I’ve wondered a lot about just how people can go out nowadays, as the prices I feel are utterly outrageous; particularly since the end of the COVID days.
Boy, was I wrong, as it seems not only has this not stopped people going out to eat, but even for myself (below); I’m still out about 5-10 times a month!
I’m not bragging, though this also includes cafes; which being a tea drinker, certainly saves me money compared to the Lattemacchiatochino-oatmilk mob.
Our first stop was Cotton Rake, a charming specialty bakery known for its artisanal breads. This gem offers a range of loaves, from rustic sourdough to unique creations that balance quality and affordability. The bakery is a haven for dessert lovers, with a tempting selection of pastries and small bites. It’s often bustling, but the cozy atmosphere and delightful view make it worth the visit.
Next, we strolled down Dumbarton Road & Argyle Street, and came to a hidden treasure called the The Hidden Lane and its Hidden Lane Cafe, a quaint café tucked away in a quiet corner. With the option to sit indoors or at outdoor tables, it’s perfect for soaking in a relaxed, uncrowded vibe. The café is dog-friendly. It’s a lesser-known spot, managed (at least six months ago) by someone from Hong Kong (I thought), though I didn’t see them during this visit. The service was impeccable, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle – Nice collection of dolls at well!?
For a taste of something different, we visited Banh Mi & Tea, a Vietnamese diner with Chinese and French influences. This affordable café serves fresh, flavourful dishes, including French baguettes stuffed with Vietnamese fillings. Their French vanilla coffee creamer is a standout, complementing the bready food. For under £10, you can enjoy a roll, a meal, and a drink—a fantastic deal for such fresh, high-quality food.
Another highlight was Celinos, a family-run Italian café and restaurant that’s become a local favourite. Over the years, they’ve elevated their menu (and décor inside), and it’s always packed. On this visit, we stopped by for a late drink and couldn’t resist their dessert wine, a Frangelico, which tasted like a heavenly, hazelnut port. Even though we only had desserts and drinks this time, the staff were accommodating, and the experience was as friendly as ever.
In the ever-evolving Yorkhill area of Glasgow, we explored Corner Shop, a new Spanish tapas and wine bar. This upscale yet approachable spot offers small plates with huge flavours and a carefully selected wine list featuring Spanish varieties amongst others. We loved the Prosecco and raspberry sherbet dessert, but the standout was their tortilla. Unlike the traditional version I learned to make during a recent cooking course in Mallorca, this tortilla was intentionally runny in the centre—a modern twist inspired by a renowned Madrid chef (possibly Garcia or Jimenez) over the last few years.
While it wasn’t my favourite, the dish was still delicious, and we capped the meal with a Pedro Ximénez sherry, a rich, velvety blend of burnt port and sherry – at least that’s what it tasted like to me; divine.
Finally, just around the corner from my home is My Bakery, a small but iconic spot that helped modernize the area’s bakeries a few years ago. This café and bakery no longer offers indoor seating but has a few outdoor tables perfect for people-watching. Adjacent to it is a bookshop run by the business, selling cookbooks for just £5. On this visit, we picked up Rick Stein’s French Adventure (2019), a nod to one of the best BBC cooking series I’ve ever watched. I’m already looking forward to revisiting the series for inspiration.
CB
Curious Bystander 