By Rhona Mackay on 8th February 2024
As the guide of The Dark Side Glasgow Tour, it’s important I know of all the hidden gems in this great city. I make it a mission to visit new restaurants, coffee shops and events, so I know my stuff when giving recommendations to my groups. Also, it’s just fun to enjoy my home city which is always full of new surprises. If you’re just looking for the summary, click here.
Today it is Ottoman’s Coffeehouse, one of my favourite places to work in peace. Nestled on the edge of the city centre, it sits on Berkeley Street. Part of Glasgow’s up and coming Finnieston area, full to the brim of delicious restaurants. It’s round the corner from Mitchel Library (largest research library in the world) and the beautiful golden Sikh Gurdwara Singh Sabha.
Keep an eye out for the sign, as we almost walk straight past it. Once you step inside, however, there is no avoiding the absolute beauty of this building. The listed building used to be owned by Glasgow’s Society of Musicians. Bought in 1905 for £805 (millennial cry). They added a concert room at the back, which now sits the main coffeehouse lounge. My mother called it ‘a garage’ due to its strange shape and roof windows but was in fact the hub of the Jazz festival, now a hub of coffee lovers, young professionals and students. The place is truly breathtaking, covered in dark wood, Mandala rugs, comfy leather settees, fringed lamp shades and chess boards. With their many decorations and art pieces, they manage to capture the atmosphere of a traditional Turkish coffeehouse. The place is busy with people, some working, friends playing board games, workers relaxing after a hard day. But it’s still inexplicably quiet and relaxed! I somehow always get a seat and get served quickly.
There is a large wooden bar, showcasing all the pastries and confectionery alongside huge grinders and elaborate boiling machinery. No need to approach, as you can order on your phone using the handy QR code on each table. The menu is immense and slightly overwhelming. I wouldn’t call myself a coffee aficionado by any means but I started salivating at all these new methods. They have the typical: espresso, mocha, long black, affogato, iced, hot chocolate, matcha, chai and even an iced cold blended caramel for the frappuccino lovers. They have elaborate lattes: pistachio, rose, tumeric and red velvet. Not to worry they also have traditional Istanbul teas! But for the real coffee kings, the real experts, there’s V60, Chemex, siphon andJapanese iced! Each with a unique way of brewing and pouring.
We went for a red velvet latte and a Siphon. The best part was watching the siphon bubble and turn red. The staff were very inviting and spent some time explaining the method. The Siphon brew works on the expansion and contraction of gases, leaving a clean and full-bodied coffee. The latte was flavourful, (I hate when a latte just tastes like milk), but wasn’t too sweet, which I was grateful for. The Siphon held up to it’s name and with the Honduras roast it tasted of silky almond. Transported in a cantilever holder it didn’t take up too much table space and with the theatrics it was a great choice.
That’s not all. They also have a food menu. Alongside muffins, croissants, sticky toffee pudding and gluten free cakes, they also serve traditional Turkish meals and snacks. We ordered the nann and hummus, the chicken kebab and masoor tadka dahl. Our favourite was the Dahl, warm, spiced and perfect for a cold, wintery day. The naan were cooked to fluffy perfection, the hummus healthy and tasty and the chicken juicy and flavourful. For the less adventurous, they also serve burger, chips and pakora.
Summary
Ottoman’s is a must visit independent coffeehouse. Started by two brother who wanted to bring an under the radar coffee shop, which bridges the gap between cultures to Glasgow. They certainly have succeeded in creating a cosy resting spot to sip a traditional Turkish brew to warm the soul. No need to travel all the way to Istanbul, just visit this home away from home.
Visit
You can visit the Ottoman Coffeehouse by finding them here:
(See map below)
Ottoman Coffeehouse,
73 Berkeley St,
Glasgow,
G3 7DX