Glasgow has worn many hats over the years - from our time as the industrious shipbuilding centre of the world, a post-industrial stage, our time as the European City of Culture and all the changes since - but throughout all those eras there was one thing that's true about Glaswegians, we love our food.
These spaces weren't just places to get a roll and be on your way - they were community spaces where we met, mingled, and shared tender moments. For many Glaswegians the loss of these restaurants and cafes is more than just losing a spot to grab a plate of pasta, it's like losing a part of yourself almost, seeing a place where you made these memories disappear into the ether only to be replaced by yet another chain restaurant.
These spaces were important, is what I'm trying to say, and it's important to remember them too. They made up the fabric of Glasgow's social history, and these things shouldn't be forgotten.
That's why today we wanted to look back at the best of these lost spots in Glasgow - so take a gander below at these lost Glasgow places that are gone, but certainly not forgotten.
17. Rio Cafe
It's been over five years now and we're still feeling the loss of one of the best breakfast spots in he city. Rio was replaced by the Partick Duck Club. An amazing spot in its own right. | Contributed
18. The (original) Grosvenor Café
It survives in name, but Ashton Lane’s Grosvenor Cafe has changed beyond recognition. The Grosvenor, located a stone’s throw from the university, was a haunt for the city’s undergrads, musos, and celebs, attracting the likes of Orange Juice and Belle & Sebastian- who famously formed their band over a quiet cup of tea at the Grosvenor in 1996. The Grosvenor’s cosy interior featured a number of wooden booths, which would, more often than not, lure you into engrossing conversation with complete strangers. After the original Grosvenor closed, Belle & Sebastian’s lead singer, Stuart Lee Murdoch reportedly saved one of the original booths and installed it in his kitchen. The Grosvenor Cafe can now be found on the opposite side of the lane, incorporated within the Grosvenor Cinema, the city’s oldest-surviving picture house. Busy cocktail bar, Vodka Wodka now occupies the premises of the former cafe, but gone are the days of the Grovcoff (ice cream sprinkled with ground coffee) and pizzas topped with fried egg..(Pic:Dave McClure) | Dave McClure
19. The Squid & Whale
Bringing some sunshine and spice to Great Western Road, The Squid & Whale was a relaxed, trendy bar which was a perfect venue for enjoying some tasty Mexican food and beers. After the bar and restaurant closed earlier in 2016, The Squid & Whale team briefly teamed up with Nice ‘n Sleazy to offer their signature Mexican dishes straight from the Sleazy kitchen. Sadly, the pop-up has now closed too. | Contributed
20. Harvey's
Harvey's represented a massive change in Glaswegian cuisine - a move away from the olde-world European charm and into a more modern American dining fast-food experience. It wasn't fully there yet, the spot still had a cocktail bar alongside two massive artificial palm trees - a very tacky taste of Americana. It was the first diner of its kind to open in Glasgow though, so we can't fault it too much. | Contributed