Your Perfect Day at the Barras
Whether you’re a visitor soaking up Glasgow’s unique vibe or a local looking for your next adventure in your own backyard, no weekend is complete without a visit to the iconic Barras Market (open Saturdays and Sundays 10AM-4PM). Bursting with local artists, vintage treasures, and home to Cowpeople’s flagship store, the Barras is a buzzing hub where culture, creativity, and community collide.
Ready to explore? Here’s your ultimate guide to the perfect day at the Barras Market packed with food, finds, and fun.
Coffee
No perfect day at The Barras begins without a solid caffeine hit and a flaky, buttery treat to go with it. Here are our favourite spots to fuel up:
Thompson’s (@thompsonscoffee) 5 Burnfield Ave
Just a short stroll away, Thompson’s is our go-to for a top-tier latte, a cracking pastry, and one of the best toasties in the city. The space is big, bright, and welcoming. Perfect for a slow start to your day or a mid-market breather.
Through the House (@through.the.house) 15 High Street
Heading in from the city centre? Make a detour to Through the House, the grooviest coffee shop in Glasgow. With vinyl spinning and good vibes flowing, it’s a pit stop that sets the tone for the day ahead.
Eight Coffee Co (@eightcoffeecompany) The Barras Market, Suffolk St
Need something fast and delicious right in the heart of the market? Eight Coffee Co is a local fave, known for quick service and excellent drinks. We’re obsessed with their blueberry matcha, trust us, it hits different.
Brunch
Looking for brunch? Whether you’re kicking off your day late or just in desperate need of eggs and carbs, these spots have you covered:
Outlier (@outlier.gla) 38 London Road
A true East End gem, Outlier nails the balance between comfort food and seasonal flair. Their chicken sandwich is borderline legendary, and the rest of the menu rotates with fresh, local ingredients. Bonus points if you’ve got a cyclist in tow, the Outlier Cycling Club is always rolling through.
Scran and Roadie (@scranandroadie) 180 Saltmarket
Brunch? Pizza? Why not both. Scran and Roadie recently leveled up with a bigger, better spot on Saltmarket, and they're serving New York-style slices alongside brunch classics that hit just right. A must for foodies, hungover pals, or anyone chasing the perfect Brulee French Toast.
The Market
Once you’re properly fed and caffeinated, mosey on over to the red gates of the Barras Market and take your picture under the Barrowlands sign before heading inside! Pro tip - many stalls are cash only so make sure to bring cash! But don’t worry, Cowpeople accepts both cash and card.
Wacky Winyl (@wacky_winyl)
Browse our pal Mungo’s handpicked collection of vinyl records spans everything from funk classics to forgotten gems, making it the perfect place to lose track of time in the best way possible.
Colour Ways (@colourwaysglasgow)
Next up, add a splash of Glasgow-made style at Colour Ways. This creative corner is packed with bold graphic tees, local art, and merch that’s as colourful as the East End itself. Whether you're after a statement shirt or a print for your wall, they've got you covered.
Shop Orango (@shoporango)
Right across from Cowpeople, Shop Orango is a treasure chest of handmade jewellery, unique tops, and wearable art. Their collection blends indie charm with serious craftsmanship, ideal for gifts or treating yourself (you deserve it).
Pure Barkin (@purebarkin)
Quirky, cheeky, and proudly Glaswegian, Pure Barkin serves up streetwear and vintage finds with attitude. From sharp designs to patter-heavy prints, this stall captures the banter and boldness of the city in every thread.
Cowpeople (@thecowpeople)
It’s finally time to see us on Sustainable Fashion Row! Discover queer Western wear with fresh boots, buckles, and clothes dropped every weekend. Stop by early for the best picks and the freshest finds, you never know what gems you’ll uncover!
Midday Pick Me Ups
Whether you’ve been crate-digging, tee-shopping, or just soaking in the atmosphere, a little sugar (or salt) boost never hurts. Here are a few of our favourite stalls to refuel on the go:
Dozo (@dozo_glasgow)
Tucked right next to our own stall, Dozo is our go-to guilty pleasure. Japanese sweets, handmade pottery, and the dreamiest strawberry mochi. Word to the wise: grab extras for our staff if you want VIP treatment.
Monster Munchies (@monster_munchies_glasgow)
For unreal street food, head straight to Monster Munchies. Their bao buns, salt & chilli fries, and rotating specials are magic. Big flavours, bold portions, you can never go wrong!
Colombian Bites (@colombian_bites1glasgow)
Bold, vibrant, and bursting with flavour, Colombian Bites brings the heat with authentic Colombian street food. Their arepa buns and empanadas are the real deal and perfect for walking and munching.
The Pizza Cult (@the.pizzacult)
One bite and you'll understand the hype, The Pizza Cult doesn’t mess about. Just wood-fired goodness, fresh ingredients, and crispy crusts. Try their Portafoglio folded pizza sandwiches for a pizza on the go!
Vintage and Antique Finds
No Barras day out is complete without a dig through some vintage gold. Whether you're hunting for the perfect unique jacket or just love a good rummage, these spots are essential:
Rip It Up Vintage (@ripitupvintage, 6 Kent St)
Start strong and visit Rip It Up Vintage for stunning, hand curated finds. From timeless staples to bold statement pieces, everything here is chosen with style in mind. Be sure to tell Kirsty we say howdy!
Randall’s Antique & Vintage Centre (randalls_centre, 233 London Rd)
A Barras classic. Randall’s is a time-traveler's dream of antique furniture, retro clothes, and collectibles. If you're into treasure hunting, this one’s a must. Enter a
new world under the yellow submarine sign.
Post Market Madness
Walking around the Barras all day is bound to make you want a full meal and a pint! Whether you're craving noodles, nachos, or just a solid pint, these post-market picks are tried, tested, and very much approved:
Ho Lee Fook (@holeefookglasgow, 1 McFarlane St)
For noodles, stacked sandwiches, and flavour-packed plates, Ho Lee Fook is the move. Casual, cozy, and always satisfying, deal after a long day of market wandering. The pork belly sandwich is our fav!
St Lukes (@stlukesglasgow, 17 Bain St)
More than just a great venue, St Luke’s is also home to crispy nachos the size of your table, cold pints, and a buzzing East End vibe. Perfect for catching a gig or just catching your breath.
The Gate (@thegateglasgow, 251 Gallowgate)
Directly across the street from the Barras, The Gate keeps things easy with great cocktails, tasty toasties, and zero walking distance. A solid all rounder for chilling out post shops.
Barrowland Ballroom (@barrowland_ballroom)
Cap off the perfect Barras day with a night at the legendary Barrowland Ballroom, voted the best live venue in Europe. With its iconic neon sign, unmatched atmosphere, and spring-loaded dance floor, a gig here isn’t just a show, it’s a full-body experience. Trust us, you’ll be grooving all night!
From the first sip of coffee to the final dance at Barrowlands, a day at The Barras Market is a celebration of Glasgow’s spirit: bold, creative, and full of heart. Whether you’re hunting for vintage cowboy treasures, indulging in insane street food, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, The Barras offers an experience like no other. So next weekend, make it your mission to explore, discover, and fall in love with this iconic East End gem. We’ll see you there, partner!
