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Spitfire Espresso

4.4 (34 reviews)
InexpensiveCoffee & Tea
Open 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Spitfire Espresso Photos

SPITFIRE ESPRESSO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Good for working
Outdoor seating

Recommended Reviews - Spitfire Espresso

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Flat white, before it's noble sacrifice.
Tony C.

Glasgow has been blessed with several fantastic, independent coffee suppliers in the past few months, Spitfire shows signs of being up there with the best of them. I was *that* guy, wandering in 15 minutes before closing, and ordering a drink to sit in. To the staff's credit, there was no quibbles, or tuts or sighs (or anything that I would have done in my former life working retail) from them. Service was super smiley and friendly, even going as far as a huge thumbs up when I returned my cup and glass to the counter after I finished. As I said, I was in late on so didn't really get a chance to sit and savour the surroundings... but I ordered a flat white, and a glass of cold water was delivered to where I was sitting, just before my drink arrived. I really like this new trend of water being given with any coffee, incidentally. My coffee was beautiful; a flat white is fast becoming my go to drink these days, and when it's done right - like it was here - it's a drip of caffeiney goodness that perks you up in all the right ways, without the fluttering heartbeat that energy drinks can give. I'll be back with more time to spare so I can take in the surroundings - in the summer, with some sunshine, it'll be amazingly light and airy in there - and also some of the goodies on offer; the cakes looked very more-ish. With all of these amazing independent places, why would you keep going to Starbucks and Costa? Give someone different a try!

Flat White heaven
Gordon M.

Situated at the top of Merchant City, not an area I'm in often during the day, Spitfire is gathering good reviews so as I was in town I wandered up to see what all the fuss was about. Walking in it's a bigger space than I thought it would be, very airy and open, with a peeled back kinda thing going on - I think someone else used the word spartan - and they've avoided the catch of cramming in as many seats and tables as possible so it's not too cramped I was warmly greeted as I perused the chalk board menu. One flat white and a little orange frangipane tart soon joined me at my seat, it was pretty quiet and I had a little work to do so I was glad to get a table to myself. The coffee was good, a rich mellow blend, with hardly any bitterness, it was so good I was soon through my first and on to my second! The orange frangipane tart was nice, moist and tasty, with a nice citrus kick to it and it was just the right size to be counted as elevenses. I was there for about an hour, and throughout the staff were friendly, chatting to customers, and there was a nice relaxed, chilled out vibe to the place, some good tunes too! I was pleasantly surprised by my bill when I left too, so that's a nice extra bonus. If I was passing by more often I'm sure this would become a regular haunt, so if you do get the chance, be sure to wander in.

Long black and a chocolate and coconut cupcake
Fiona H.

Been meaning to try here for months, and today I finally got too. Having done half of the bridge walk from SECC to Glasgow Green we wondered in for some caffeine. We were immediately greeted by a friendly lady who said to sit down and someone would find us. I decided which cake I wanted (chocolate and coconut cupcake) and we sat outside in the wonderful sunshine and I was in love with the teal decor. A few minutes later, a very friendly New Zealand man came and took our orders. 5 minutes later the most amazing coffee and cake appeared in tea sets which I wanted to take. Upon asking, I was told the tea sets were from New Zealand and in the future would be for sale. Such a lovely addition to Glasgow, friendly and quick service and stunning coffee. Now doing all day breakfasts which looked incredible.

Steph S.

I don't know where the spitfire comes from, maybe they just liked the name? At the end of the day it doesn't really matter, it's just my brain churning through rubbish :-/ What really matters is that after a long walk and a swerve past Tinderbox we thought a slump was in order. However you can't just plonk yourself anywhere these days without buying something - I know! So what better way to slouch than with a perfectly roasted coffee bean drink of course? (what's that I hear? Beer you say?) And perfect, it was. Fruity, chocolatey and creamy is how I like it and that's how it came. So kicking our feet off, up on seat (I know, how rude), we lounged, drenched in sunlight watching the waitress browse their yelp reviews. I hope they're good waitress/server person? What am I saying? I'm sure they are! Coz service and quality like this can't just be switched on and off, at least I hope not...

Turkey and smoked Brie sandwich
Lainy S.

So, I think I may have been quite unlucky with my choices in Spitfire as everyone else I know loves them. And part of me really does too! I love the decor here. The bright blues and pin up girl mural makes me feel very comfortable here. I love the mix of seating available as it seems very homey and a trench bit mish-mashed. Everything seems a bit contrasting and yet it all fits together perfectly. The staff are really lovely too. You're always greeted immediately and they always check with you to see if you'd like a food menu. They are very knowledgable about their products which is emphasised by this small cafe's popularity. They make a mean flat white. I'm always on the search for a decent one and they make it really well here. I nurse my coffee and could quite happily sit at the window and people watch for ages over one of their flat whites. However I've also ordered peppermint tea from here and a Brie and turkey sandwich, both of which were a bit disappointing. My tea was given to me with the bag in the cup and a kettle of boiled water seperately. This may sound silly, but I like my tea already brewing and there are plenty of places in Glasgow who not only do this, but also tell you the optimum brewing time. Given the popularity of herbal teas I really felt there should have been more of an effort here than a teabag in an empty cup. The last time I had food I had the sandwich I've just mentioned. Now this is probably more of a personal taste thing but I really hate thick white bloomer bread and that's what my sandwich came on. The Brie was also cut too thickly and was totally overpowering the turkey. With nothing really to cut through the strong, dry flavour it all felt a bit stodgy and yucky and I gave up before I'd finished half. Given that these niggles have happened on my last two coffeeless encounters with Spitfire I kinda need to give them a three, albeit reluctantly. I have not given up on Spitfire though! I've no doubt that I'll still pop in here for a coffee when I'm in the area but I'm just a little more wary of their other options now.

Briony C.

I've been here a few times since they opened and I'm excited to say they definitely deserve their 5-stars of happiness on Yelp. It's not the food, it's not the drinks, it's not the vibe - although all of those things are fantastic - to me, this place is all about the people. Do you want to be greeted like you're an old family friend and shown some of the best cafe-hospitality in Glasgow? Then this is the place to go. The staff are never not beaming with happiness and it always makes me feel so happy too. They are really slick with service, anticipating what you might want and always going over and above to make customers happy. I visited recently for an afternoon meeting and then stayed on to get some work done. I finally got to try their new eggs menu which is served all day (YES!) and is seriously delicious. I got an egg in a bagel with salmon dish (I can't remember what it was called) and it was perfect. Lovely poached eggs, lovely salmon, tasty bagel. Oh yeh. Maybe some cream cheese could be good in there too. I love this place and it's one of my fav places to work, have meetings and hang out. You should pop in and see for yourself.

Tracy W.

Stopped in for a quick couple of takeaway coffees while walking around town today. We were enthusiastically greeted upon walking in, and the place is bright and cheery. I had a mocha and my companion had a latte. The coffee was alright, but there was a slight sort of burnt flavour to the coffee; this is usually to do with a darker roast bean, and while lots of people like it this way, it's a little much for me. I'll still be back because it's a great space with friendly people!

Cappuccino
Doris Z.

One of the better coffee I had in Glasgow. I got my usual cappuccino. However, the food options were not as delicate as the other coffee shops. I wasn't really satisfied with the food. Food tasted like they are made by an amateur home cook.

New wall Murial - love it
David A.

I've come to rereview Spitfire, only to find that I haven't actually reviewed it before! My bad! It's now been open a few months, and I'm so please to see it grow in reputation and get busier as time passes. This is down to the great coffee, wonderful food and friendliest of service, while competing with so many other coffee places close by. By far, this is one of my favourite coffee stops and conveniently located on my way to work. So, I make it a point of popping here for my morning caffeine fix to get my day started. As a latte boy (there's a song about this), these guys have turned me into a flat white kinda boy. As you're being served, expect a natter - even at 8.30 these guys are in full cheerful flow. Nothing is a task or chore and the personal service puts so many high street chains to shame. A great, positive way to start even the wettest of Glasgow mornings. I've eaten here a few times too. Eggs are their speciality. However you like them, is how they'll be prepared for you. Quickly, effortlessly and tasty. And their cakes - oh yes, their cakes! Try ordering just a coffee to sit in as you stand next to these delicacies - go on, I dare you. The service here is amazing and the owners have built a wonderful team in such a short space of time. Not just the servers, but also the guys you rarely see who work away in the background preparing the food. With free wifi, power outlets, a never-ending supply of coffee, a window seat looking onto Candleriggs, I could come here and stay for the day. Spitfire, I'm a fan. And by the number of Yelpers I've run into here, so are most of you.

Vegetable toast...  Yummy!!!
Aimi G.

Lovely people that make your heart warm... Nice and tasty options... Vegan friendly upon request.. :-) Here is the haloumi bagel turned into a vegetable toast!! Deliciously Lovely!!!

The Spitfire. Superb!
Rob K.

I reviewed Spitfire just after it opened and gave it 5 stars, but now that it's been open a few months I thought i'd quickly revisit it. Spitfire has built an amazing team of staff - from the background chefs, to the front of house baristas & waiting staff, everyone is super friendly and happy to have a chat about their coffee/food/future plans etc. Their menu has evolved and they now have a nice set menu, spread over a couple of blackboards on the wall. Spitfire is maintaing the laidback retro design, with the addition of a tasteful 1950's pin-up decal oon the wall. The food is always great - best scrambled eggs for miles, and their cakes and savoury pastries are to die for. Spitfire has become a regular stop-off for coffee on the way to work - drink of choice at tthe moment is a flat white. The blend they use is strong and smooth - perfect to kickstart our day! If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would!

Delicious little latte.
Rebecca D.

I made the mistake of visiting Spitfire after lunch. I'd heard good things about the coffee and that was what I was looking for. Next time I visit I'll make sure I'm hungry so I can get some food too. I was warmly greeted by the staff and offered a menu but not pushed when I said I only wanted coffee. They brought it over to my table in what seemed like no time at all and it was one of the smoothest richest lattes I've had, beautiful served, if just slightly small. I was very tempted to order a second one. The food looks amazing, especially the cakes and the all day breakfast items. For the Merchant City the prices aren't too steep either. Plus it's pretty relaxed in here, I can easily imagine sitting with a coffee or two and a slice of cake for a couple of hours, watching the world go by. Inside it's light, bright and airy. Free WiFi and plentiful power sockets would make it a great place to work but for some reason my laptop wouldn't play nicely with their WiFi. My phone connected just fine so that problem could well be unique to me but I would definitely have stayed longer if I'd been able to get a proper connection.

Uncomfortable place to sit. Poor girl!
Dave C.

This is a genuinely lovely place to spend some time. I was in Glasgow for Christmas and not knowing the city at all was desperate to find a good coffee shop. Spitfire ticked all my boxes. First thing I expect is a friendly welcome and then good service without imposing or the constant fidget of 'is everything all right sir?' And so it is at Spitfire. You can order at the counter and then drink and food is brought over. Any questions are answered politely. So wifi was soon up and running, cake was in front of me and then a wonderfully constructed flat white coffee. It's really all about the coffee for me in a place like this. I can sit and watch the world go by in Costa or Starbucks, and get wifi, so it's the extra something I get in a good independent that I walk the extra few hundred yards or so. The coffee here was the best I had in the City. Smooth, nutty, a hint of dark chocolate and a wonderfully creamy milk infusing the whole cup top to bottom. Really enjoyable. You know, this is a real local community place. People seem to know each other, at least a number of folks do, and the chilled atmosphere is such that I could imagine staying here the whole day and working. It was never really busy but ticked over nicely. The menu is short but will meet most brunch type needs. Great job Spitfire. I wish you well.

Smooth and creamy flat white accompanied by a dark and distinguished mocha

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Good Vegan menu and excellent soups every time! Good coffee and staff are always energetic and welcoming!

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Review Highlights - Spitfire Espresso

Inside what was Lily's for such a long time on the corner of Candleriggs and Ingram St is now Spitfire Espresso.

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Patisserie Valerie

Patisserie Valerie

(10 reviews)

££

City Centre

I absolutely love the cakes here and have visited various ones. I was gifted a voucher for…read moreafternoon tea so decided to go to the one at Central Station as we were heading somewhere nearby afterwards. It's not my ideal location for afternoon tea as it's loud and busy but it didn't bother us as we weren't there for the atmosphere. The two ladies working there were really friendly and took our drinks orders quickly. We both ordered tea. I love the tea a Patisserie Valerie because it's loose leaf and served in a suki teapot. We decided to sit outside and watch people go by. It was a Saturday afternoon so very busy. Our food came really quickly. I was very pleased to see scones and real clotted cream. We were also given a selection of mini jam jars which was a nice touch. Sandwiches were also really nice. The cakes on top weren't bad but it wasn't something I'd personally choose, except for maybe the chocolate one. I'm saying a-okay because I felt the tables were too small, and also the tables didn't appear to have been wiped down in a while. The staff didn't really come outside to clear things away when others had left either. But I'd say overall fast friendly service and yummy food!

I have visited this branch of Patisserie Valerie twice. Once to take away and once to sit in…read more On the taking away occasion I had a powerful hangover and a meeting (although quite an informal, friendly one) to attend. I bought a coffee and a box of macarons to take to the meeting. The coffee curing my hangover and the macarons made my colleagues even happier than I expected. They were delcious, sweet, cruncy, smooth and light. Everything a good macaron should be. So lets call that a 5 star experience. The sitting in occasion was slightly less perfect. I ordered a latte and a frangipane tart and I took a seat. There were a few other people in the cafe but it was far from busy. The staff were nice enough and my order arrived relatively quickly. Unfortunately my coffee was awful. It's not often that I abandon caffeine but this time I was forced to. The tart was ok - I'd order it again but it wouldn't go to the top of the list. So lets call that a 3 star experience. I guess that's why on balance it gets four stars. Realistically, that sounds about right. I hope the nasty coffee was a one off because I'm bound to be temped back in by the cakes soon enough.

Geek Retreat - Second hand comics

Geek Retreat

(8 reviews)

£

City Centre

Would I call myself a geek? Perhaps. My husband did buy me geek socks for Christmas. And I did do a…read morecourse in genetics of my own free will. And I like reading books on grammar. Ok, so I'm a geek. Then, this place was made for me, right? Well actually, this is more for the comic book geek kind of person, but I was still tempted to go along to see what this place was like. It just opened (on Saturday) so I wasn't expecting much. It is pretty easy to see with the signage (look for black/yellow hazard tape coloured signs), and you head down a set of stairs with some seriously cool comic wallpaper. Into the main room and your eyes will be hit with walls of bright yellow and fluro lights. You'll find a cafe, lots of seating, comics as well as figurines and some locally made crocheted characters too. There was a guy standing near the cafe to "brief" people as they came in, if they walked in looking bewildered and confused like I did. I really appreciated this as he was super friendly and chatty without being pushy or overbearing. There was quite a lot of people in here for a Thursday lunch time seeing as it just opened, and in fact they'd sold out of hot dog rolls as well as a couple of paninis, so they must be doing well. I settled for a cupcake (with a batman logo) and had a seat. There is plenty of seating although I imagine if it got busier, you might have to share a table with a stranger (not necessarily a bad thing!). They have a display of comics for you to read while you eat which I thought was pretty cool, as well as board games to play (just leave a £5 deposit). They are still ironing out some things - they are getting wifi, so at the moment it's a reception black hole with no phone/internet (what is a geek to do?!) but I imagine that once that is sorted this would be a pretty good place to hang out for a geek-out. They sell a bunch of American themed snacks and lollies (candy/sweeties) if you are so inclined. I liked the vibe of this place. Geeky - obviously, but also friendly, relaxing and (dare I say it) a bit cool. Nice one, guys!

Friendly helpful staff, Good place to go if you like playing…read moreYugiho, Pokemon, Magic: the gathering to name but a few games that they play here

Ddoce

Ddoce

(7 reviews)

£

City Centre

I'd heard about this new Italian cafe opening in St Enoch online, and was then handed a flier as I…read morewalked into St Enoch with a 10% discount so I knew I had to go. It's upstairs on the first floor around from the food court. I get the look they're going for (cosy Italian cafe) but I have to say it doesn't quite work yet, probably because they're in a shopping centre. The space seems a little stark at the moment. I was taken in by the display at the counter so headed in to have a look - the guy serving was super friendly and welcoming which was nice. I decided to get a couple of cakes to try and he explained to me what they were - frolla are a type of cake from Naples made with ricotta and they have different flavours. I got two chocolate ones and then a ricotta and pear one. Normally £2 each but I got the 10% off discount. I tried them when I got home and was really impressed - they're quite unusual, not like any cake I've had before and were really tasty. You could tell they're made fresh. They also sell savoury food if cake isn't your thing - cannelloni, lasagne, pizza rustica, potato croquettes - all made fresh in their kitchen out the back. You can also buy a whole one if you want something for dinner rather than just a slice. Plus they do coffees etc if you just want coffee and cake to eat in. I'll definitely be back. It's nice to see something a bit different in St Enoch aside from the food court options!

Madonna!!! What do we have here? Well, it seems like we have a little slice of Napoli tucked away,…read moreupstairs, in a corner of the St. Enoch's Centre. Yes, it's certainly not what I was expecting to pop up in this slightly unfashionable shopping mall. So, Ddoce is a completely new concept for Glasgow, a real Southern Italian style Pasticceria. There are very few places in town that do real Italian pastries and the ones that do, often serve up Sicilian style cannoli. However Ddoce specialises in the famous 'Sfogliatelle' from the Campania region of Italy. The Sfogliatelle come in various forms, from the most popular Riccia, which is a flaky, very crispy filled pastry with a delicious ricotta and orange innard, to the simple short crust Frolla with various delicious fillings like creme patissiere, chocolate creme etc. On my first visit I wanted to try a bit of everything so I kindly treated the office to a selection of sweets and I bagged a little arrancino for myself. The arrancino was nice, but much smaller than the ones I am accused to in Italy. The rice was coated in a nice ragu and it had a stringy mozzarella middle that served me well on the walk up the road. All the pastries were good and very similar to what I've eaten in Italy. Sfogliatelle aren't quite my favourite style of pastries so it will be interesting to see what the Glaswegians make of them. My favourite pastry was the Black Cherry and creme pat Pasticciotto. Simply delicious!! At £2.50 it ain't cheap, but it's a nice wee treat and I find it better value than what many other cafes dish up. I suppose you gotta bare in mind that all this stuff is shipped in from Naples, so for that price it ain't too bad! Also on offer is savoury dishes like Lasagna, Cannelloni, Pizza Rustica. The portions looked reasonable and the food looked authentic. Next time I visit I will definitely be trying this stuff along with a coffee (which looked good)! Although this place would make a killing in the more hip West End part of town, I hope that people Glasgow head along to try something a little different.

Spitfire Espresso - coffee - Updated May 2026

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