Velvet Appetite

Freshly opened on West Nile Street, the intriguingly named Velvet Appetite was my chosen breakfast stop on one of my regular visits to Glasgow.

A very smart split-level premises, they’re open all day from 7am-11pm and have the kind of comprehensive menu that’s needed to cover the breadth of requirements across that time period. It is cafe, bistro and bar all rolled into one.

Given my hour of arrival, it was towards the breakfast items that I steered, choosing a haggis roll. I added an impressively good espresso from one of their three regularly available house blends.

I had a good chat with the owner about the strengths and weaknesses of “third wave” coffee as against more classic continental roasts. He’s firmly in the latter camp but far from blinkered in his considerations.

I’m always really appreciative of these little conversations to get further perspectives on this contentious subject and I’m really keen to develop a stronger appreciation for Italian roasts, in particular. I’m starting to get there and today was another really useful learning day.

My haggis roll was soon with me, served on a lovely fresh morning roll. It was simple but really tasty. I enjoyed it muchly.

So overall, I enjoyed my trip to Velvet Appetite. I think opening across the whole day is potentially very ambitious, so it will be interesting to see whether that sustains or they refine opening times as they go. For breakfast, they’re doing good work so I’d be happy to recommend a visit. I look forward to popping in again, perhaps at a time more suitable to try their pizza, burgers or pasta.

Scores
Blythe scores Velvet Appetite
4/5 for food
3/5 for presentation
4/5 for service
4/5 for setting
giving an overall 15/20

I ate: haggis roll

I drank: espresso

I wore: linen suit

Total bill: £3.50