Unmissable bakeries in Glasgow

Found on Byres Road, the team at SugarFall Patisserie crafts the kind of sweets that wouldn’t be out of place in a five-star hotel. Most of the French pastries, gateaux, macarons and candies look, quite frankly, too good to eat. The sugarcraft is impressively artful and the taste is divine. Pastry Chef Aiste Berlinskaite and Chocolatier Karolis Juskenas run the establishment that’s received rave reviews across Google, Facebook and TripAdvisor. Plenty of the creations are gluten-free with vegan and vegetarian treats too. Cakes can be ordered individually to eat in the venue, as a selection box, for collection, or delivery. Many feature fresh berries, chocolate mouldings and gold leaf. And if you want something that looks extremely healthy, order the Apple of Eden, bearing an uncanny resemblance to the real thing.

This is a bakery with a conscience. Taking its cue from rehabilitation schemes found in Italy, the business’s 13 employees are joined throughout the week by trainees from HMP Barlinnie. The progressive setup allows inmates to learn new skills, work and regain dignity in the process. Giving renewed hope to these individuals, the bakery is not only respected from a socially conscious perspective but also for its amazing bread — it’s why so many major players on the Glasgow gourmet scene stock their produce. White, wholemeal and ryeberry sourdough, bloomers, baguettes, struans, Lennox loaves, croissants, pain au chocolat, cinnamon buns and Copenhagen pastries are all up for sale in cafes and grocers across the city including Cafe Gandolfi, Artisan Roast and the Ubiquitous Chip.

Serving tasty, nutritious, flexitarian food, this Partick local is a top spot for a delicious plant-based cake or veggie sarnie crafted using oven-baked loaves. The relaxed cafe is the ideal place to stop in while shopping or walking the dog (pooches are made very welcome). Food is freshly made each day on the premises, using ingredients primarily sourced from nearby start-ups, so you can enjoy treats and dishes with a low carbon footprint. Head chef Kevin likes to experiment, so do pop in if you like to try something a little different — but rest assured you can still order plenty of classics. Savoury delicacies, to eat-in or grab and go, include the likes of Big Vegan Breakfast Brioches and Sweet Potato Hash Breakfast Muffins. Washed down with a cold-pressed juice, they provide a hearty morning boost.

Now in two locations across Glasgow, the awesomely named Tantrum Doughnuts is a family-run business. Everything here is handmade, not only the brand’s signature brioche dough but even the glazes, jams, custards and toppings. They use free-range eggs from Corrie Mains Farms, Blackthorn Scottish Sea Salt from Ayr and organic flour from Shipton Mill. These are a refreshing change from the mass-produced mainstream options readily available on the high street. So if you’re in the mood for a top-notch doughnut with added panache, head along to one of Tantrum’s locations to get yourself a high standard bake.

For artisan bread and brownies on the Southside, make a beeline for Deanston Bakery. Its savoury and sweet buns and bagels have proven immensely popular, with filled or plain options available to take away (do be aware that lunch orders must be made on the previous day). As an alternative to a traditional birthday cake, you can buy a large celebration bun from Deanston. The huge cinnamon, cardamom and mocha bakes feed four to five people and are just the ticket for those who aren’t fans of the classic sponge.

Those living in the Scotstoun, Whiteinch and Jordanhill districts of Glasgow who want doorstep delivery of fresh bread, should check out Blackhill Bakery. Expect some extraordinary bakes like purple croissants and apple crumble buns. However, sourdough, focaccia and croissants remain some of the bakery’s most in-demand items. Contact Blackhill and join its WhatsApp delivery group, to make regular orders and see what’s on offer every week.

The Singl-end is a much loved cafe and bakehouse serving homemade, honest food. A seasonal menu specialises in homemade breakfast, brunch and lunch with a large selection of artisan cakes and breads, a variety of which are gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan. These guys roast their own coffee beans and also offer a selection of fresh juices, smoothies, cocktails, spirits and draught beer to appeal to all. Not one to miss.