1841, Hyndland & Hillhead
A cafe run in partnership with Thomson’s Coffee, the city’s oldest roasters, founded in 1841, 1841 (see what they did there?) takes its serves seriously. The first iteration came in 2020, with another site opening five years later. A testament to the brand’s popularity, the duo each sit at the heart of their communities, drumming up a routine billing of regulars who keep it feeling relaxed and buzzy whenever you pop in. The original has recently undergone a refurbishment too, with trendy interiors worth taking your time over. Glasgow might not be world-renowned for its al fresco scene, but on sunny days the demand outstrips the capacity inside in the Hyndland branch, and cafe-goers spill out onto the street, creating a happy scene. Here you’ll find all the fan favourites, with expertly made and artistically finished flat whites a consistent fan favourite.
Address: 195 Hyndland Road, Hyndland, Glasgow G12 9HT; 14 Vinicombe Street, Hillhead, Glasgow G12 8BG
Website: instagram.com/1841.coffee
Zennor, Dennistoun & Queen’s Park
With interiors as crisp as their coffee, Zennor blends aesthetics with top-level credentials, making it many a Glaswegian’s favourite place for a caffeine fix. There are two, one north and one south of the river, and each has a fun stainless-steel bench with space for pour-overs and nerdy little taps, fixtures and fittings that really set the tone for how seriously the team takes their drinks. Both also have peachy light wooden interiors and plenty of windows that add up to that sort of Scandi-Scot style which works so well to set a relaxed but refined vibe. The team here works with a rotating selection of rare and seasonal coffees, so you can usually try something new when you pop in, and because they’re a roaster too, they sell bags of beans to take home should you fall for a particular flavour profile. These shoppable options include their popular micro lots, which showcase unusual varieties you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Address: 354 Duke Street, Dennistoun, Glasgow, G31 1RB; 287 Langside Road, Southside Glasgow, G42 8XX
Website: zennorcoffee.co.uk