Scotland Peter Irvine’s the best
Best coffee shops What’s better than having a cup of Joe? And where better than in one of Scotland’s great cafes?
Papercup
Heart of artisan coffee culture, frequently said to be “the best flat white”. Much ado about beans and individual brewing. Unusual snacks, good chat. They roast, but not here – at 11 Belmont Lane nearby. All aficionados welcome (and those who just love... coffee). 603 Great Western Road, Glasgow
Brew Lab
In a quiet street between “The Bridges” and the university, they brew. Certainly a lot of calculation and refinement has gone into it, in the three designer-distressed rooms where we sample and measure up their caffeinated concoctions. Soup by Union of Genius nearby, cakes by local bakers: it’s a good formula (and a great coffee, by the way).
6-8 South College St, Edinburgh
Kaf
Tiny coffee and chow room behind the big window at the Partick end of Hyndland St in Glasgow is very indie, sources from small roasters and has an eclectic and decidedly different selection of food plates and cakes. There’s probably a queue.
5 Hyndland St, Glasgow
Buttercup Café
Great wee-town tearoom in Doune main street, where home-made means homemade. From the best breakfast hereabouts through hot and salad lunches to afternoon tea, this is worth the short detour from the A84 Callander-stirling road.
7 Main Street, Doune
Taste
It’s a Facebook world here – the best coffee and the best coffee hangout in a student town with a lot of competition. Few seats, many laptops and pads. Always a queue. Go taste why!
148 North St, St Andrews
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99