Gathering Ground CIC

Old Basin House, 5-7 Applecross St, Glasgow G4 9SP, United Kingdom
$$$ cafe
(25 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to Gathering Ground CIC, a delightful cafe nestled in the charming Old Basin House at 5-7 Applecross Street, Glasgow. This local gem is not just about coffee and cakes; it’s a vibrant space that encapsulates the soul of the community, making it a must-visit stop on your leisurely stroll or bike ride through the area.

Upon entering, you are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cafe's decor is a mix of rustic charm and modern aesthetics, creating a relaxed vibe that complements the delicious offerings. Whether you’re seeking a quiet corner to unwind or a sunny spot to enjoy a meal al fresco, Gathering Ground has both indoor and outdoor seating that invites you to linger.

The menu is thoughtfully curated, with options that cater to various dietary preferences. Indulge in a cup of their expertly brewed coffee, which is consistently praised for its rich and smooth flavor. For something more substantial, the hearty sweet potato soup paired with a toasted sandwich is a standout dish that will surely warm your soul. If you're in the mood for lighter fare, the selection of sandwiches and light meals promises fresh ingredients and wholesome tastes.

As you sip your chai latte made with oat milk—a customer favorite—you can’t help but admire the array of local crafts, cookbooks, and artisanal foods available for purchase. This unique touch not only supports local artisans but also provides a great opportunity to pick up a memorable gift or a special treat for yourself.

Customer experiences at Gathering Ground further underscore its charm. The friendly staff go above and beyond, ensuring you feel like part of the family. Alan Stevenson enthusiastically shares, “Nice place to have a coffee and cake after a canal walk.” Meanwhile, Ewa Wojtaczka adds that the cafe’s “chilled vibe” and “tasty and wholesome” food keep her returning time after time. Even when the weather isn’t ideal, the staff's welcoming attitude shines through. Mathew Turner recounts that despite arriving after hours during a downpour, the staff encouraged him to take his time, highlighting just how dedicated they are to providing an exceptional customer experience.

Gathering Ground is not just a cafe; it's a community hub where love and care are infused in every cup and dish. If you're looking for a welcoming atmosphere, delicious wholesome food, and a chance to support local businesses, make a stop at Gathering Ground CIC in Glasgow. Your taste buds and spirit will thank you!

From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Live music
Live performances
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Free water refills
Organic dishes
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

25 Reviews
Alan Stevenson

01 Oct 2025

Nice place to have a coffee and cake after a canal walk. Light meal and sandwiches are also available.

Ewa Wojtaczka

17 Sep 2025

I've been here a few times now and enjoyed my coffee and food each time very much. It's a lovely place with a chilled vibe and the food is so tasty and wholesome. The cafe has seating both indoors and outside which is absolutely wonderful in the summer.

J J

21 Aug 2025

Really good - staff seemed lovely. Toilet could do with more signage

Mathew Turner

30 Jul 2025

We happened upon this lovely cafe whilst on a bike ride. The coffee was excellent, and we also had a delicious sweet potato soup and toasted sandwich. The service was super friendly - it was past closing time but raining hard and we were encouraged to take our time. Also lots of beautiful items on the shelves to buy including cookbooks, craft items and fab foods - will definitely return nearer to Christmas, superb gift ideas.

Azatuhi Ayrikyan

29 Jul 2025

A lovely cafe with delicious drinks, and a nice assortment of small gifts and books for purchase as well. I had an absolutely delicious chai latte with oat milk, but the desserts were quite tempting. There's also a very nice selection of vegan and vegetarian options for savory dishes like soup. It's clearly a labor of love by the owners and I am happy to have stumbled on it during my trip to Glasgow. Will definitely be back when I'm in that corner of the world again.

Anna Keenan

18 Jun 2025

Stunning wee cafe - a little oasis away from the city. The building and gardens are delightful and the waitress was very friendly and chatty. Next time I’ll try the delicious sounding food!

Jiveen

11 Jun 2025

5-6 tables, seating inside / seats outside. Coffee cakes sandwich and soup fare, super yum! Families easy peasy with highchairs and garden space outside front of the cafe. Just off canal, can't miss it. A natural break on route between city and anywhere else. Get there

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