For parents, eating out can sometimes be a chore rather than a treat, especially with menus that don't cater for youngsters, the stress of keeping kids occupied while waiting for food to arrive or simply there not being enough space for a buggy or lack of proper baby changing facilities. Thankfully, that's not the case everywhere - turn your rushed mealtimes into relaxed ones with these family-friendly cafés in Glasgow's South Side.
Glad CafeGlasgow Mummy
From the street, The Glad Café doesn't look like much of a venue, but it's deceptively big. If you're on the hunt for a café to meet up with a few parents for coffee and a chit chat, then The Glad Café ticks all the boxes. There's plenty of space for manoeuvring buggies around and the long wooden tables are ideal for larger groups. The cake selection is immense with plenty of options for gluten-free diets too. With its location across the street from Queen's Park, it's an ideal spot for lunch after exploring the park with the kids. During the summer months, Glad in the Park (The Glad Café Pop-Up) serves tea, coffee, filled rolls, cakes and ice cream at the Queen's Park Arena.
1006A Pollokshaws Road.
Gusto & Relish
A perfect spot for a family breakfast, Gusto & Relish serve up Nutella on toast which is sure to delight many a child! The deli cook their own homemade sausages, black pudding and potato scones; they even smoke their own bacon. Similarly to The Glad Cafe, Gusto & Relish is a short walk from Queen's Park.
729-731 Pollokshaws Road.
The Boathouse
Open from 8am to 6pm, The Boathouse is an ideal spot for eating out with the family. The cafe is child-friendly with lots of space for buggies; multiple high chairs are available plus comfy sofas and tables and chairs. Lunchtimes tend to be busy, and the cafe unfortunately does not take reservations for parties under seven people. That said, the food is lovely, the staff are very helpful and it's certainly worth waiting.
Rouken Glen Park, by the boating pond at Davieland Road.
JJ & OliveGlasgow Mummy
One of the newer cafés in the South Side, JJ & Olive serves up freshly baked scones each day which are already a hit with the locals. This large café is bright and very spacious with on-street tables and chairs available if we are lucky enough to get some sun!
65 Seres Road, Clarkston.
Little ones - and the adults too - can enjoy proper milkshakes (Oreo Cookies and Cream Snow Blizzard perhaps!) and fluffy pancakes at this American diner. The children's menu is extensive and as you would expect at an American restaurant, the portion size is very generous. It is worth noting that there is less space at TriBeCa for buggies in comparison to some of the other spots.
1 Fenwick Road, Giffnock.
See Time Out's guide to Glasgow's best café and coffee shops.