Glasgow, UK
Day 1
We finally got rolling after a few days in Dublin. We rode our tour bus overnight to Belfast where we caught the ferry across to Loch Ryan. It was a very smooth ride and all sorts of nice amenities to keep you distracted. After the ferry it was another two plus hours to Glasgow where we were dropped at the Radisson Red.
Radisson Red
The Radisson Red, part of the Radisson chain, was - you guessed it - red themed. The elevator was plastered with movie, album, and book covers all red or referencing red. Fun I suppose.
The room was clean, simple, and modern feeling. There was a big table with a picnic bench on one side which was fun. It allowed for a nice space to spread out and work. The (red) mural above the bed was a bit intense, but when with the aesthetic I guess.
As far as the location it was right next to the river allowing access to the endless bike path that I would eventually ride. It was also a short walk to Finnieston where there were a ton of great restaurants and bars.
My biggest issue with this hotel ended up being the breakfast. The first morning I went down to have some brekky before my bike ride. When I got to the counter the host explained that there was a whole ton of people ahead of me. While in my uncaffeinated state (and general dislike of lines) it felt very rude even if he was being nice and asking me to be patient. So I went back to my room and skipped the included breakfast. The following day I went back and there was no line. The breakfast was actually from a menu, not a buffet. The food was fine, but nothing special.
Room 3.5/5
Staff 3.5/5
Location 4/5
Overall 3.75/5
It was raining all afternoon which didn’t not help my general state of laziness, but I knew I needed to get moving. I put on my rain jacket and meandered to the Ottoman Coffeehouse.
Ottoman Coffehouse
As soon as I walked in, you could tell this place was a vibe. Many coffee brewing contraptions, different varieties of siting options, and a beautiful ceiling letting in lots of natural light.
Everything was ordered off of a QR code and delivered direct to your table. It is not always my favorite option, but I do see some advantages. Despite the QR code the staff was very attentive, friendly, and helpful. It was taking a minute for my order to process but the staff checked on me and started my order before it had processed which was really nice.
The coffee was spot on, the food tasty, and the hangs great. Next time I am going back for a long hang out or to bring my computer and get some work done.
Coffee 4.5/5
Food 4/5
Staff 4/5/5
Overall 4.5/5
I headed back to the hotel for an afternoon recoup. After I took a nap to refresh and get back on track I put my head into the computer to get a bunch of work that was looming over me done. I wasn’t paying attention to the time and started to think about food well into 8pm. First I tried to go to The Bon Accord which I had seen on a list. By the time I got there at nearly 9p the kitchen was closed. Then I tried the Finnieston, same thing kitchen closed. They suggested Ox and Finch whose kitchen was open until 10p - perfect!
Ox and Finch
Coincidentally I had been here before while on tour in 2018. As soon as I walked in I recognized it. I was promptly seated and away I went.
The food was wonderful. Great small plates, almost tapas style. I ordered three dishes which ended up being just right and not terribly expensive. Probably the least exciting dish I had was the poached Hake. It was good, but maybe a bit overcooked and the sauce needed some more flavor. The whipped feta on the other hand was delightful. A bit sweet, salty, and spicy. The salad was great too.
I was not made about my decision and would definitely go back again. It would be a good place to go with some other people to try some more dishes.
Food 4/5
Staff 4/5
Ambiance 4/5
Overall 4/5
Day 2
I woke up with a need to exercise so I hoped on the bike and started riding.The Radisson Red is conveniently located right on the river so I was able to hop on the bike path and follow the river east (is my guess).
On the ride I passed by the McLennan Arch at the start of the Glasgow Green. Both were very nice. I am glad it was part of my ride as I’m not sure how much time I would have spent there otherwise and it would have been a long walk. The rest of the path along the River Clyde was a nice and winding, mostly flat, often shaded path. It wasn’t terribly crowded.
The one thing I noticed, and I am not sure if etiquette is different here or my bell and voice weren’t super loud, but often people would be walking two or three wide and look back when I would alert my presence, then refrain from moving.
My trip back followed the same path until Glasgow Green where I turned into the city. The destination was Us v Them Coffee. On the way I passed buy the Tollbooth Steeple which was a cool site in the middle of the road. I arrived at the coffee shop after about two hours on the bike. It was a lovely way to start the day.
Us v Them Coffee
I’m not sure where I discovered this place. On google there are only six reviews compared with the thousands at nearby shops, but I somehow had it pinned on my map - my trusty ‘note’ taking system.
It was a very simple and sleek spot in the lobby of the Glasgow Art School. Everything felt very modern even the coffee machine. I had a coffee and a pastry. The barista was the loan employee very much doing one thing at a time. He was very friendly even offering suggestions of which pastries to avoid.
The coffee was delicious and perfectly made. The pastry was exactly what I was craving though not mind blowing.
The space had some good seating areas though it was nothing like the comfortable space of Ottoman. It felt a bit cold, figuratively and literally. The front doors were automatic and kept getting false triggers so they would open and let a draft in. If that is the biggest complaint though its pretty good.
Food 3.5/5
Coffee 4.5/5
Staff 4/5
Ambiance 3.5/5
Overall 3.75/5
I quickly ran back to the hotel, called home, and changed before meeting up with a colleague to go climbing. The Climbing Academy - The Newsroom was a convenient 15 minute walk from the hotel.
The Climbing Academy - The Newsroom
A bouldering only gym, close to the hotel? My kind of spot. Oddly enough I had been there on another trip.
Overall this is a great spot. Tons of bouldering of different shapes and sizes. The walls felt a little tired and very dusty but lots of fun creative setting. I did like the section that had some really long sequences for a good pump.
While a bit too late in the day I did like the cafe. I like a climbing gym with a good hangout vibe!
Climbing 3.75/5
Vibe 4.5/5
Location 4/5
Overall 4/5
I got back just in time to meet som other colleagues for dinner. We wanted to go to Mother India but there were no reservations so we went for a walk in at Mother India Cafe.
Mother India Cafe
The same folks as Mother India but in a more casual setting. It is a small space that is well used. It was busy, but perhaps we timed it right because it only took us 5-10 minutes to get a table.
The staff was very friendly, attentive, and helpful. The service was good but not rushed. The menu was actually quite simple. The specials were all hand written on a piece of paper. The prices were, I thought, very reasonable.
The food… the food was absolutely delicious. The flavors were spot on, the portions were just right. I was totally blown away by every bite I took, even the rice!
Food 5/5
Staff 4/5
Ambiance 4/5
Overall 4.5/5
Then back to the hotel to try and get a goodnight sleep before a full day of work. It was a wonderful and well used day and a half off in Glasgow. I am excited for the next visit whenever that may be.