S’mug

A cute place with not much fuss. It feels like one of those cafes that would be an an office complex. The chai was great, and came in a huge mug, the turkey bacon and Brie bagel I got for lunch was… serviceable. Tasty enough because the ingredients are but a bit… meh!
I walked in from the freezing rain and was blasted with their heating. Good in theory I guess, but I couldn’t strip off fast enough and sat there melting while trying to talk to my friend.
It’s quite small, with not much table space and was quite bustling at 3pm on a Monday!
If I’m passing and have a chai craving I’ll go back, but overall not wowed.

S’mug is one of the few places where I’ve occasionally been asked, «the usual?» I’m slightly smug (geddit) about this and pleased that «the usual» is a medium skinny latte in a cute café and not a pint of Fosters in a pub somewhere.
So, what does it do right? The coffee is good and fairly priced, even without the 10% student discount and even without the loyalty card (10 drinks get you a free drink). The cakes and snacks are always good too — I particular recommend the salmon and cream cheese bagel, the tex mex bagel, the blueberry cheesecake muffin and the vanilla Portugese cakes. I have at times had a full on dependency on the vanilla Portugese cakes.
They also offer toasties, rotating soups of the day (at least one of which is vegetarian) and, inevitably, a pulled pork baguette. Plus a range of cold drinks including iced teas and smoothies.
The staff are chilled out and friendly and, if you’re there regularly, they will start to recognise you and will anticipate your usual order. The café is a bit on the small side and in winter when it gets full it can get really warm in there quickly because they have to keep the doors closed. In summer it’s surprisingly cooler, but in summer it’s worth taking advantage of the seating outdoors (if Glasgow permits). Either way you can take advantage of their free WiFi.
This would be 5 stars but, as fairly priced as the drinks are, a bagel for ~£5 is just slightly steep for me. Otherwise, everything is pretty much perfect.

Love s’mug, such a great atmosphere and your never waiting long for your order! Great staff and service all round

Kind of a quaint coffee shop in the West End. Free (and good) WiFi, which is clutch. I imagine that this is a popular place for nearby University of Glasgow students. What I found intriguing was their tea drinks called «fogs» which are just variations on tea lattes. I had the London Fog (Earl Grey, steamed milk, and vanilla) which was tasty. Overall, it was a nice place to stop and charge my phone after a long day touring Glasgow :-)

I am a regular at smug despite the service not always being the best. For example, although their opening time says 7:30, on two occasions I went in at 7:45 on my way to work only to be turned away with the worker saying they weren’t open yet. Not convient for people who have to be at work early and expect a coffee shop to be open when they say they are. Turning costumers away 15 minutes after your opening time is a poor business choice considering Starbucks is just around the corner and open and ready when they say they are.
Servers are always friendly, however, sometimes you have to wait a considerable amount of time to be served, particularly when friends of the servers come in. I’ve waited to be served while having to listen to stories about the servers getting drunk with their friends the night before. It’s not professional and it’s annoying.
I do go back regularly for the chai lattes despite the occasional slow/​poor service.

While S’mug is a great alternative to the massive corporate coffee overlords around the corner (aka Starbucks), I’m not convinced their coffee is any better. In fact, painful confession of a strong believer in local indy business, I think I even prefer Starbucks coffee. However, S’mug is a mere stone’s throw away from my office and therefore my trusty Desperation Caffeine Fix of choice, and despite its bitter roast, close to my heart.
In addition to the full offerings of standard European espresso drinks, S’mug has a pretty extensive menu including shakes and fruit drinks — so a great option if I take my overgrown 6-​year-​old of a husband who will only accompany me to the coffee shop if he can get hot chocolate or a banana milkshake. There’s a sizeable food menu of bagel sandwiches and lunchy items as well as some very tasty cakes. The blueberry muffin with cheesecake filling is AMAH-​zing — I always think I could eat about 6 in a row but so far have resisted testing this impulse.
Though there’s a decent amount of seating, University staff and students keep the place pretty full up during the day — often parked with their laptops. The ‘To Go’ service is pretty speedy though so it’s a great option for a wee pick-​me-​up on the way to Hillhead subway or to Byres Road.
Seriously, try the blueberry muffin.

S’mug is a no-​frills coffee shop that I can’t say a bad word about, but couldn’t really rave about either (although, the hazelnut hot chocolate I ordered was rather good!)
The décor is nothing special and a bit tired in places (the padded bench style seat we sat on was loose and kept sliding off). The staff are really friendly and there’s an outside terrace for sunny days.
I didn’t eat here but saw that the menu was bagel heavy. They looked ok.
It’s obviously popular with students with being close to the Uni (lots of laptops and textbooks out on the tables!!)
Fine for a drink if you’re passing but I wouldn’t go out of your way to check it out.

Very friendly staff and well priced. Has a very nice outside terrace, though maybe not a good idea in Winter.
Useful for students as it’s between Byres Road and the University.
The staff were extremely present, especially when I completely messed up my order with the wrong Italian words.

I love S’mug. It’s close to the University, so perfect for students (and they have a student discount).
The last time I went they were all out of their vegetarian option (bagel with hummus and roasted veggies), but since they still had some ingredients in the back, they whipped one up for me. It was very much appreciated, but also made very clear that this is not something they do regularly. They don’t really have many veggie options, hence the 4 stars.
Bagel sandwiches come with tortilla chips and coleslaw. Kind of an odd mixture, and the coleslaw has a bit too much mayo for me, but overall the meal is a great deal at less than £5.
The chai tea lattes are amazing! Much better than what you’ll get just around the corner at Starbucks. I’ve also had a London Fog there that was perfect.
The atmosphere is relaxed, although almost every time I’ve been there it’s been incredibly hot inside. One time this actually led to us leaving earlier than we had planned to, unfortunately. The staff are not overly friendly, but nice enough.
Overall, S’mug is a great place for lunch with a friend if you’re in the West End!

S’mug, with a name like that your sin must be a sin of pride, but I absolve you, for my coffee shop kind place you are. First of all, can I get an AMEN for white hot chocolate. Why doesn’t everyone do this? No, for real, why? It is the greatest invention in the hot drink world, and I say that even as a devout follower of the tea.
And I confess I fell to temptation and gluttony, brothers and sisters for I got a large — more on that later. Next can I get an AMEN for the free wi-​fi. Yeah, you heard me, brothers and sisters, be still, for the wi-​fi is among us. YES INDEED.
My muffin was a little on the dry side… but the lemon curd inside was c-​c-​c-​cold like it had been in a fridge. Which, come to think of it, it might have been, and while normally I’d think that was a true sin, I was actually singin’ about it because nothing beats cold lemon on a hot sunny day. Muffins work in mysterious ways, brothers and sisters, I tell you, I’m a-​gonna TESTIFY that chillin’ that muffin was a goshdarned MIRACLE that fiery day.
And when I laid hands upon my hot chocolate mug, I tell you, the weight of it near brought me to my knees. I’m a-​rejoicin’ on my knees, brothers and sisters, that a £2.60 pure and angel-​white hot chocolate could be the size of that sinful, costly, soul-​damning Starbuck’s «venti». S’mug, by the power vested in me I absolve you of your sin of pride.

Had the latte here, which was quite strong than what I’m used to. The service was alright as well. My friend wanted an Earl Grey tea with soy milk separately, and they totally messed that up. Now if it was crowded that would make sense of course, but seeing as how there was no rush… oh well, it’s still a nice place to sit though.

Only ever had coffee and a cake here but ohhhh the coffee is good!
I favour a flat white most days, and there is nothing quite like a good strong, rich coffee alongside some home baking, and S’mug delivers both alongside friendly service in a cosy interior.
I wonder how many people use the Starbucks just around the corner and miss out on S’mug? Well it’s their loss as the few times I’ve been in here in the past (pre-​Yelp days) I’ve always been impressed.
The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, happy to chat and take those few extra moments to make you feel valued as a customer. The WiFi is free, and have I mentioned that the coffee is pretty damn good?
Only downsides are the size, but I guess that’s where part of the name comes from as it can be a little snug at times, but don’t let that put you off.

Yay I love Smug :) the coffee is really nice and it’s a great place to quickly catch up on some work. The staff are all really nice. Generally great atmosphere!
I have had hot chocolate, lattes and the chai latte here, and I’ve enjoyed them all. Definitely recommend for both free time and the occasional coffee date :)

Now I have to admit, I’m a bit of a coffee snob. Like Special Agent Dale Cooper, I like it «black as midnight on a moonless night». I’m always keen to try new coffee places and when I spotted S’mug tucked away behind Marks & Spencers I decided to give it a try. It was lunchtime too, which was added motivation, especially as their selection of bagels and other goodies was a clear cut above the norm. I had a delicious hummus bagel, which came with a lovely portion of salad and some tortilla chips — just the job.
The coffee was very good and of a decent strength too; although I wouldn’t rate it as the absolute best in Glasgow, it’s certainly in my top five and is definitely my current favourite in Byres Road.
There’s free Wi-​Fi too, although you’ll be lucky to get on it from the number of students using the place as a study area. That’s my main complaint about S’mug and is the only thing that stops me giving it five stars — it always seems to be heaving with students and it’s often difficult to find a seat.
Despite this, the staff are always very cheerful and helpful, the service is fast and the atmosphere is exuberant. What’s not to like?

I love this little coffee shop hidden just off Byres Road on Great George Street. It could be because the name S’mug make me smile or because of the lovely chilled atmosphere, which doesn’t make me afraid to sit in myself with a delicious coffee & cake and watch the world go by.
They do a rather tempting Reece’s or oreo milkshake that I’m dying to try but the stubborn dieter in my head won’t let me… it looks amazing tho.
I can highly recommend the coffee which is delicious and their white chocolate cookie which has a really nice texture. If you’re in a fruity mood the real fruit smoothie are not to be missed, they’re gorgeous and thick — my favourite flavour combo is mango & pineapple. Yummy!
Only very small downside is they keep the doors open so the smokers smell does drift inside a little but it doesn’t stop be popping in

S’mug has been on my list of places to try in Glasgow for coffee for a while, and yesterday when I was out for a day in the city with my mum, I popped in to give it a go! It was freezing cold in town yesterday for some reason, and after our lunch at The Two Figs, we were feeling a nice warm cup of coffee (tea for mum!), and sitting in the corner in here with their giant mugs of coffee was the perfect feeling!
The staff who were working were lovely and brought over our tea, gingerbread latte and the daily soup, which yesterday was chicken noodle (yum), within a few minutes of ordering. And what wonderful coffee it was! My mum enjoyed her tea, I enjoyed my soup and everyone was happy. I tried a wee smoothie as I was leaving, and they’re a bit too syrupy for my liking but it was still lovely. Great place!

I’ve turned this place into my own study space — i frequent the same table most days during exam time (next to potted plant + crucial power source) and i LOVE that i have never, ever been made to feel unwelcome even if i sit here for 4 hours at a time. 4 stars for that alone.
Their coffee, admittedly, hasn’t quite ousted Artisan/​Avenue G/​Papercup in my top favorites, but for the quality, quantity and price it’s a great bargain. Plus a student discount! yay! Some yummy bagel options and tasty home bakes completes the edible line up. A great place to go for a study session :)

Smug is tucked away behind Marks and Spencer’s on George Street, at the corner where it meets Ashton Lane. It’s an unassuming, cosy wee place run by friendly staff who work round the clock to keep West Enders caffeinated. They are relaxed and pleasant in their customer service and value their return customers, in contrast to the high-​energy faux friends you find behind the counter at Starbucks.
S’mug do a loyalty card scheme, and although my ticket gets punched every morning for a bog standard Americano or Cappuccino, their menu offers so much more. London and Maui Fogs, great tchai lattes and hot chocolates, fresh fruit smoothies… but the secret of the S’mug menu is the shakes. S’mug’s Reese’s shake is death by peanut butter and chocolate. Slow, incredibly pleasurable death.
They also do breakfast — some bagels and scones and things. I’m less in it for breakfast… more for hot drinks and the occasional sneaky homemade cake. I just had a slice of their chocolate and orange tart and my only complaint is that it had calories in it and I had to share it with my friend.
I love S’mug and only hope it continues to do well in this neck of the woods and that they don’t keep moving coffee chains in.

Update at the speed of light… faster than a speeding bullet thats caffeined up to its eyeballs…
These guy’s do a mean coffee and at £1.70 for a medium takeaway, it’s pretty damn reasonable too.
OK, things i may not have mentioned in my first review:
WIFI… hell yes folks, check it out if your in need of intersnecky connection!
Soup… looks, smells, sounds LOVELY
This place is kinda growing on me. For a while i felt it was just a bit… hmmmm… actually, i’m not sure i can describe what i felt it was… but it was… something.
Now though, it’s grown into itself and seriously feels like one of the established coffee shops in the West End.

In der Nähe der Hillhead Subway Station und nur wenige Meter vom überteuerten Starbucks entfernt, befindet sich die S’mug Coffee Bar. Netten Service und guten Café Latte (auch der Chai Latte ist lecker, allerdings ziemlich süß, da mit aromatisiertem Siruo zubereitet) gibt es hier neben Free Wifi und kleinen Kuchen und Snacks. Es gibt immer mal wieder Studentenangebote, à la Alle heißen Getränke zum Mitnehmen für 1,70 und auch sonst deutlich billiger als Starbucks.
Leider gibt es pro Getränk nur ca. eine Stunde Wifi-​Zugang und einige Getränke sollten mal überholt werden, wie beispielsweise der Strawberry-​Milkshake, der leider nur künstlich nach Aromastoffen schmeckt.
Sonst sehr nett

S’mug is a great place for a quiet coffee, compared to some of the chain coffee houses surrounding the Byres Road area.
Different in the way that it’s extremely cosy, and the coffee is decent — especially if you’re a student, (did someone say discount!?). Their café lattes are nice and creamy, and they don’t use that nasty coffee like some other cafes in the area do. It actually tastes like coffee coffee. They’ve also got a wide selection of food stuffs which I haven’t partaken in as yet, but I have had a slice of caramel shortcake, which, by the by, was delicious.
My only problem with the place? The size — as great as it is that they have an outdoor area that seats 20 (or so) people, inside is slightly cramped — even though I was at a table for two with my friend, I felt like the people next to us were part of the conversation. Slightly annoying, but obviously can’t be helped.