It’s been raining, drizzling or threatening to spittle forever. It seems.
I’m walking through Trongate in the late afternoon trying to find a place to escape the wet when I spy the Trans Europe Cafe on Parnie Street. Intrigued by the name, we go in.
Once inside the warmth instantly steams up my glasses. But the very friendly guy working at the café instinctively offers me a tissue to sort myself out; he is delightful.
A cosy mishmash of worldly wonder
The cosy welcoming café lives up to its name. It’s a mishmash wonder where old bus seats function as chairs and walls are a jumble of maps and world-wide postcards. There’s pictures of old Glasgow with working trams – a bit of inspiration for Edinburgh.
We settle in for a hot drink and cake ; the hot chocolate fudge cake disappears so quickly I can only assume my boys enjoyed it. For me it’s all about warming up with peppermint tea – though the lemon & ginger and honey & vanilla are equally tempting.
Food, drink and play – all is right in the world
But wonderful food and soothing drinks are only part of this place’s charm. An eclectic selection of games to play- from classic Connect 4 to Geografacts – are also on offer. Really the perfect way to whittle away a winter afternoon and only £9.50 for three drinks and two pieces of cake. Bargain!
Through the week Trans Europe Café is open from 10 – 5 and on the weekends they’re open till 10pm, serving up small but perfectly formed evening meals, all under a tenner.
I leave – reluctantly – out into the cold. But their scrumptious sounding Sunday Brunch will lure me back again. I can’t resist two of my absolute favs Eggs Benedict (£5.75) and Smoked Salmon bagels (£5.95).
Until we meet again…..
– B
About a City 