The Best Outdoor Brunch Spots In Glasgow

Although the original is over in Garnethill, the Merchant City branch of Singl-end is the best choice for an al fresco brunch. Just around the corner from the City Chambers, Singl-end’s outdoor area is nestled amongst some truly impressive architecture. Not just a couple of chairs by the door either; this is a proper outdoor space with more than a dozen tables.

Their all-day menu ranges from granola to a Koran barbecue chicken wrap, but their speciality is that giant of the brunch world: the bagel. Choices include the Meaty Breakfast Bagel with bacon, black pudding, potato scone and a fried egg, or the delicious Vegan Smash filled with smashed avocado, potato scone, crispy onions and sriracha. You will need a knife and fork: these bagels come completely crammed. Drinks include a selection of teas and smoothies, or even a Bloody Mary, spiced to your taste.

On one of the leafy avenues by the entrance to Kelvingrove Park you’ll find the café/restaurant Five March, where on a sunny day you can sit out front, secluded away below street level. Their all-day brunch menu is ideal for those looking to kick off their day out in style. There are only six brunch dishes, but they include fish cakes with poached egg, hollandaise and wilted spinach, and even a flat iron steak served with yoshoku sweet onions, fried egg, mustard and toast. Who says you have to wait until midday for good food? And if things take a boozy turn, March Five has an impressive wine list, including both prosecco and cava by the glass.

One of the most impressive things about Bill’s is how many outdoor tables they’ve managed to fit onto this street slap-bang in the City Centre: perfect for those who like to watch the hustle and bustle. Certainly not as upmarket as Five March, Bill’s is the kind of place to go for some traditional, comforting breakfast/brunch fare. Their breakfast menu, served until 11:30, features variations on the Full English for meat-lovers, vegetarians and vegans alike, with generous portions all round. For those with a sweet tooth, Bill’s buttermilk pancakes are served in stacks of three or (for the ravenous) five. If you arrive later in the day but are still looking for that brunch-y feel, the trick is in sifting through their large all-day menu. There are some excellent options in there though, such as eggs benedict or a smashed avocado, poached egg and feta salad.

There are plenty of exciting restaurants and cafes coming out of the Southside neighbourhood of Shawlands at the moment, and Kilmurry & Co. is no exception. With its stripped back décor and the faded gold letters ‘Newlands Post Office’ still preserved on the front, Kilmurry & Co. is one of those instantly charming spots. Out front their seating is enshrined by a border of greenery and fairy lights, a little island in the middle of Kilmarnock Road. Brunch food made from local ingredients is the cornerstone of their menu. Alongside all the usual favourites is the ‘Kilmurry Brunch’ of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and sliced avocado served on toasted sourdough, or the ‘Fatboy Slim’ pancakes with mascarpone, avocado, hazelnuts and pomegranate. And if you’re still feeling peckish, you can order a side of loaded sweet potato fries. Perfect for grazing on a lazy Sunday.

For anyone looking to brunch out in the West End, The Hyndland Café is a hidden gem just a couple of minutes’ walk from Hyndland train station. A small, local café, the space here is limited so be prepared for the possibility that you won’t get seated right away. On the bright side, they have about as many tables outside as they do in, so it’s an ideal spot for a sunny weekend brunch. Their full breakfasts are served all day so there’s no rush if you’re after a slap-up meal, complete (as all breakfasts should be) with a patriotic Scottish crispy roll. There are also five different variations on eggs benedict available, including poached eggs with chorizo and chilli oil.

A family-run Glasgow institution, Eusebi Deli’s distinctive red and white exterior is lined with tables where you can sit and imagine yourself on a Mediterranean street corner as you tuck into some authentic Italian flavours. Eusebi have put their own Italian spin on brunch food; the ‘eggs sugo’ are poached in a rich tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella. Alternatively, you and a friend could snack on platters of antipasti as you watch the day slip by. Some burrata cheese, perhaps, with saffron, cinnamon, poached pear and roasted radicchio, or charred octopus with a warm potato salad. Or you could simply sample their mouth-watering display of baked goods while you sip your coffee. The perfect way to brunch in style!