University Café, Glasgow

The University Café is located  in the ‘trendy’ West End of Glasgow, and as you might expect near to the University. This is mainly student / tourist / young professional land, with the more traditional working class areas not too far away. Increasingly, the area is being taken over by coffee shops and more upmarket eateries. You get a sense that the University Cafe is hanging on in there.  

Perhaps the elderly working class cliental and the younger hippier types are sharing the same space and eating the same food, but experiencing very different cultural messages in the process: a venue that is both traditional and retro cool at the same time.

Established in in 1918 by the Verrecchia family, the business still reflects (like many city cafes) the Italian origin of its founders.  A modern mix of the old: long thin booths in the 'Sitting Room’, lots of mirrors and dark wood, flock wallpaper (Indian restaurant style circa 1975). On the walls are numerous paintings and photographs. Many of these are of the University Cafe itself. A great exercise in self referencing.

The food includes home made soups and ice cream, traditional Scottish fried food, with the odd flourish. For example Oak Smoked Haddock, Rice Peas, Sweet Corn and Béchamel Sauce. Also they serve the apparently common Cheese Beano, which I must admit was new to me. Not a place for the healthy option though.

The University Café  has allusions to a grander past but it is just sort of cheap but not really that cheerful. To be fair, to some people it is a Glasgow institution. Byers Road would be a lesser place without it.

There are a range of reviews on Tripadvisor. My favourite  review sums it up: 

Take a trip back in time for this quirky cafe. Try the Mac and cheese you can almost feel your arteries harden with it but it sorts out a hangover, love this place very nostalgic feeling and great service