It’s not every day that you tune into the evening news and spot the very street that you live on, with faces you recognise from nearby shops and businesses raving about how great it is to be here.
But that’s exactly what happened last week when Strathbungo in the south side of Glasgow was named as the coolest neighbourhood in the city – and even better, one of the coolest in the whole world as well.
That’s according to Time Out, who have released a new list of the very best, hip, and interesting places to live based on opinions from their expert writers. Strathbungo proudly sits at number 22 – beating out the likes of East Hollywood, Ekkamai in Bangkok and San Rafael in Mexico City.
The experts say that it takes many different factors for a neighbourhood to be considered ‘cool’. Obviously, you’ve got to have the cafes, bars and restaurants, but that’s not enough anymore – it has to reflect the community and culture of your city, with something for everybody to enjoy.
Having lived in Strathbungo for a while, it still never fails to impress me. It’s a small area – nestled close to the likes of Queen’s Park and Govanhill – but packed with so many amazing amenities, fun events, gorgeous scenery and impressive architecture that it’s hard to go a couple of days without spotting something new.
The enviable cafe scene is what draws most people to the south side on a Sunday morning, with Burnfield Bakery on Pollokshaws Road being particularly drool-worthy. The window is always packed with delicious-looking Viennoiserie inspired treats, from cinnamon buns to babkas, that are perfect for enjoying with a coffee as you walk around the area.
Also on Pollokshaws Road you’ll find Gusto and Relish, 721 Hinba, Grain and Grind and Sunnyacre – all excellent options for your morning coffee and pastry fix.
However, if you’re looking for something more substantial for later on in the day, there’s certainly no shortage of restaurants either. The Bungo is the ideal cosy establishment for grabbing a bite to eat or a few drinks, and it’s also the perfect people-watching spot too.
If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine then you’ll want to check out Wasabi as well. Sushi, katsu curry and ramen are just a few of the delicious meals being served up, as well as several different flavours of matcha – which is definitely the drink of the moment.
And even though there may not be as many late-night bars compared to the city centre – which in my opinion is one of the only drawbacks of living here – there are still some amazing places to spend an evening. Cosy bars are aplenty here, from the Allison Arms to Koelschip Yard, so you’re never going to be stuck on places to go.
The Rum Shack however is great for if you want a dance, booking DJs from all over the world with so many different music styles that captures the community feel of Strathbungo perfectly.
In my opinion, Strathbungo is at its best during the autumn months, when it’s cool enough that you can get all wrapped up and go for a stroll with a hot coffee in tow but without being too freezing. Walk for five minutes and you’ll be in the leafy green splendour of Queen’s Park, which again looks so much more amazing when the leaves start to change.
And if a bit of shopping is on the horizon, you’ll want to head to the Cooperage – which is a fantastic area of shops tucked away off the main road. Some Great Reward is perfect for buying records, with Seamstress Vintage stocking an impressive range of clothing finds you’re not going to see in regular shops.
Charity shops are also very easy to find here, and Category Is Books is a brilliant independent queer bookstore that puts on regular readings and events as well as offering a book delivery service as well.
Strathbungo may not be as fancy as some areas in the west – or indeed the south – of Glasgow, but it boasts such a strong sense of self and has so much going for it, that I’m not surprised it’s been named as one of the coolest places in the world.
Further along into Shawlands, there are plans to build flats on the shopping arcade site – a decision which has many residents shaking their heads, unsure of how it will affect prices in the area.
But Strathbungo has all of the charm and lower house prices too, although this number is climbing quickly.
Transport links to the city centre are excellent, parking is easy, and you’re never too far away from a flat white and almond croissant. What’s not to love?