Lunchtime Munchtime

I thought I would try somewhere different this week so visited an all vegan café and despite the unappealing name MONO café was actually a very pleasant lunch spot. The cafe was a lot larger than I had expected, it was a very open space and is kept bright with the large skylight in the middle of the room.  It was decorated very artsy with flag bunting hanging from the walls and posters scattered around advertising different events that were going on. It seemed very unique since it is connected to a record store and also has large brewery containers at one side. The artsy vibe continues with the music being played – this was very indie and worked well as some background noise. What did surprise me about café MONO was the demographic of customers. I was expecting a lot of edgy students but it was actually full of families with young children and even some slightly older people. This really shows it is suitable for all customers.   When it came to the f...

The Blue Chair might be the cutest little café I’ve visited so far. More for a full meal than just a sandwich but well worth a trip. It’s on the main High Street but you forget this as soon as you enter as it almost transports you to a different place. The music is very calm and helps create the completely relaxed atmosphere within the café. It feels as if you are just at home not actually out for lunch. The mismatched décor adds a quirky vibe while the bright tablecloths and plants in inspirational mugs help to brighten your day. This place is just about perfect for any occasion – toys and board games for children, tables suitable for a coffee while students study or you could even just spend your time watching the fish in the fish tank. We were welcomed in by the friendliest employee who seemed extremely accommodating, offering us the chance to mix up any of our orders to allow for any veggie/vegan needs (next blog is going to be a trip to an all vegan café so keep an e...

A quick 5 minute walk from Strathclyde Uni takes you to McCune Smith which is definitely more than just your standard sandwich shop. It’s easy to tell why the place is always packed full during peak lunch hour, filled with both working people on their lunch break and students just wanting some cheap yet great food. The environment is designed to make you feel at home. Plenty of high tables, as if you are at a breakfast bar in your own kitchen, but also a green sofa that adds a splash of colour to the café while also providing comfort. Great for a relaxing lunch date with a friend or even just a change of scene for a study session. Greeted by friendly staff who automatically bring water to your table – not just any water though, watermelon infused and readily available for refills in a jar on the counter. Then you get to peruse the menu that is filled with the most amazing sounding sandwiches that are all named after historical figures (definitely not a place to get a class...

This week I ventured through to the West End of Glasgow to give ‘Cafezique’ a try. I’d heard great things about their brunch menu and it did not disappoint. Although the outside of the café looks rustic, the inside has a much more modern and chic feel with a subdued colour scheme. We were seated in the upstairs area that was designed as if it were a balcony overlooking those who were below. Right next to the table there was a collection of cookbooks which added a lovely homely feel. Perfect to pick up and flick through if the people you are with just don’t have good enough chat. As it was a Saturday at peak lunch time the café was very busy but this helped create a buzz since there was no background music. This worked fine but the café would most likely benefit from music during quieter times. The customers ranged from students to parents with their young children; so a great place for all. Since the café was full the food did take a while to arrive b...

Situated in Merchant City ‘Trans-Europe Café’ is a charming little spot. The friendly staff greet you with a smile as soon as you enter creating a relaxed atmosphere that makes every customer feel welcome and as if they had visited many times before (and when you go once I can guarantee this will become true). Straight away you can tell the café is going for a retro vibe that brings thoughts of 80s diners to mind. The bold colours that cover the table tops are complimented by the quirky use of old bus seats. The walls are decorated with maps; obviously going with the international theme. Funky, yet also relaxed, the music adds to the retro and international vibes. Who doesn’t enjoy a little bit of reggae to pick them up during their lunch break? My favourite thing about Trans-Europe Café has to be their menu. To tie in with the name and the maps on the walls every sandwich is named after a different European city. Even if I don’t actually know where half the pla...