Cottonrake

Opened in 2013, Cottonrake is a stylish fusion of classic British Bakery and French patisserie. Sit-in space is limited – just a slim row of stools and wooden benches wrapping around the inside of the window plus a bench outside, room for about 12 people tops. But as a takeaway – Kelvingrove Park and The Botanics are both nearby, if you need a picturesque place to sit out – it’s worth dropping in to sample the sweet and savoury delights, all freshly baked in-store.

Firing up their ovens from early morning, Cottonrake put the goods on the shelves as and when they’re ready: breakfast pastries and filled croissants first, savoury tarts and rolls with delicious fillings like pork shoulder and Stornoway black pudding in mid-morning. Lunch options include baguettes, rolls and sandwiches made from their own fancy breads such as sourdough or spelt, which you can also buy as loaves, with fillings such as salami and gruyere cheese. They also bake their own bruschetta, with toppings including olive tapenade, feta cheese and rocket.

The coffee is good and strong. As for the sweet stuff – ooh la la. Walnut and carrot cake, chocolate macarons, pear tarts, raspberry shortbread and cookies the size of your palms are all on offer. Just don’t go asking for donuts – the illuminated neon ‘Donut Repair’ sign in the window is the typically mischievous work of Glasgow artist David Shrigley.