Offshore

My dad and I went for a wee coffee/​catchup here yesterday when we couldn’t get a seat in Artisan Roast. I’ve been here plenty of times before and always been slightly underwhelmed to be honest. The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars is because they stay open slightly later than most cafes on Gibson St and have saved me from late-​night-​library-​caffeine-​deprivation many a time, and because they let dugs in. Even though I don’t have a dog I always favor places that allow them in because it means I might get to see cute puppies while I sip my coffee haha!
Yesterday the staff were really lovely, which was a bit of a rarity to be honest. The coffees (two americanos) were fine, nothing spectacular but no issues either. They do have quite an extensive choice for hot drinks, including hot choc and soya milk options.
My dad got mac n cheese, which looked really stodgy and was a pretty small portion, but wasn’t too pricey as the whole bill came to just under a tenner for 2 coffees and his lunch. Their wraps are not great, and the menu is pretty limited but does the job I guess.
Overall, Offshore’s alright and has some good features to it, but there are lots of nicer places nearby.

Yet another independent West End coffee shop.
Ok… that sounded bad. Let me start again. I love independent coffee shops and I love the West End. This is one of independent coffee shop in the West End and I’m pleased that it exists. It sits right by Kelvingrove Park on Gibson Street and it serves decent coffee, plus the standard expected selection of coffee shop food (sandwiches, toasties, panini’s soups, cakes and bakes).
First of all, what a lovely location. Do you love sitting in windows watching the world go by? Because here it’s difficult not to. Window seats line almost a full three quarters of the open walls, with a window facing bar by the door. They also have a couple of regular sets of tables and some dangerously comfy sofas.
The staff are very relaxed, not in a way that makes them slow with your order, but in a way that makes you relax too. They’re happy to talk through the details of what goes into their food and to make suggestions if you have questions. They’re not pushy either — I definitely get the impression that you could sit here for 3 hours on one coffee order and, so long as they weren’t struggling for table space, they wouldn’t bat an eyelid. I mean, that’s not a very nice thing to do so you probably shouldn’t, I’m just saying you probably could.
One of the really cool things they do is displaying art from local artists. As far as I’m aware Offshore has always used its walls, and especially its downstairs areas, as gallery space. If you see something on the walls that you love, chances are it’s only been there for 2 weeks and it’s for sale. I feel like this is something more places could do and I don’t know why they don’t.
In addition, the WiFi is free and unlimited. If you need to get a bit of work done, bring your laptop — there are plenty of power points and you certainly won’t be alone. It’s also a great place to sit and chat, sit and read or just sit. I feel I’ve neglected Offshore in recent years, but I’ve picked up a loyalty card now and I intend to use it.

I popped in here for the first time after a long walk along Dumbarton Road before I looped back towards the West End. I was in need of sustenance so ordered a latte and a rather delicious looking sultana and cherry scone.
It’s a nice enough space, if a little run down and basic looking, I think it could do with a lick of darker paint to make it a little more cosy perhaps? It’s also got a weird layout… if I hadn’t have know better I’d have assumed this place was either temporary or was mid-​refurb.
Anyway, the coffee wasn’t the best, a bland warm milky thing which didn’t really do much for me, but thankfully the scone was delicious, rich with fruit and nicely moist and fresh tasting!
It was a sunny day outside, and a little on the warm side for my liking so I didn’t linger and I’m not sure I’d bother going out of my way to visit again. Perhaps if I was passing, but there are better options on the same stretch of road so, perhaps not.

I had read recently that Offshore offered dairyfree cheese sandwiches — I’d been in there before a while ago and with the comfy sofas and big windows to watch the world go by it’s quite a pleasant place to pop in for a coffee anyway. However, anywhere that has vegan cheese jumps right up on my list of must visit places.
The server was great and showed me the Violife they stocked for the sandwiches and toasties (an amazing dairyfree, gluten free, palm oil free cheese) and left the dressing off the side salad; I presume there was honey/​dairy in it.
They also have soya milk so we had soya cappuccinos. He told me that they only have one jug for milk for making coffees, and don’t have a separate one for soya milk. I hadn’t asked as I’m not that bothered about that sort of thing but it might be useful to know for some (maybe if you have a really bad dairy allergy).
Also, they have a jar of homemade dairy free tablet (made in a vegan home, so no cross contamination) at 30p a piece. So I bought 8. I adored tablet as a child and it had been years since I’d eaten any as I’ve been vegan for 6 years. If you’ve never had it, it’s like fudge, but much softer.
Coffee, cheese, tablet, and comfy sofas. I’m sold.

This place is a reasonable one to catch up with friends if the better places are packed out but I wouldn’t make a point of coming here.
Coffee is just the standard stuff that has been served in places like this for decades and the food is pretty dull — but probably that’s not why you’re here anyway. The space is light and open and the sofas are homely — if you’re a student it’s probably quite a good place to hang out and get some studying done.

I’ve always been a huge fan of local coffee houses, so here’s another one to add to the list.
Popped in here one day before class started to meet a friend for a coffee and some chat. This place is as cozy as they come with couches and tables to choose from, and a wee dog or two invited in to chill.
I ordered a diet coke (wasn’t in the mood for coffee) and an empire biscuit (I am the poster child for healthy eating) and the biscuit was delicious! The only thing that wa a big off was the lady behind the counter. Maybe she was having an off day, but she wasn’t very friendly.
This place is big enough to accommodate loads of people, so if you’re in the area and looking for a pick me up of caffeinated variety, stop on by.

Friendly staff members and perfect place for to work in your laptop or have a nice meet up with friends or even work related colleagues. Bright place! Gets a little hot over the summer but it’s still pretty good.

Ah, the famed Offshore I’d heard so much about. I was wandering with intent to get lost on Woodlands Road, and my trusty little Unilocal app pointed me in the direction of Offshore for coffee (see, people? I can use technology!)
Anyway, I’d seen the reviews and figured I had to give it a try. I mean, I had to, right? REALLY had to. Yes. Indeed.
So I did.
The space itself is light and airy, filled with comfy sofas — I’m fairly sure someone was napping on one — and work spaces, and people tip-​tapping away on tablets, laptops and smart phones.
The café area has the feel of an old seaside café to me — and I dig that. The chalk board, the empire biscuits on the counter, and a plentiful stock of the loyalty cards to entice you back. Nice idea, and something ALL coffee shops should pick up on.
I took my seat, logged on to the free wifi… and didn’t do anything. I sat. I watched the world go by. I supped my expertly made coffee, and I lost myself in my thoughts, in a good way.
Offshore seems to be a place built for that. If you’re a creative type, I’d imagine this is a great place to get the juices flowing. The abundance of light and comfy seating all add to that vibe.
Will I check it out again in future? Definitely. Some of the special drinks listed looked right up my street, and it just felt right. It felt like I should be there.
I think, with the multitude of stylish and individual coffee shops in Glasgow, I have weaned myself away from the Starbucks/​Costa routine, or at least cut into it.
No bad thing at all.

I don’t really like Offshore. It’s freezing cold. The coffee is average at best and the only reason people seem to like it is because the building is ugly to look at and these days that’s «cool». I’ve only been three times, hoping that I could like it but that’s just hard for me to do. The look of Offshore is a kind of hipster dump coffee shop, the kind of thing people go to the west end for really… but it’s not even that in a cool way. it’s just really dirty and a wreck. The staff is really nice though and I feel bad for them that they work in that dump…
Three stars for the staff only.

I ended up here when I was intending on going to Artisan Roast but since Artisan close an hour early in winter it had already closed when I came. offshore had however also been listed as one of the top coffee places in Glasgow so popped in there instead. The premises really have huge potential, nice high ceiling, beautiful pillars and big windows. Unfortunately the furniture is just cheap crap that they appear to have gathered from different places. Still wanted to try the coffee though, asked for a filter coffee but instantly regretted it when I saw the preparation. They do not even have beans but use ground coffee and it was painfully obvious that the guy there had no clue how to make coffee. The result was drinkable but by no means good so would not come here again.

I’ve always liked Offshore alot and whenever I was in that neck of the woods it was a must for coffee, but that was several years back when I lived in Glasgow before moving away.
Since moving back to the area earlier this year, I’ve made the point to pop in a few times. I can’t put my finger on it and I don’t know any background info on ownership etc, but it’s just not as good as it used to be. It feels like it could be doing with a wee overhaul. No major issues, but just not as good as it once was.
The staff are now and have always been complete sweethearts though.
I think it just needs a lick of pain, an improvement on the food and drink and a bit of tlc.

Aaaah, Offshore holds happy memories of university life. I frequented this little West End gem pretty much every day to order a pick-​me-​up cup (or 5) of coffee when constant lectures on the Pre-​Raphelites/​Dadaism/​the post-​photographic condition/​delete where applicable got too much.
The lattes are immense, as are the hot chocolates, the staff are very sweet and allow you to sit long after you’ve finished your coffee, plus the massive windows are great for watching the world go by. In short, it’s great for tired, lazy, nosey sods who like (quite nice) coffee.

Offshore is rapidly going downhill since the ownership changed towards the end of last year. Their coffee was never the best but now it’s almost undrinkable, their décor was never the smartest but now it’s just an unkempt mess and now they have even lost sight of their own branding by blocking the view from their beloved large windows with a Coca Cola advert. It’s like the passing of an old friend… :-(

I liked everything but the coffee and the lack of tidiness.
The two gals working weren’t slammed with customers when we arrived, but, given the amount of dirty plates and cutlery draped all over many of the the tables, I imagine that they had been slammed, but weren’t keen on quickly bussing and getting ready for, perhaps, the next round of thirsty/​hungry custies to descend.
The space is open, light and airy, and, therefore, pleasing to sit in, but the sour-​bomb espresso drink with grinds floating in the scalded milk so turned me off that I’d only ever go back here if I could take in my AR flat white and drink it on premises.

It’s there. it’s dependable. It may not have the best coffee on Gibson Street, but it works when yer eyes are half shut and an injection of bean juice is required!
One thing that I always note in here is the customer service. I really can’t recall coming in here and being served by a sour puss or a by an aloof hipster type creature.
Another plus point on the glorious day I visited, was the epic windows, letting in as much light as is possible. This also helps for the people watching!
So yeah, although I prefer the coffee from somewhere else on Gibson Street, I’d probably prefer to drink it in here!

Offshore. how I love thee. even when your prices went up in Spring 2011, I still love thee… spacious (although I love artisan coffee. no place to sit!) — full of light and space for your labtop and wifi. soups are great as well. however, when did the small coffee cups get smaller? just sayin…

College student + Coffee = Happy
Offshore Coffeehouse is definitely an ideal place to study, drink a warm cup of latte, or hang out. I did all three!
When I study/​write papers, I can’t stand extremely quiet places because… I’m just unproductive. So if you’re like me and you need a bit of chill music and low levels of noise, go to Offshore.
Just in case you need to munch on something, there is a selection of sandwiches and light snacks. Or if need a sugar rush, there are cold drinks like soda and juice.
I really like the place because it’s cosy, and you can’t help but get a comfy vibe. It has large windows so it gets plenty of natural light. There are window seats that seem lovely to sit and read a good novel. Or in my case, write my paper. There are small wooden tables where I imagine the students using to do homework, and then there are comfy looking couches where I can totally see a group of friends just relaxing and talking.
This place got major kudo points for having free wifi. I was afraid of getting distracted because I would spend most of my time facebooking or whatever, but this place makes me want to get some work done…
It’s not crowded, not too much distraction from loud chatter and people doesn’t have that long line of people trying to get their caffeine. Then again, it could be that I came in during the late afternoon. It’s definitely a different take on coffeehouses compared to Starbucks.

Offshore has been my local coffee house since I was 15!
It opened about ten years ago and although it hasn’t changed that much, that’s what makes it great. As Eleanor said, there are no airs of pretension to be found in here. What you see is what you get — big bay windows, friendly staff, scrummy cake, a fridge full of sandwiches and window seats scattered with cushions.
It has remained eternally popular with the locals, and makes for a really nice stop off if it’s a sunny day. It’s very reasonably priced and its open, airy environment means the sun floods in. It’s also accessible for people with buggies or in wheelchairs, and is family friendly.
They make some kick ass hot chocolates and have nice, healthy fruit juices if you want to sip on something refreshing in their outdoor seating area. The staff are awesome — I feel like I’ve got to know some of the guys who work in here over the years. They’re very friendly.
I’ve done a power of gossiping in this establishment — the staff probably think I’ve been a fishwife since birth. It’s my Steamie, and the first place I think of a catch up with homecoming friends who have successfuly fled Scotland. The first question my schoolfriends text me when they return for the summer is, «Offshore?»
My reply is yes, always.

Located on the corner of Gibson Street, Offshore is a great chilled out coffee house in the West End, unlike some other cafes in the area it doesn’t try to be hip and cool. There’s no pretence here, what you see is what you get and that’s just a laid back coffee house where you can sit for hours and won’t feel obliged to leave.
My friend used to live in a flat above Offshore so whenever I met up with her we would almost always have a catch up in Offshore. The seats are comfy, it’s light an airy, the coffee is good and it’s one of my favourite coffee houses in the area, I really can’t complain.
Offshore also has wifi so if you spend a lot of time working on your laptop then why not pop into Offshore for a change of scenery and some freshly brewed coffee.

Offshore is a nice little café on Gibson Street, with hints of a nautical design… or maybe the yellow/​blue is just the owners choice of colour scheme… megh.
Tasty, reasonably priced coffee, cakes, comfy seats and wi-​fi. Not to mention that it’s right next to the park, and has MASSIVE windows for you to ogle at passers by (totally permitted…). It’s a nice location to just sit back and relax whilst watching the news headlines scroll in front of you, with a fancy coffee (I had a fern drawn into the top of mine haha).