel at the artisan sourdough, the chocolate-smothered pastries, and the rainbow macaroons. Enjoy the items from their café with a flat white any hipster would be proud of, or treat someone to breakfast in bed from home with a banquet of baked goodness.
Kember & Jones at 134 Byres Road, G12 8TD.
5. Valaria
There is an adorable cafe in Glasgow’s West End that transports you straight to Paris. VALARIA located on Byres Road is owned by the team behind the restaurant concept Six by Nico, serving flawlessly decorated cakes, patisserie, bread, chocolate and confectionery.
333 Byres Rd, G12 8UQ
Pubs in Glasgow’s West End
6. Enjoy a Sunday roast at The Curler’s Rest
There always comes a time when only a quiet roast to round off the week will do. Hell, for many Brits that could be the story of every weekend. The Curler’s Rest is a quaint pub with optimum settings to enjoy your roast tatties, Yorkshire pudding and gravy inside. With plenty of local brewers featured on tap, it’s also a top spot to get the pints in.
256-260 Byres Road, Hillhead, G12 8SH.
7. Get the beers in at Three Judges
If you’re someone who takes the drinking patter seriously, you’ll want a pub where you can hear your pals in. Three Judges prides itself on being the pub all about beers and chat. That’s why it makes a point of not playing any music. While this could be off-putting for many, it’ll be a lifesaver for others. Also, who’s not down for an upcoming annual pancake-flipping competition named “Who’s the biggest tosser?” Anyone saying they’re not all in on that is only lying to themselves.
141 Dumbarton Road, Partick, G11 6PR.
Restaurants in Glasgow’s West End
8. Gorge on Scottish cuisine and more at Ubiquitous Chip
A foodie staple of Glasgow since 1971. Enjoy staple Scottish dishes on the charming rooftop, from Venison haggis to Shetland mussels. Ubiquitous Chip is entrenched in the sea of West End restaurants cosily nestled on the iconic Ashton Lane and has always been a top-class spot to enjoy some hearty grub.
12 Ashton Lane, Hillhead, G12 8SJ.
9. Build your own pho at Hanoi Bike Shop
A gorgeous array of Vietnamese cuisine nestled in a little West End pathway. Hanoi Bike Shop allows you to build your own pho noodle soup to perfection while offering mouth-watering items like roasted duck leg and slow-cooked ox. There’s even a special “hair of the dog” menu at weekends. Sit out in the quiet courtyard on a sunny day (wishful thinking, we know) and nurse that headache with exquisite soup and delicately crafted cocktails.
8 Ruthven Lane, G12 9BG.
10. Indulge in dry-aged cuts and quality small plates at Porter & Rye
On top of their premium quality dry-aged cuts, Porter & Rye has introduced a brand new lunch menu that is under £10 and runs Monday to Friday between 12pm and 5pm, while the small plates menu is available all days except Sundays between 12pm and 4pm. If you opt for lunch, expect delights such as the Bourbon Beef sandwich or the Confit Wild Rabbit Shoulder. The small plates are still available at different prices for the dinner menu, as well as a noteworthy selection of dry-aged prime cuts.
1131 Argyle St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8ND.