BESTOF WEST IS COOLER THAN REST
Kelvinbridge earns place on global list for its bars, shops, restaurants and culture
THE coolest place to live in Scotland is Glasgow’s Kelvinbridge, according to a survey in Time Out magazine.
The west end enclave is one of only four neighbourhoods in the UK on the top 50 list.
Kelvinbridge is at No38, with London’s Peckham at 11, Manchester’s Ancoats at No27 and Bristol’s Easton at No25.
The coolest place in the world, according to the survey of more than 27,000 people, is Arorios in Lisbon.
Kelvinbridge came top in Scotland because of its mix of bars, restaurants and shops.
James Manning, global projects editor at Time Out, said: “With its vintage and design shops, strong café scene, restaurants and bars, green spaces and culture spots, Kelvinbridge was the ideal Glasgow neighbourhood to feature on this global list.
“At Time Out, we’re always searching for the best of the city and Kelvinbridge fits that bill perfectly.”
Malcolm Jack, a culture and travel journalist, wrote the guide entry for Kelvinbridge and name-checked Broken Clock Cafe, Inn Deep, Webster’s Theatre and Bananamoon, a local bar which until last month was owned by top Optimo DJ duo Keith McIvor and Jonnie Wilkes.
Malcolm said: “I’ve lived in the west end of Glasgow on and off for more than a decade now. It’s always been a vibrant and dynamic part of the city which I’ve been proud to call home.
“In recent years, the area surrounding Kelvinbridge – one of the most picturesque parts of the west end – seems to have quietly come on leaps and bounds, with a diverse mixture of new cafes, restaurants, shops and arts and cultural openings.
“It’s just one among many neighbourhoods all over Glasgow which have seen big changes for the better in recent years, with the likes of Dennistoun, Shawlands, Pollokshields, Partick and Govan all helping to redefine the city for a new generation and point to why Glasgow found itself in a richly deserved eighth place, between Berlin and Paris, in Time Out’s recent World’s Best Cities survey.”
Kelvinbridge has long been a hub of Glasgow’s student-heavy west end. There are dozens of places to eat, drink and shop, green places and gorgeous architecture.
Kelvinbridge is also close to the Botanic Gardens, the pubs of Byres Road and Glasgow’s foodie strip Finnieston.
No wonder it’s Scotland’s coolest place to live. Here’s where to head:
FOOD
ROOTS, FRUITS & FLOWERS –A west end institution, the deli, shop and small cafe is a must-visit.
BROKEN CLOCK CAFE – Its window display of luxurious cakes is irresistible.
COTTONRAKE – A charming Scottish bakery fuses local ingredients with British home baking and French patisseries.
STRAVAIGIN – It calls itself the “best Scottish restaurant” in Glasgow. Hard to argue with, especially with your mouth full.
IJ MELLIS – Say cheese. KP’S FISHMONGER – Nothing fishy about this, KP’s is the plaice.
LA LANTERNA – Two years ago, Glasgow’s oldest family-run Italian restaurant in Hope Street opened a second in the west end. PAESANO – The Neapolitan pizzas cause queues out the door at peak times.
KELVIN POCKET – By the subway, this cafe is a cosy gem.
CLOTHING
THE GLASGOW VINTAGE COMPANY – Two-floor shop with clothes from the 50s to the 80s.
RETRO – Clothes, accessories and jewellery from the 50s to the 80s.
HOME
TIMOROUS BEASTIES – The interior design and textiles store stocks eclectic wall coverings, furnishings and fabrics.
AUTHENTIC ANTIQUES – Stunning furniture from the 19th and 20th centuries.
THISTLE BOOKS – Second-hand books heaven. MIXED UP – Indie music shop.