Where to get the tastiest pastries in Glasgow

Hazelnut and mango craquelin puffs, vegan pistachio scheckle, caramel apple filled puffs with a Swiss meringue buttercream and hazelnut crumble, baked tiramisu tart with espresso brownie and a brown sugar toasted mallow, hot honey and peach tart, pistachio peach and raspberry pastry galettes, blackberry and cinnamon “Bear Claws”, Biscoff and chocolate knots…

We could go on and on with the listings of speciality pastries we’ve spotted on the counter here. Singl-end Cafe and Bakehouse is known for its ever-unfolding range of quirky creations that’ll have you craving the sweet stuff around the clock. So if you like something a little different, get yourself down here early doors, so you can peruse the full range before anything sells out. There are two branches of the cafe, one in the Merchant City, the other at Garnethill, each opening at 9 am.

If you’ve ever wrapped your lips around the Portuguese speciality that is the Pastel de Nata, you’ll understand how decadently moreish these morsels are, with their blend of perfectly crunch crisp pastry and creamy custard filling. Thankfully, a place has arrived in Glasgow (specifically Byres Road) that serves them exactly as they do in Lisbon. Using an award-winning recipe, the team creates both classic and vegan pastéis, so everyone can indulge in that sweet Atlantic taste.

In addition to the main event, you can find limited edition varieties (such as the recently unveiled Scottish wild blueberry take on the Nata), Iberico ham, sardines, pates and a range of artisan beverages.

Glasgow is groaning with cafes, so you’ll never have far to go to grab a pastry. But if you want yours served riverside, with a touch of flair, and somewhere a little bit different, book a table at this quality hotel. Here you can savour a tiered afternoon tea with a mate or loved one.

On a nice day you have the option to sit out on the Recess Terrace. But inclement weather won’t prevent a good view, thanks to the interior restaurant’s big windows looking onto the Clyde. The pastry selection on your stand is likely to include cakes, macarons and light-as-air eclairs. And you’ll also get a selection of finger sandwiches, as well as a pot of tea, or your chosen beverage (prosecco pairs well with pastries).

When you think of pastries your mind probably conjures images of fruit-laden sweet bakes and pain au chocolat. But what about the savouries? Well, Latin American cooking is known for its inclusion of spicy treats encased in pastry. And you can sample some of these at the new Cuban haunt, Bizarron, in the city centre. Order deep-fried empanadas filled with pulled pork or veggies, with a side of chimichurri mayo and salad; prawn pastels; or some spring rolls with refried beans and veggies or chicken and cheese. Finish up your meal with some cinnamon doughnuts served with a chocolate sauce.

Ah France, land of patisserie. Like Pasteis Lisbon, Wee Paree allows you to get a taste of a European capital city, but in Glasgow. It’s perched on a sunny corner at the Hyndland end of Broomhill, an all-day brasserie with a refined menu.

Do book for brunch where you can order incredible savoury tartines filled with ingredients like smoked salmon, goats’ cheese, butternut squash, beetroot mash and beef bourguignon; and sweet or savoury croissants with a decadent crispiness and light soft middle — kids will love the one packed with Nutella, strawberry and banana and dusted with icing sugar, while adults can enjoy more sophisticated versions with chilli, red pepper, house roast ham and gorgeously gooey melted cheese. The croissants are a true taste of France, so if you’re yearning for that continental taste, this is the place to be.