Neighbourhood Watch: Byres Road, Glasgow

A rough guide to the trendiest road in the West

Oran Mor

What’s it like?
One big road with many little offshoots to appeal to the culture vulture in you.

Where’s it, like?
Off Great Western road if you hang a left at the Botanic Gardens, and just up from Partick. Take the tube to Hillhead station (soon to be newly renovated – thanks, Subway modernisation campaign) and you’ll pop out right in the middle.

Who’s from there?
Byres road is a decent shout if you want to play a cash-for-points game of ‘Glasgow indie band spotting’. We’ve also seen Billy Boyd, Limmy and Frankie Boyle on the stroll in the ’hood, as well as Neil Lennon, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Why would I go there?
For bevvy, there’s the old oaky feel of Òran Mór or the multitude of bars on Ashton Lane, including Vodka Wodka (a good shout for a summer beer garden), Brel or The Grosvenor Café. If you’re feeling hip, head to Hillhead Bookclub on adjacent Vinicombe Street to play some ping pong and enjoy a cocktail deal. The Curry Leaf has some of the best daal in the West, while Home Wok does affordable sushi and offers home delivery for those not willing to venture out on foot. Little Italy is a tasty lunch-break alternative. Cutesy coffee shops include Avenue G, Tinderbox, Patisserie Francoise and Three Steps to Heaven on Cresswell Lane, offering a swell summer ice-cream selection. Vintage lovers should head to Dowanside Lane while it’s around and De Courcy’s Arcade, as well as hitting up We Love To Boogie on the main thoroughfare.