Whoever had the genius idea of opening a coffee shop within a huge stationary shop (the delectable Paperchase) I would like to shake you by the hand! Thank you. This Tinderbox, situated on the 1st floor of Paperchase, is now my go-to coffee shop if I am in this part of town and looking for a cafe that is cosy (and pretty cool) to sit in. Another thing I like about this particular Tinderbox is that it stays open until 7pm (8pm on a Thursday) most nights, which is really good for a coffee shop as most seem to shut much earlier.
There's a reasonable amount of varied seating ~ you can choose cosy booths, high up table, wee lower table, a sofa or window tables. The window tables seem to be the most popular as they have a cracking view down onto Buchanan Street below. Also they have a good mix of small and larger tables too. The shop itself is very bright, colourful & mostly pretty jumpin' so this isn't maybe the best coffee shop to sit in with a hangover or to sit quietly with a book...although I'm sure at certain times of the day it does quieten down a wee bit.
Staff are always friendly and helpful. One day after only taking 1 sip of my flat white I accidentally (clumsily) spilled it all over the table (ooft), I felt so daft & had to ask a staff member for a cloth to clean it up to which she thankfully laughed at (in a knowing, 'we've all been there' kinda way) and then swiftly came over to clean up, before I even got a chance to apologise (again) she said 'Flat white wasn't it? With soya milk? I'll get another straight over to you' Wow. That was SO nice of her. Not only did she get me another coffee (For FREE; I didn't expect them too!) but she also remembered/knew what I was drinking when it wasn't even her that had took my order! I was mightily impressed. THAT is really good customer service.
The choice of coffees/drinks here is really good ~ there's something for everyone, be they a coffee drinker or not. I stick to the (soya) flat whites or cappuccino's as they're my favourites. Soya milk is also at no extra cost which I like. On a more aesthetic note I rather like their take-away cups ~ they're a corrugated cardboard of various shades (depending on which size you have) with 'Joe To Go' written on them. I like this as it reminds me of Agent Dale Cooper from Twin Peaks every time I read it :-)
Food wise I have only ever partaken in the sweet treats here. Everything looks yummy but I can recommend the Empire Biscuits, Portuguese Custard Tarts and the cakes (cupcakes). All very tasty.
Since they have introduced the bonus of a cheeky free coffee every 7 days for any Paperchase card holders I have been in here more than ever. It's a great idea and it really has made me visit here & buy more stationary than I normally would have! Haha! Clever clever people... read more