Small yet mighty, Cottonrake Bakery has earned rave reviews for its artisan bread, savoury pastries, cakes, and creative vegan treats. 

During our visit, we were able to try their signature almond croissants, alongside standout vegan options like the chocolate and orange torte.

Regulars, as well as new visitors we chatted with, highlighted their box of house-made Pork Shoulder & Onion Sausage Rolls as an absolute must-try—flaky, rich, and undoubtedly worth the trip.

The bakery’s services also add to its appeal. Cottonrake offers a seamless online ordering system that simplifies the experience for busy customers.

We noted how convenient it was to select items on their website, successfully avoiding long waits by picking up orders directly from the store. 

While the food itself left us impressed, we did feel the limitations of the bakery’s small space. The seating situation can feel cramped, making this a more “grab-and-go” spot than one where you’d linger. 

Exceptional bread quality

“As my prefered bakery for over 5 years, after sampling MUCH of the baked goods on offer in Glasgow, Edinburgh and the rest of the UK, I can firmly say that having moved away from Glasgow, Cottonrake is one of the things I miss the most. The patisserie is unrivalled, the bread is superb, and the focaccia sandwiches are to die for!

Can’t wait to see you all again soon! Much love!”

Fraser Reid, Google Review

Consistently great coffee and pastries

“Coffee, pastries, and ambience were all great. We ended up going to the cafe location the next morning, which was just as wonderful! We look forward to returning next time we’re in Glasgow.”

Nina Manno, Google Review

Big Bear Bakery effortlessly balances its unique offerings with flexibility and accessibility. For instance, they cater to various dietary needs, which is always a plus!

If you’re planning, you’ll appreciate their option to pre-order items for Friday collection or delivery—perfect for making sure you don’t miss out on their fan-favourite pastries like the Pistachio Custard Croissant or the Veggi Chilli Sausage Roll.

While their shop generally stocks an impressive variety, stopping by in person often means you can snag their weekly specials, like the indulgent Cream Egg Stuffed Croissant, which we found particularly memorable!

Another thing that we love is how they handle convenience and customisation. Beyond their regular offerings, they also accept catering requests, making them a solid choice for gatherings.

On the downside, we were iffy about the lack of seating. If it gets crowded (and it often does), you may find yourself standing outside. 

While this might not be ideal for those wanting to linger, the fast-moving line and attentive customer service help balance things out.

Massive and heavenly cookie dough croissants

“So glad we came across this place! Did a pre-order for three cookie dough croissants. Absolutely huge, which was a pleasant surprise. One of the best things I’ve ever eaten. Filled to the brim with delicious frangipane and Nutella cookie dough. Cannot wait to come back and try more!” 

Isabella Millar, Google Review

Exceptional variety

“Such an amazing bakery! Cannot fault it. Look on Instagram stories before you go for their daily menu options. I’ve had just about everything on the menu but our faves are the cookie dough croissant, the almond croissant, any of their frangipane tarts and the brownies are always amazing!! We absolutely adore the bread, especially the garlic and potato focaccia and the tomato and garlic baguette but you have to go early to get them. They sell out fast!”

Nicola Bain, Google Review

My Home Bakery has carved out a name for itself as one of Glasgow’s most cherished spots for artisan cakes and savoury treats. The bakery caters to dietary restrictions and offers a handy click-and-collect service for next-day pickups—a lifesaver for busy people!

Among their standout items, the Italian Beef Pies and Dark Chocolate Volcano Cake topped the list, with rich flavours and perfect textures that made us take home some! 

If you’re planning a celebration, their cake selection boxes and savoury party boxes are favourites among regulars, not just for the variety but also for the stunning presentation!

We also hear rave reviews about their lunch boxes, which are ideal for midday treats or sharing with friends. We also noted their little quirks, like selling preloved cookbooks—a charming addition for foodies who love exploring recipes.

That said, we hope they have seating areas inside, as they do outside, but only for two.

Friendly staff and delightful variety

“Found this place today and what a delightful place. Friendly and enthusiastic staff with a range of delights from which  to choose.”

Alf Myers, Google Review

Great value and excellent service

“This cafe is a breath of fresh air in the west end. The food is delicious and really good value and the service is also always really good.”

Coila McKechan, Google Review

Akara Bakery is an exciting find in Glasgow’s bakery scene, where creativity and attention to detail truly shine. They offer a range of options catering to dietary needs like vegan and no-gluten cakes, making it feel inclusive and welcoming for all.

We were also introduced to their weekly pre-order system, which enables customers to browse upcoming menu items online and place orders in advance.

This is perfect for securing one of their incredibly popular seasonal flavours, like the Celebration Thai Tea Cheesecake or Milk Oolong Tres Leches, paired perfectly with their coffee options.

Something else we appreciated was their convenient gift card system, available both online and in-store—a thoughtful touch that makes gifting easy and personalised.

Furthermore, the ambience here is charming, and things are simply excellent when paired with friendly staff. We’re just a bit iffy about the seating situation—the limited indoor space and closely arranged tables could feel a little cramped on busier days.

Charming ambiance and thoughtful presentation

“Very pretty cafe with a nice atmosphere and lovely staff. I love the interior, they have the prettiest origami birds hanging from the ceiling!

The cakes looked delicious, and my friend loved the iced honey and lavender latte special. I’ll also recommend the rose, lavender and pistachio cake, very light and delicious.”

Ioana Lucaci, Google Review

Passion-filled creations and warm service

“Delicious cheesecakes and great friendly staff. Each cake is so unique and special feels like it was made by people who have so much passion for food. Also so nice to find somewhere that has good babka!”

Akshay Kishor, Google Review

Tantrum Doughnuts has a knack for crafting some unique and downright delicious doughnuts. Upon arrival, we noticed that their lineup features a wide range of options, from classic flavours to more adventurous combinations, including vegan choices.

We noted that many of their creations use a brioche-style base, which offers a soft, airy texture that pairs beautifully with glazes, fillings, and toppings. 

Once we had a chance to try them, we couldn’t stop raving about the Chocolate Millionaire Crémeux and Crème Brûlée. Apart from their taste, what further impressed us was the cute design and perfect size. 

Their customer service also deserves praise; the staff is welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about their offerings. 

However, many customers, including ourselves, noted that some flavours tend to be a bit too sweet, which may not suit everyone’s palate. Nevertheless, we still like how Tantrum Doughnuts stands out in its approach to making artisanal doughnuts.

Bursting flavours and warm service

“Our time in Glasgow was a culinary delight! So much to choose from. For our morning train ride, we chose to stop at Tantrum Doughnuts for some treats. This was one of the best decisions we made in Glasgow! I have to say these were the best doughnuts we had in Scotland. Fresh, bursting with flavor, and served with a smile.  Don’t pass this place up. Yummy! 🍩 🍩 🍩”

Brenda Miller, Google Review

Great variety and attention to detail

“Hidden around the corner from the Kelvingrove Museum its worth a trip to stop by and get a sweet treat. They have a fantastic range from simple doughnuts to extravagant ones. The lovely staff there are so helpful and patient while you decide what you want and the coffee is made with care too.”

Chloe Ward, Google Review