Start your day right at the best coffee shops in Glasgow!
I’ve got to be honest, I’m useless without a coffee in the morning. It’s the one thing that gets me going, whether it’s the smell that wakes me up or that first sip that makes the world feel a bit more manageable.
Most days I’ll settle for an instant at home, but when I’ve got the time, I love heading out to a coffee shop. Enjoying the rich aroma of a freshly brewed coffee just makes the caffeine hit feel ten times better.
So I thought I’d share a few of my favourite places around the city, along with some I’ve heard folk rave about, so you can kick off your day with a cracking cup too.
Black Sheep Coffee
Reel credit: black_sheep_coffee
Website: https://blacksheepcoffee.co.uk/
Address: Central Station, Concourse Unit 27
Contact details: +44 20 3988 6994
Operating hours: 5:45 AM – 8:00 PM (MON-SUN)
Black Sheep Coffee in Glasgow Central is a cracking spot to enjoy a warm cuppa before your daily commute. I first discovered it when I was returning home from work, and I loved how handy the location was.
The place has a modern vibe and plenty of seating, which makes it easy to stop for a quick break or linger with a cup. Their coffee menu is broad, with options like classic lattes, mochas, and even a couple of adventurous picks.
I especially fancy their Vietnamese iced latte. It has a smooth and sweet taste that cheekily hides the super potent coffee. You’ll probably like it too, especially if you’ve got an extremely stressful day ahead.
| Pro tip: If you’re a regular coffee drinker and would like to enjoy premium coffee at home, Black Sheep Coffee’s subscription plan is worth considering. You’ll get 10% off every order, flexible delivery, and the option to pause or swap coffees anytime. You can learn more and sign up for the subscription plan on this website. |
Laboratorio Espresso
Photo credit: labespr
Website: https://laboratorioespresso.com/index.html
Address: 93 W Nile St
Contact details: +44 141 353 1111
Operating hours:
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (MON-FRI)
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (SAT)
10:30 AM – 5:30 PM (SUN)
I think Laboratorio Espresso is a good choice for folks who are always looking to try something new. They have a set menu that features all the classics, but occasionally they also introduce a drink or two you won’t usually see in Glasgow.
Some unique coffee creations I came across during my visits here are their Kenya Kamwangi Coffee, Ethiopia Kochere Coffee, and their Brazilian Five Elephant Espresso. These drinks are quite good and definitely have that exotic taste.
But on most days, I usually just settle for their Americano. It has that smooth, rich flavour with enough strength to give me the caffeine kick I need to start the day. Pairing it with one of their croissants keeps me satisfied until lunchtime.
| Pro tip: When you visit Laboratorio Espresso, try to grab a window seat. The cafe sits right on West Nile Street, so you get a great view of the city while you sip your coffee. |
Black Pine Coffee Co.
Photo credit: blackpinecoffee
Website: https://www.blackpine.coffee/
Address: 516 Great Western Rd
Contact details: +44 7503 672430
Operating hours:
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (MON-FRI)
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
If we’re talking about fresh coffee, Black Pine Coffee Co. is worthy of being part of the discussion. Located in the West End, it has a cosy and cute interior that makes it a nice spot to relax whenever I want a change of scenery.
What sets them apart is that they roast their coffee in small batches right here in Glasgow, which gives every cup a distinctive and fresh taste. I usually go for their flat white because it has a balanced flavour that’s perfect for a laid-back coffee break.
They also serve the classics like cappuccino, long black and mocha espresso. In case you’re bringing someone along who’s not into coffee, there are other options too, including chai latte and hot chocolate.
| Pro tip: You can buy Black Pine Coffee Co. gift cards at their Great Western Road cafe or order them online, and they can be used for drinks, coffee beans, merch, or brew gear. That makes them a handy gift or a simple way to cover your own future coffee runs. |
Ottoman Coffeehouse
Photo credit: ottomancoffeehouse
Website: https://www.ottomancoffeehouse.co.uk/
Address: 73 Berkeley St.
Contact details: +44 141 588 5982
Operating hours:
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (TUES-FRI)
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
Another unique coffee shop that caught my eye is Ottoman Coffeehouse on Berkeley Street. Instead of the usual minimalist style, the space is filled with decor inspired by Ottoman coffee culture, complete with comfy sofas that make it easy to settle in.
They honour tradition with slow-brewed cezve coffee while also offering a regularly rotating single-origin selection, so there’s always something new to discover. For those who prefer alternatives, there are non-coffee options like fruit tea.
One drink I keep coming back to is their pistachio latte. It’s nutty, creamy, and smooth, taking the edge off the espresso and turning it into a drink that feels both indulgent and relaxing.
| Pro tip: If you’re planning a private event, Ottoman Coffeehouse is worth considering because their interior design adds instant character. You can hire the space directly, and the mix of Ottoman-inspired decor, comfy sofas, and oak tables creates a setting that feels both intimate and memorable. You can learn more by sending an email to [email protected]. |
Copperbox Coffee
Photo credit: copperboxcoffee
Address: Cathedral Square
Operating hours:
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (MON-FRI)
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (SAT)
10:30 AM – 4:00 PM (SUN)
Copperbox Coffee is a quirky little spot right in the entrance of Cathedral Square. Unlike most cafes, it’s a police box that has been cleverly repurposed into a mini coffee shop.
At first, I was a bit puzzled seeing the crowd gathered around it, but once I joined in I understood the appeal. It’s impressive how many caffeinated drinks they manage to serve from such a small setup.
They offer classics like Americano, iced mocha, and cappuccino. On top of that, they sell instant noodles and sweet treats, which I sometimes grab with a warm espresso to enjoy while taking in the atmosphere of Cathedral Square.
| Pro tip: Since Copperbox Coffee is a repurposed police box, there’s no indoor seating. If the benches in Cathedral Square are full, you can head to the benches near St Mungo Museum or take a seat on the steps of Glasgow Cathedral, where you can enjoy a relaxed view while sipping your drink. |
Fern Coffee Bar
Photo credit: ferncoffeebar
Website: https://www.ferncoffee.co.uk/
Address: 324 Argyle St
Operating hours:
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (MON-FRI)
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (SAT)
Fern Coffee Bar is a place I enjoy supporting because they source ingredients from local businesses such as Freedom Bakery and Mossgiel Organic Farm. It feels good knowing that my money helps fellow Glaswegians.
Their menu is reliable, offering both hot coffee and tea. I especially like their macchiato, which turns out creamy and pleasantly sweet when I choose the free oat milk upgrade.
Their food selection is just as inviting, with sandwiches, focaccia, and soups that make them a convenient stop for lunch or a quick coffee break. Everything is prepared fresh in their kitchen each day, so you can count on quality with every visit.
| Pro tip: Order through Fern Coffee Bar’s click and collect to skip the queue and have your favourite drink or meal ready when you arrive. It’s the easiest way to enjoy their creations without waiting in a queue. |
Through the House
Photo credit: through.the.house
Website: https://www.throughthehouse.com/
Address: 15 High St
Operating hours:
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (MON, WED, THURS, and FRI)
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SAT)
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SUN)
If you’re looking for more coffee spots with unique offerings, Through the House is a good pick. They use premium-grade beans from countries such as Colombia and Costa Rica.
Their menu includes the essentials like espresso, flat white, and cappuccino, along with teas and light bites. However, a friend of mine who visits often swears that their hand-pour menu is the highlight.
She especially enjoys their Finca Milan, made with caturra beans processed through nitro anaerobic fermentation. She described it as fruity and sweet, with flavour notes of honeysuckle and white peach that make it stand out from the usual brews.
| Pro tip: Through the House isn’t just about coffee; they actually host live music performances (like these local venues) and pop-up events that change each month. Check their Instagram or events page to get the inside scoop before anyone else. |
Spitfire Espresso
Photo credit: spitfireglasgow
Website: https://spitfireespresso.com/
Address: 55 High St
Contact details: +44 7578 250105
Operating hours:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SUN-THURS)
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (FRI and SAT)
Spitfire Espresso is a spot I’m sure military history enthusiasts will appreciate. Named after the iconic WWII British warplane, this coffee shop is decorated with military-inspired touches such as propaganda posters and model kits.
I first discovered it after visiting the nearby Police Museum (one of the many must-visit museums in the city) and was immediately drawn to its distinctive design.
The menu offers both hot and iced coffee options, which convinced me to stay and give them a try.
The piccolo is the one I enjoy most. It has the right balance of strength and creaminess in a small cup. I recommend it especially for anyone looking for a quick caffeine fix that still feels satisfying.
| Pro tip: Spitfire Espresso offers their coffee beans and grind through their online store, which is handy if you can’t make it to High Street. You can choose the grind that suits your setup, whether it’s espresso, filter, or whole beans if you prefer grinding yourself. |
Isle of Coffee
Photo credit: isle.coffee
Website: https://www.isleofcoffee.uk/
Address: 18 Wilson St
Contact details: +44 141 289 0681
Operating hours:
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (MON-FRI)
8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
If you find yourself exploring Merchant City, keep an eye out for Isle of Coffee. Some friends of mine who work nearby often stop in, so I was naturally curious to see what makes it so popular.
Turns out the cafe has a cosy setup that’s perfect for anyone wanting to relax after a busy day. You can choose between indoor seating or alfresco dining, and there’s even an arcade machine to keep things fun.
Their menu offers a wide range of caffeinated drinks, such as espressos and lattes. One highlight is the Freddo espresso, a Greek iced coffee made with two shots of espresso that are shaken until frothy and creamy, giving it a refreshing twist.
| Pro tip: Isle of Coffee offers gift cards that you can purchase directly through their website. You can buy one online and send it instantly to a friend or keep it ready for yourself. The cards come in different amounts and are a simple way to treat someone without the need for cash. |