Glasgow neighbourhood named ‘one of the coolest in the world’

A Glasgow neighbourhood has been named “one of the coolest in the world” by Time Out magazine.

The travel guide has released its seventh annual list of the World’s Coolest Neighbourhoods with the city’s Strathbungo in the Southside making the cut.

The area sits 22nd on the 38-strong list, ahead of London and Los Angeles suburbs such as Leyton and East Hollywood.

Described as the “tiny-but-mighty” neighbour of Shawlands, the neighbourhood has been praised for its Victorian terraces and independent spirit.

Sarah Gillespie of Time Out wrote about Strathbungo: “Cool new venues have been creeping up Pollokshaws Road for years, and now it’s time for Shawlands’ tiny-but-mighty neighbour to step into the spotlight.

“Strathbungo, in Glasgow’s Southside, began as a village of crofters and weavers before it was consumed by the city’s nineteenth-century expansion.

“Thanks to a dedicated group of residents, it became Glasgow’s first Conservation Area (together with Pollokshields) in 1973, preserving its Victorian terraces and tenements for future generations.

“That same independent spirit endures in its fresh, young businesses: laidback restaurants such as Lobo, boutiques such as BAM and Seamster Vintage, and bars supporting local breweries.

“Locals make the most of its adjacency to Queen’s Park, with its wildlife pond, rose gardens and views over the Southside.

“And just on the outskirts of Strathbungo are some of the city’s most-loved cultural attractions, including Pollokshields arts venue Tramway and LGBTQ+ bookshop Category Is Books.”

Notre Dame du Mont in Marseille, France has taken the top spot on the list with Mers Sultan in Casablanca, Morocco and a suburb of Seoul in South Korea making the top five.

Stokes Croft and St Paul’s in Bristol was the only UK location named in the top ten.

Grace Beard, travel editor at Time Out, says: “Time Out’s annual ranking of the World’s Coolest Neighbourhoods celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities.

“The neighbourhoods on this year’s list have a lot in common: great places to eat and drink, cutting-edge culture, street life and a thriving community.

“But they’re also a distinct reflection of their cities, with each of them offering something special you wouldn’t find anywhere else.

“Some have only just reached their moment; others have been ‘cool’ for some time and are finding a new groove – all of them should be on your radar to visit in these cities.”