Places to Eat Near Pollok Park blog post header image

Places to Eat Near Pollok Park

Tuesday January 14th 2025 | 5 min read

Discover the best dining spots around Pollok Park, from traditional ice cream vans within the park to excellent restaurants in nearby Shawlands.

After exploring the beautiful grounds of Pollok Park, you might find yourself ready for a delicious meal or a quick snack. Whether you're looking for a casual bite or an upscale dining experience, the area around Pollok Park offers a diverse range of options to satisfy any craving. Here's our detailed guide to the best dining spots in the area.

Within the Park

No visit to Pollok Park is complete without a stop at the traditional ice cream van. It's a beloved fixture of Glasgow park life, offering that perfect sweet treat to complement your walk. The familiar chime of the ice cream van brings back childhood memories for many, and creates new ones for the young ones visiting today.

  • Perfect for: Families and park visitors
  • Specialties: Classic '99' with Flake, traditional ice cream treats
  • Best time to visit: Weekends and sunny days
  • Budget-friendly: Yes, with most items under £5

Just Around the Corner

Eala Bhan

Nestled at the corner of Haggs Road and Pollokshaws Road, Eala Bhan has quickly established itself as a neighbourhood gem since opening. The restaurant combines the warmth of a local café with the sophistication of a modern dining establishment. During the day, it's filled with natural light and perfect for brunch, while the evening brings a more intimate atmosphere ideal for cocktails and dinner.

  • Cuisine: Modern Scottish with a contemporary twist
  • Perfect for: Casual dining and cocktail enthusiasts
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Dog-friendly: Yes, with water bowls provided
  • Specialties: Brunch menu and creative cocktails
  • Atmosphere: Relaxed café feel with comfortable seating
  • Price range: ££-£££

Loks Bar and Kitchen

A true community hub on Newlandsfield Road, Loks Bar and Kitchen has mastered the art of being all things to all people. During the day, it's a family-friendly restaurant serving up hearty meals, while evenings see it transform into a lively spot for quiz nights and sports viewing. The recent renovation has given the space a modern feel while maintaining its traditional charm.

  • Cuisine: Traditional pub grub with a modern twist
  • Perfect for: Family meals, casual dining, and sports viewing
  • Family-friendly: Yes, with comprehensive kids' menu
  • Events: Regular pub quiz nights on Thursdays from 8pm
  • Specialties: Sunday roasts and classic Scottish dishes
  • Additional features: Function suite available for special occasions
  • Price range: ££

Into Shawlands

Oro

Oro has brought a slice of authentic Italy to Shawlands, earning its reputation as one of the area's finest dining establishments. The restaurant's commitment to traditional Italian cooking techniques, combined with locally sourced ingredients, creates an exceptional dining experience. The wood-fired pizza oven, visible from the dining room, adds both theatre and authentic flavour to their renowned pizzas.

  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Perfect for: Special occasions and romantic dinners
  • Dietary options: Extensive vegetarian and vegan menu
  • Awards: Multiple UK Gold Awards for best Italian Restaurant
  • Specialties: Wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta
  • Atmosphere: Upscale dining with intimate lighting
  • Price range: ££-£££

Phillies

A cornerstone of Shawlands' thriving food scene, Phillies has perfected the art of casual dining with flair. The restaurant's industrial-chic décor and laid-back atmosphere make it a popular spot for everything from weekend brunches to evening meals. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh, innovative dishes throughout the year.

  • Cuisine: Modern casual dining
  • Perfect for: Brunch and casual meals
  • Vibe: Relaxed and trendy
  • Best suited for: Young professionals and groups of friends
  • Specialties: Weekend brunch and small plates
  • Price range: ££

The Granary

The Granary embodies everything you'd want from a neighbourhood pub restaurant. With its warm wooden interiors and friendly staff, it's the kind of place where you can settle in for a long afternoon or evening. The portions are generous, the prices reasonable, and the atmosphere always welcoming, making it a firm favourite with locals.

  • Cuisine: Traditional pub food
  • Perfect for: Hearty meals and casual dining
  • Atmosphere: Warm and welcoming
  • Best suited for: Families and groups
  • Specialties: Classic pub favourites and daily specials
  • Price range: ££

Planning Tips

Whether you're planning a special occasion or just looking for a quick bite after your park visit, timing and booking ahead can make all the difference to your dining experience.

  • Best for families: Loks Bar & Kitchen and The Granary offer dedicated children's menus and high chairs
  • Vegan-friendly options: Oro leads the pack with an extensive plant-based menu
  • Date night: Eala Bhan and Oro offer the most romantic atmospheres
  • Group bookings: Loks Bar & Kitchen and The Granary can accommodate larger parties
  • Quick bites: The ice cream van and Phillies are perfect for casual dining
  • Booking recommended: Essential for Oro and Eala Bhan on weekends
  • Peak times: 12:00-14:00 for lunch, 18:00-20:00 for dinner

Remember to check our app for more details about Pollok Park's facilities and up-to-date information about local amenities. Whether you're a local or visitor, there's something to satisfy every taste and budget in this vibrant area of Glasgow.

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Dawsholm Park - Local Nature Reserve with Highland Cattle grazing

Dawsholm Park

Local Nature Reserve with Highland Cattle grazing

It is situated on the River Kelvin, north of the River Clyde. The park covers an area of 33 ha (81.5 acres), and consists mostly of woodland, with some grass and wildflower meadows in the southeast area of the park. The park was created from lands purchased by Glasgow City Council from Sir Archibald Campbell of Succoth, in 1922. As well as the woodland area (originally called the Belvidere plantation), the Council also purchased some grassy areas to the south of the woodland. Sir Archibald then gifted an area of land contaminated with oil shale waste adjoining the eastern boundary of the woodland. The council levelled and grassed over that area to form a recreation area laid out with football pitches. The woodland area of the park has always been kept in a natural state, and in 2007 Glasgow City Council designated the park as a Local Nature Reserve. As part of the environmental and ecological work in the park, Highland Cattle are being used in a managed grazing programme on the grassy areas, to encourage the development of wildflower meadows.

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