Morton's Coffee House

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Morton's Coffee House is a curious paradox. Its identity is surefooted in the food department but some may find that it gets a bit lost in overall presentation. Though recently redecorated, the café still has the metal chairs and ocean blue walls of the previous occupant (a rather soulless corporate outfit called Esquires). That said, there are new blue leather armchairs and the place is packed full with relaxed, chatty customers, from students to families to pensioners. And therein lies Morton's success – the punters know what they want. And what they get is solid value and reliability. A tuna and mozzarella panini is a swift, easy lunch, combined with a sweet red pepper and coriander soup that's spicy and comforting – all for £4.50 with tortilla chips and sour cream on the side. The cake selection has a glam 70s feel. Sponge squares are covered in pink jam and coconut, while swirly shortbread biscuits are half-dunked in chocolate. The beverage list has a kitsch flare, too, with Danesi coffee, blended frappes, herbal teas and iced milkshakes. Large windows are ideal for people-watching, and outdoor tables are a fantastic sun trap in summer.

• High point: Cracking value soup'n'toastie deals
• Low point: Décor a bit undecided

2. Community Guru, Glasgow – 23 February 2009, 4:22pmMorton's Coffee HouseReport

I like Mortons Coffee House ; (formerly Esquires) alot, and go there several times a week. It's one of the few cafe's in the West End, thats a good size. It's food & variety of hot & cold drinks are very good, and are also good value for money.

They supply a variety of daily newspapers, have internet access, WIFI? and there is never any pressure for customers to leave, as there can be in some places.

The decor is still not exactly as good as it could be, a lick of paint is badly needed. And, with "Esquires" Chairs, from the previous owners, they could do with replacing them.

Also, the music played is actually not Radio 2, but comes from the staffs own MP3 players. So, the music could do with being more of the customers liking, not of the staffs personal taste.

My only real complaint is that the experience is marred by the toilets, though clean enough, they are constantly out of soap, toilet paper and paper towels.
The gents door bolt is also currently broken.
They could do with getting their staff to check them out occasionally as it's giving what is otherwise a very good cafe, a bad reputation and will lose it customers.

1. Community Guru, Glasgow – 23 February 2009, 4:06pmMorton's Coffee HouseReport

I like Mortons Coffee House ; (formerly Esquires) alot, and go there several times a week. It's one of the few cafe's in the West End, thats a good size. It's food & variety of hot & cold drinks are very good, and are also good value for money.

They supply a variety of daily newspapers, have internet access, WIFI? and there is never any pressure for customers to leave, as there can be in some places.

The decor is still not exactly as good as it could be, a lick of paint is badly needed. And, with "Esquires" Chairs, from the previous owners, they could do with replacing them.

Also, the music played is actually not Radio 2, but comes from the staffs own MP3 players. So, the music could do with being more of the customers liking, not of the staffs personal taste.

My only real complaint is that the experience is marred by the toilets, though clean enough, they are constantly out of soap, toilet paper and paper towels.
The gents door bolt is also currently broken.
They could do with getting their staff to check them out occasionally as it's giving what is otherwise a very good cafe, a bad reputation and will lose it customers.