GLASGOW Reviews by Colette Magee unless otherwise indicated.
EATING SUGGESTIONS
BRASSERIE GÉRARD 20 Royal Exchange Square, City Centre, 0141 221 7727. Mon–Sat 9am–11pm; Sun 9am–10.30pm. www.brasseriegerard.co.uk The other side of GoMA may be busier, but this is where it’s at for plus de sun, friendlier service and tasty, simple French food. Fifteen tables, decently spaced and no Parisian pavement tax. It’s like being on the continent, only nice. BRUTTI MA BUONI The Brunswick Merchant City Hotel, 106-108 Brunswick Street, Merchant City, 0141 552 0001. Mon–Sun 11am–10pm. www.brunswickhotel.co.uk Despite the name (Ugly But Good) there’s something undeniably sexy about this café/bar. Perhaps it’s the bright yellow tables on the pedestrian street, perhaps the casual way breakfast bruschetta rubs shoulders with Turkish delight ice cream on the epic menu. Or perhaps it’s just the ridiculously good-looking staff.
CITY CAFÉ City Inn, Finnieston Quay, West End, 0141 227 1010. Opening times vary, see website for details. www.cityinn.com/citycafe City Inn’s waterfront terrace offers an informal and affordable alternative to the ‘fine dining’ inside, quickly dispelling any qualms about the corporate setting. Their al fresco menu is summery and fresh, mixing upmarket soups and sandwiches with knickerbocker glory sundaes and fantastic views right through sunset. HIDDEN LANE CAFÉ 8 Argyle Court, 1103 Argyle Street, West End, 0141 564 1363. Mon–Fri 8.30am-5pm; Sat-Sun 1–5pm, www.thehiddenlane.co.uk Stumbling down a cobbled lane behind Tesco, an artsy courtyard with a bohemian café is probably the last thing one would expect to discover. Dainty vintage plates are piled with colourful, wholesome food, homemade cakes are huge and prices delightfully low.
THE SISTERS JORDANHILL 1a Ashwood Gardens, Jordanhill, West End, 0141 434 1179. Tue–Sat noon–2.30pm; Tue–Thur 5.30–8.30pm; Fri-Sat 5–9.15pm; Sun 12–7pm. www.thesisters.co.uk Although the Kelvingrove branch of this foodie haven invites a nice stroll through the park, it’s the original premises that really deliver on the great outdoors. Fairy lights and hanging baskets on a pretty terrace create a delightful backdrop for sampling their signature puff candy meringue. LOCK 27 BAR & RESTAURANT 1100 Crow Road, Anniesland, West End, 0141 958 0853. Mon–Sat
Hidden Lane Café
AN CLACHAN Off La Belle Place, Kelvingrove Park, West End, 07846 463614. Mon–Fri 8am–8pm; Sat 9am–8pm; Sun 10am–7pm. www.kelvingroveparkcafe.co.uk Formerly a public toilet. Really. Those who are initially drawn by the building’s original facilities are encouraged to linger by magic words like organic, fair-trade and cake. Tables amidst the parkland offer a peaceful supervisory spot while the kids go crazy in the play area.
noon–9pm; Sun 12.30–9pm. www.lock27.com With its spacious beer garden overlooking the Forth & Clyde canal, Lock 27 attracts a steady stream of cyclists and families. It’s just as well they have so many picnic tables – on a sunny day with pizza and beer there’s little incentive to get back on the bike.
TRAMWAY 25 Albert Drive, Pollokshields, Southside, 0141 276 0953. Summer opening times: Tue–Sat 10am–8pm; Sun noon–6pm. www.tramway.org One of Glasgow’s most laid-back cafés, the Tramway patio offers relaxing views of the Hidden Gardens and a balmy summer fete atmosphere. It’s a wonderfully civilised place to linger over a late lunch and while small children abound, they are generally too busy looking at ladybirds to shriek. ART LOVER’S CAFÉ House for an Art Lover, Bellahouston Park, 10 Dumbreck
Tramway
Road, Southside, 0141 353 4770. Mon–Sun 10am–5pm. www.houseforanartlover.co.uk Dining in the sculpture garden surrounding this Mackintosh- designed building can be pricey but main courses are less than a tenner and may include wild samphire or duckling. Posh food in posh surroundings and definitely the place to go to impress prospective in-laws. (Andrea Pearson) 22 Jul–5 Aug 2010 THE LIST 15