I have lived in Dennistoun for two years now, getting to know my neighbourhood along the way. Watch the video above as we go a walk along Duke Street to show you some of my personal recommendations. Up first is Tibo. They do a good coffee and a great brunch that’s a weekend favourite for locals. They have some outdoor seating and nice big windows, so it's a lovely place to go when the weather's nice.
Then if you go slightly around the corner from here to Whitehall Street, you'll find the Econic Shop. It's a nonprofit social enterprise, and they're actually in the process of changing to a non-alcoholic bar where they'll serve various kinds of drinks. It's a really cool idea, as I don't think anywhere else in Glasgow actually does this. A couple of doors along from this is Madam Coco's Boutique, which is very high quality, true vintage clothing, all hand selected by the owner who has very good taste.
Zenner has a really cool and creative drinks menu. I usually go for the matcha, lots of delicious baked goods and a really high quality food menu. There are small tables at the front, but the back area is a larger communal space, and that's where I sometimes sit to get some work done.
Then there's Coia’s, one of the oldest restaurants in the city and one of the best for really authentic Italian foods. I also like to visit for gelato in the summertime. My favourite spot for a drink is probably Redmond’s. They play LPs and the atmosphere is always very good. They also have a large beer selection, and then I would also go to the Palais. Mesa is my favourite lunch spot. It gets very busy at the weekends. They do excellent sandwiches and soup.
When I first moved into Dennistoun, I was entirely unfamiliar with this pocket of Glasgow, only ending up here because the specific flat my boyfriend and I found was withing walking distance to our respective workplaces and on the market at a price we could afford. Our new home became Alexandria Parade and a considerable portion of the last two years has been devoted to exploring the businesses that share our new postcode. Dennistoun has become part of our daily lives.
And what an experience this has been for us. The neighbourhood thrives because of its independent businesses, people bringing their creativity, and harnessing quality and individuality. It’s added an element to the neighbourhood’s personality.
Here are some of me top places to visit the next time you are in Dennistoun:
1. Zennor Coffee
I succumbed to the matcha craze, swapping out coffee (maybe once or twice a week) for an iced green milky beverage that’s supposedly much lower in caffeine and helps you relax. It is an ancient Chinese delicacy that uses ground green tea leaves. When made a certain way, it is absolutely delicious. This little pink coffee shop tucked in the middle of Duke Street makes a delightful raspberry matcha. I also highly recommend their pistachio croissant. When the sun is shining the unit’s front facing window captures the light really well and it’s a lovely place to sit with a coffee and a book. | Kaitlin Wraight
2. Mesa
My favourite food is a sandwich and they make them very well here, loaded with tasty ingredients. Hearty. I will usually always add a soup on as well which has never disappointed. Coffee tastes great too. One of the best neighbourhood places to meet pals at the weekend. | Kaitlin Wraight
3. La Bodega
A Latin cafe serving Venezuelan coffee which I’ve found to be very pleasant. They serve freshly made specialty coffees, iced coffees, teas, cold drinks, and delicious Venezuelan empanadas and arepas, all prepared daily and made to order on Bellgrove Street. | Kaitlin Wraight
4. The Loveable Rogue
On Thursdays this location does a £10 steak frites offer - I am a big fan. The restaurant holds a very nice aesthetic too, it’s a great place to sit and eat a meal on a week night or for a Sunday roast. | Kaitlin Wraight