Postcards from Glasgow

There’s something about Glasgow that always feels like a treat. I don’t make it through often, but when I do, it never disappoints. It’s a city that seems to unfold slowly, best enjoyed with no rush, good company, and plenty of stops along the way.

Started the day at Edinburgh Waverley, slightly chaotic, slightly late, standard. Met Rachel (@TopScottishScran) at Haymarket and immediately got into it, plans, food, where we had to go. The train over felt quick, like we were already halfway into the day before we’d even arrived.

Glasgow greeted us in its usual way, effortlessly cool, a little gritty, but full of charm.

Our first stop was The Last Bookstore, a place that had been sitting on my list for what felt like forever. From the outside, it’s unassuming. Step inside, though, and it’s something else entirely. Shelves of old books line the walls, dim lighting casts a warm glow, and tucked between it all is a bar with delightful wee nooks and seating. It feels like you’ve wandered into a forgotten library that just happens to serve drinks. We settled in there for a while, sipping slowly, mapping out the rest of the day.

From there, we wandered towards lunch at Corner Shop, a spot we’d found on Instagram and instantly loved. It’s got that perfect retro feel, effortless, stylish, and just the right amount of buzz. We went for the sharing menu, which turned out to be the best decision of the day. And the potatoes… I genuinely don’t think I’ll ever stop talking about them. They were worth the entire trip alone.

After lunch, we slowed things right down and drifted into the West End. Glasgow is perfect for that, no strict plans, just walking and seeing where you end up. We found ourselves at the Kelvingrove museum, and even from the outside it stops you in your tracks. It’s one of those buildings that feels almost too beautiful to be real. Inside, the art is just as impressive, but honestly, I could have spent hours just admiring the space itself. We needed a place to slow down and walk off all those potatoes from earlier.

Later, we passed by Cotton Rake Bakery and couldn’t resist. The café was just closing, but we managed to grab a cinnamon bun to share and sat outside, soaking up the last of the afternoon. Somehow, we also left with two free baguettes, one of those small, unexpected moments that makes a day feel even more special.

The early evening was spent wandering again, no destination in mind. We dipped in and out of little places: a vintage bookshop, a food market, a florist filled with colour and scent, sometimes the in between moments end up being my favourite. Eventually, we landed at Festa, a tiny snack bar with the best kind of atmosphere. It felt like the perfect pause, somewhere to sit, have a drink, and recharge before the evening ahead.

Dinner was at Brett, somewhere I’d never heard of before. I’m not the foodie in this friendship, Rachel takes that role very seriously, so I happily showed up as her plus one, not quite knowing what to expect.

But Brett… Brett was special.

Big windows, worn wood, exposed brick, candlelight flickering on every surface, it felt intimate without trying too hard. We managed to get seats right up at the kitchen counter, which made the whole thing even better. Watching the chefs work, completely dialled in, every plate coming together with zero fuss, it’s the kind of detail that makes the experience. And the food? Incredible. The kind of meal that lingers long after it’s finished. I’ll be thinking about the haggis chicken wing for a very long time.