S'mug

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Under new management since this review was written. S'mug is a ‘New York-style deli and coffee house’ that was opened in 2008 under the name of Pico by Gordon Richardson, founder of Beanscene. Situated just off Byres Road near Ashton Lane, it catches plenty of passing coffee-seeking traffic in its web of smart, comfy seating and hazelnut lattes. Indeed, of an afternoon you’ll find students taking it easy with their laptops, mothers with babies passing through and ladies who lunch chattering over their bagels in the leafy seating area. It has a nice laid-back vibe. Alongside the extensive coffee menu, there are also plenty of stuffed bagels, soups, cakes and other tasty morsels on offer. The turkey club is a hearty protein feast – crammed with turkey, bacon, Swiss cheese and egg – make sure you stretch your jaw muscles well before tackling it. However, best to avoid the house deli nachos – a dry heap of nachos microwaved with grated cheddar and a pitiful scattering of pre-packed chicken tikka, served with salsa and sour cream on the side. The manager explained that upon ordering said nachos, someone had had to procure a packet of chicken from Iceland. Somehow it’s hard to imagine this scenario happening in the Big Apple.

• High point: Swish New York style
• Low point: Chicken tikka from Iceland!