A £4.60 oat milk mocha might not be everyone's idea of a bargain. But at Zennor in Govanhill, it's worth every penny – and the surrounding streets offer plenty of reasons to stay after the last sip.
The neighbourhood on Glasgow's south side earned a place among the world's five coolest neighbourhoods in Time Out's annual list. Its appeal goes well beyond fashionable coffee shops, with a diverse mix of people, cultures and businesses shaping the area.
From Turkish börek to Pakistani street food, independent cafés to a pub named after a footballing legend, there's plenty to explore. Some may say it's all new coffee shops and no substance, but they couldn't be more wrong.
A neighbourhood best explored on foot
Victoria Road is a natural starting point. Busy with dog walkers, friends catching up and people carrying takeaway coffees, it leads towards the green space of Queen's Park.
Govanhill is one of Scotland's most diverse neighbourhoods, reflected in its cafés, bakeries, takeaways and gift shops. You could easily spend hours browsing and stopping for something to eat. Options include a flat white from a Transylvanian coffee shop or traditional Turkish börek from Pistachio. For me though, Zennor was the destination of choice.
On the corner of Langside Road and Dixon Avenue, Zennor's second Glasgow location combines Scandi-inspired light wood and stainless steel décor with paper lanterns and the smell of freshly ground coffee.
Zennor's seasonal specials are really where they excel, but I didn't spot anything on there that caught my eye on this occasion, so I opted for a mocha. And you can't pop in here without grabbing a sweet treat, such as their dark chocolate and sea salt cookie - utter bliss.
With oat milk, my coffee order totalled £4.60. It pains me to admit, but I don't think that's too steep these days, particularly when it's this good. And it's worth every penny in my opinion.
Where to head for a pint or a plate of pasta
Directly opposite Zennor is the Rose Reilly, my favourite pub in Govanhill. Named after the legendary footballer, it offers a welcoming atmosphere, a good choice of drinks and plenty of outdoor seating for sunny days.
For something more substantial, I recommend Pakistani Street Food for a samosa, Bar Vini for a generous serving of pasta and Errol's Hot Pizza for the best pizza you'll ever eat. Together, these venues offer plenty of scope to turn a quick coffee visit into a longer afternoon or weekend exploring the neighbourhood.
More than a 'coolest neighbourhood' label
Govanhill's fashionable reputation is only part of its story. The area faces challenges, and residents hold differing views about how it has changed, with gentrification a particularly contentious issue.
My view, however, is that its mix of people and cultures is what makes it such a lively and fascinating place to discover. The coffee may provide a reason to stop, but it is far from the only attraction.
There's also libraries, craft spaces, workshops, community projects and events, and with great public transport links too, you're never too far from other parts of the city. Other nearby neighbourhoods in Glasgow's south side, like Pollokshields, Strathbungo and Mount Florida, are also full of fun things to do.
