COFFEE TRAIL
Welcome
to Glasgow!
Coffee is quickly becoming Scotland’s other favourite national drink. From a gorgeous frothy coffee to a sneaky wee Gaelic coffee (whisky optional) we have you covered. Irn Bru is not the only drink to provide you with your caffeine needs!
Glasgow offers coffee breaks, coffee stops, sleekit coffee, coffee meetings, coffee dates, coffee experiences, coffee wae (with) a munch, coffee wae brunch, coffee wae friends, coffee wae family, coffee wae yersel, coffee roasters and so much more. This guide will help you discover Glasgow through our impressive coffee scene, visiting some iconic local businesses.
Patchy internet?
Download the PDF to save or print using the link below or keep scrolling to explore the trail online.
Glaschu agus Cofaidh
(GLASGOW AND COFFEE)
Glasgow’s coffee culture dates back to 1678 right in the Mercat Cross at the corner of the Trongate and Salt Market, the original heart of the city centre. The first coffee shop in Glasgow was opened by Colonel Walter Whitford in 1678 with the city of Glasgow granting him an almost twenty-year monopoly of selling coffee.
The Tontine Coffee Rooms in the 1780s, became a regular spot for the city’s richest merchants to rub shoulders and drink coffee, an alternative to alcohol. Why don’t you explore your way around this historical part of Glasgow, coffee in hand?
Before your journey around Glasgow, we would like to introduce you to some of our local, independent coffee roasters. From roasters dating back to the 1800s, to younger roasting efforts, coffee is where the old reflects the new in Glasgow.
Meet the Local Roasters
CITY CENTRE
You’ll find an abundance to coffee shops in the centre of Glasgow. We’ve chosen a few of the best independents offering something a little different. Discover some of the city’s landmarks such as the charming Duke of Wellington with his ‘hat’, find some Charles Rennie Mackintosh or go mural spotting, Glasgow’s street art is some of the best.
WEST END
Featuring in many UK ‘coolest neighbourhood’ lists, the West End is bursting with independents. You’ll find hidden lanes with hidden gems – and some of the best food and drink in the city. Our coffee shops will be a welcome break between visiting the likes of Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, the stunning University of Glasgow or Botanic Gardens.
SOUTH SIDE
Rewind in the South Side of Glasgow, where you’ll find the best parks and world-class art – The Burrell Collection has recently undergone a major refurbishment and Mackintosh’s House for an Art Lover can be found in Bellahouston Park. We’ve selected coffee shops here for music lovers and food lovers.
EAST END
The East End is home to Glasgow Necropolis, Glasgow Cathedral as well as the renowned Barrowland Ballroom and Barras Market – it’s a fascinating mix of heritage and creativity. You’ll find a real sense of community and cultural diversity of the city at the cafes here.
Download the trail as a PDF to save or print
Experience Glasgow Coffee Trail: Commissioned by Experience Glasgow Food & Drink, developed by Walking Tours in Glasgow with Dear Green Coffee Roasters.
glasgowfoodanddrink.com | @experienceglasgow | @walkingtoursinglasgow | @deargreen