What’s better than your neighbourhood getting named as one of the coolest in the world? The neighbourhood right next to you getting that same recognition, two years on.
Time Out knows a thing or two about what’s trendy, and their annual list of the most hip pockets on the planet featured a spot very local to me in the top five. Govanhill in the south side of Glasgow is diverse, vibrant and has so much to do and see – which of course features loads of places to eat and drink. One sunny afternoon this week, I grabbed a coffee in one of its most trendy spots to see how much it would set me back, and how good it actually was.
Govanhill is renowned for being one of Scotland’s most multicultural areas, and walking through the streets, that impact is clear to see. Cafes, bakeries, takeaways and gift shops from all corners of the globe are found here, and you could genuinely spend hours walking around and shopping, eating and drinking to your heart’s content.
Victoria Road is probably what you’d call the main street in Govanhill. No matter what time of the day you go, it’s full of people milling around with coffees in hand, walking dogs, catching up with friends or heading towards the leafy green Queen’s Park at the very bottom of the street.
Victoria Road is one of the main – and busiest – streets in Govanhill (Image: Nicola Roy)
Whether you want a flat white from a Transylvanian coffee shop – complete with the most extra Halloween decorations outside – or some traditional Turkish Börek from Pistachio, Govanhill really has it all.
It’s hard to pick a favourite, but if it came down to it, I’d have to go with Zennor – which is exactly where I was heading on this bright and sunny day.
Zennor opened on the corner of Langside Road and Dixon Avenue last year, marking its second location in Glasgow. But honestly, I truly couldn’t imagine my weekends without it now.
I’m not the first person to rave about it and I certainly won’t be the last. Immediately upon walking in you’re greeted with soft Scandi-inspired light wood and stainless steel decor, paper lanterns, and the unbeatable aroma of freshly ground coffee.
Zennor is bright, spacious and relaxing (Image: Nicola Roy)
Zennor’s seasonal specials are truly where they shine, but I didn’t see anything on there that took my fancy on this day, so I went with a mocha. And you can’t visit here without getting a delicious sweet treat, such as their dark chocolate and sea salt cookie – utter bliss.
With oat milk, my coffee order came to £4.60. It pains me to say, but I don’t even think that’s too expensive these days, especially when it’s this good. It was my first time trying a mocha from here, as I’m usually a flat white kind of girl, but I fancied a treat and it hit the spot. Three words to sum it up? Worth every penny.
Plus, the staff are so kind and knowledgeable, and you can really tell that they care a lot about what they do – which is always a nice experience.
With so many great spots, Govanhill is worthy of a place on Time Out’s list (Image: Nicola Roy)
Right across the road from Zennor is my personal favourite pub in Govanhill, the Rose Reilly. Named after the iconic footballer, the pub is friendly and welcoming, offering an amazing selection of drinks and plenty of outdoor seating too if the weather is on your side.
And if you’re in need of something a bit more substantial to eat, I thoroughly recommend Pakistani Street Food for a samosa, Bar Vini for an enormous plate of pasta, and Errol’s Hot Pizza for exactly that.
Of course, like everywhere else on the planet, Govanhill isn’t without its problems. There are a lot of conflicting opinions about how the area has changed in recent years, with gentrification being a particularly sore spot for locals.
But it’s undeniably its mix of people and cultures that makes it such a cool place to visit.