Tinderbox
- Telephone 0141 339 3108
- Food served Mon–Sat 7.15am–11pm; Sun 7.45am–11pm.
- Average price £6.50 (lunch); £6.50 (evening meal)
- Typical order £4.30
Jump to articles or comments (1)
The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2013) edition.
It says much about how firmly Tinderbox’s finger has long been on the pulse of coffee culture that the main Byres Road branch remains much the same place it was upon opening in 1998, in terms of both fare and décor, and yet doesn’t feel like it needs any updating. A lack of free Wi-Fi was a minor grumble until not long before time of writing, when it was introduced at last by popular demand. All food is prepared externally, and comprises a relatively slim range of cold salads and sandwiches – the latter served with a tiny pack of unbranded crisps and mayonnaise dip, slightly oddly – but they’re surprisingly fresh and tasty. Cakes of the day – all from local bakers – can come in such unconventional sorts as parsnip, lime and ginger and blueberry vanilla. But it’s essentially the simple mix of good strong java, a stylish indie soundtrack and overall sense of understated cool that keeps this place’s heartbeat strong.
- High point: Vibrant buzz from early until late
- Low point: Weird in-flight style accompaniments
- Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Outdoor tables, Free wi-fi
- Music on stereo: Indie
- Capacity: 60
- Open since: 1998
Reviews & features
Neighbourhood Watch: Byres Road, Glasgow
17 Oct 2011
A rough guide to the trendiest road in the West
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…
Comments & ratings
- 1. Community Guru – 24 Feb 2009, 3:14pm Report
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TInderbox is in a great location for those who wish to people watch & sit at its window facing onto Byres Road watching the world go by. It's "I Saw You" post box from the List Magazine is also a great addition in it, and its a pity more West End cafes don't have such a service / facility.
Better known for the array of soups it offers its customers, advertised on its blackboards / A - frame outside - although they don't quite score as highly as "Naked Soup!"
As for it's Coffee's and food generally, It is pretty pricey, and expensive for what it is. The staff seem friendly enough, and it's provision of internet facilities on laptops for hire is good, but a bit pricey also.Seating is sometimes a bit of a problem with it often being very busy, and difficult to be able to relax with there being so many people there.
I wouldn't really call Tinderbox a place to go if you want to relax, or contemplate on your thoughts for longer periods of time. There are smaller, and quieter cafes which serve that purpose better.
Overall Tinderbox is good as a venue for socialising, and meeting friends or loved ones. But, when it comes to the food & drink on offer, and it's value for money I'd rate it far lower.
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