Guide to Partick, Glasgow West End
View a map of the Partick area. If your Screen is large click here to view both the map and the text of this page.
'The lands of Partick were part of the old Crown Lands of Scotland' this distinctive area has been in existence since the 11th century. Its traditional tenemental properties run from the Western Infirmary along Dumbarton Road and past Byres Road to just beyond Crow Road (of Iain Banks fame). It is also - you may or may not know - the birthplace of the comedian and film actor Billy Connelly. Ian Mitchell, writer and historian describes it as Glasgow's Girnal - where more than a century ago most of Glasgow's grain was landed and processed.
It remains a more or less typical working class area with lots of hustle and bustle and Glasgow banter. The area is a delight for the traditional shopper, the browser and bargain hunter. Partick is chock full of second hand and charity shops including Handbags and Gladrags, Dumbarton Road at Partick Cross and the enormously popular Salavation Army and a cut price OXFAM! Nearer Crow Road there are junk shops galore and more recently established factory outlets.
For the more upmarket shopper Catherine's is a well established vendor of designer dresses and a must for those seeking posh wedding outfits. I got a couple of great bargains there in the Winter Sale. Almost next door to Catherine's retro enthusiasts will be very taken by 'Kojac' with it's extensive 60s and 70s stock.
Eunice Whyte, Dumbarton Road, Nr Partick Cross, has had a shop in the vicinity for a number of years selling beautiful knitwear with cashmeres at realistic prices, merino jumpers of every hue, cosy winter coats and great coloured leather gloves.
The whole area around Partick Cross is thriving and growing more and more attractive - another new addition which will attract the young clubbers and students is 'Cake' (114 Dumbarton Road). Zeus and Ian opened this shop - building on their success in Gibson Street. The shop specialises in great streetwear and contemporary techno clothing.
There are also lots of interesting eateries cropping up around Partick Cross, including, Baby Grand, The Haugh and the most affordable and pleasant Ichiban Noodle House.
The side streets in Partick are worth investigating and offer some pleasant shopping surprises, for example at 77 Hyndland Street you can find Eleanor's award winning florist - Quidest.
Other restaurants in the area worth noting are: La Riviera and Two Fat Ladies (especially if you like fish) - both have good pre-theatre deals. Both the main drag and the side streets offer plenty of coffee shops and tea rooms - The Criterion has the best ice cream in Partick. The Manchurian Chinese Restaurant and Papa Gill's also deserve a mention.
There is a lively and varied pub scene, try the Lismore with its impromtu Irish music on offer on Sunday evenings, The Three Judges is popular with locals and attracts some of the literati. For pub lunches The Ettrick is a cosy family bar - Theresa's warm and welcoming smile adds to the pleasant atmosphere.
Lying as it does near the River Clyde and the new harbourfront development Partick has been chosen as the subject of a new piece of collaborative research by Oxfam and Glasgow University, Department of Urban Studies. Funded by The Economic and Social Research Council it will examine how the gentrifiction is impacting upon the traditionally working class community in the area.
Area Index:
Byres Road - Kelvingrove - Partick - Hyndland - Woodlands - Kelvinbridge and East Hillhead, Gibson street and University Avenue
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