10 best coffee shops to try in Glasgow

Thomson’s Coffee started in Glasgow in 1841 and has been roasting coffee ever since. The independently owned Glasgow coffee roasters have an espresso bar in Giffnock in addition to supplying some of Glasgow’s best coffee shops with over 20 different specialty coffees.

Their latest venture is a coffee shop partnership with 1841, just off Byres Road in Glasgow’s trendy West End. Launched during lockdown, this lovely light space is the perfect place to enjoy specialty coffee, sweet treats and a friendly Glasgow welcome. If the weather is playing ball, we recommend taking a seat outside with a single origin Thomson’s batch brew.

Step inside Space Coffee House and you’re instantly greeted by cheery pink interiors and leafy green plants. Situated in the bustling Partick area, it’s one of the best coffee shops to try in Glasgow. As well as running regular coffee tasting events, they also have an impressive stock of different artisan coffees to take home in their retail section.

If you love latte art, this is the spot for you – owner Kangni Dai recently came second in the UK Latte Art Championships!

Short Long Black (or SLB for short) is a coffee shop in the popular southside of Glasgow. As well as serving great artisan coffee – from Glasgow favourite Thomson’s Coffee roasters – they team up with local businesses, such as Burnfield Bakery, to provide delicious treats all day.

They also have a dreamy partnership with Bare Bones Chocolate, dishing out generous portions of delicious soft serve ice cream. If the weather looks good, grab a coffee to go and picnic in the nearby Queen’s Park.

Situated on the edge of Merchant City and Barrowland Park, Outlier is one of Glasgow’s coolest coffee shops. Enjoy your coffee in the open space detailed with exposed brickwork and stunning ochre, earthy tiles.

Watch as the team prepare freshly baked goods in store every day, including homemade sourdough bread, sticky buns and sausage rolls.

Laboratorio Espresso is frequently cited as one of the best places for a good brew in Glasgow. Just a short stroll from Queen Street train station, the glass-fronted building with its simple but striking interior has been shortlisted for multiple architectural awards.

Each coffee is created with passion and precision, and they regularly change up their coffee beans to showcase the very best of small batch brewers. Its Italian roots are also on display, with plenty of biscotti to enjoy alongside an espresso.

Hinba have their origins on the wild west coast of Scotland, selecting and roasting all their coffee on the Isle of Seil. As well as their flagship shop in Oban, they’ve opened their newest specialty coffee shop in Glasgow.

Look for their distinctive forest green shopfront on Dumbarton Road for fresh, Hebridean-roasted coffee in addition to hearty brunches and irresistible pastries. These Scottish coffee roasters also sell their bags of coffee to take away, now fully recyclable.

Situated in the characterful West End of the city, Black Pine Coffee Co. serves up an exclusive in-house blend by The Good Coffee Cartel.

Their cosy interior is an ideal place to savour a cup of coffee or warming hot chocolate whilst watching the bustle of Great Western Road from the window. Make sure you also try their cheese toasties for the ultimate comfort food.

With no less than six coffee shops across Glasgow, there’s really no excuse not to find a Grain and Grind to satisfy your caffeine fix.

Originally based near the old Victoria Infirmary, Grain and Grind now roast all their own coffee up in Inverness with over 20 different specialty roasts on offer as well as a sister bakery that supplies all their fresh bakes and sandwiches. If you’re looking for something a little sweeter, give their Kinder Bueno-inspired hot chocolates a try.

Kaf coffee shop is in the Partick area of the city, serving up specialty coffee alongside tasty menus and baked goods. Their menu changes to reflect the best seasonal produce, but they always guarantee quality ingredients and big, bold flavours (pork gyro and watermelon grind, anyone?).

If you’re in the Bearsden neighbourhood of Glasgow, make sure you pop into their sister grocery store, Kaf Goods, to replenish your larder.

The Sprigg ethos is all about simplicity, quality and sustainability. They pride themselves on their reasonable pricing, ethical sourcing and on taking care of their staff and customers. Serve this up alongside delicious coffee and you have a winning combination!

Their fresh coffee is served alongside bowls of food packed with flavour, from colourful salads to comfortingly cosy porridge. Act like a local and order ahead on the Sprigg website to avoid the queues.