Guide to Partick, Glasgow West End
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'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 Salvation 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 Eunice Whyte, Dumbarton Road, Nr Partick Cross, will prove irrestible. Eunice has had a shop in the vicinity for many years selling beautiful knitwear with cashmeres at realistic prices, merino jumpers of every hue, cosy winter coats and great coloured leather gloves.
There are plenty of interesting ventures by bright, young entrepreneurs. In the newly developed Keith Street you will find The Bead Company, this beautiful shop is well worth a visit and sure to inspire you to make your own jewellery.
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. Also on Hyndland Street you will find Cafe Zique, popular cafe restaurant with deli a few doors away. In nearby St Peter's Church, last Friday of every month, you will find a friendly group of people at Partick Folk Club
Some very nice 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 Manchurian Chinese Restaurant and Papa Gill's also deserve a mention.
Also particularly noteworthy is the group of very attractive restaurant/bars at Thornwood end of Partick. The award winning trio of Criterion, Pinxto and Velvet Elvis are doing a roaring trade and a fine job of 'Keeping Partick Weird'.
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.
Partick Railway Station and Underground has had a facelift and has a great new statue The GI Bride, one of the characters invented by Bud Neill (famous Glasgow cartoonist). In Merkland Street, beside the station, you will find the gorgeous gift shop La Coco
Area Index:
Byres Road - Kelvingrove - Partick - Hyndland - Woodlands - Kelvinbridge and East Hillhead, Gibson street and University Avenue
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