Kothel Bearsden in East Dunbartonshire

The owners of this cafe are clearly charlatans opening fancy looking establishments with the lowest quality of service and food in the city. I recently saw the owner in person when I was in as he paraded around in his flashy designed wear. A pretty appaling scene when it was clear they are understaffing and the workers are being worked to the bone. If you believe in worker's rights, don't support this chain. CHARLATAN! LOW QUALITY ingredients disguised by fancy decor.

Used to love this place but last couple of times we've been it has definitely regressed. Last visit on Saturday morning, 11am - was very quiet, only four tables full with three staff. Not offered seats, sat ourselves down. Five minutes for waitress to bring a menu, another ten before we could tempt her back to take an order. All the time, two staff were behind the counter chatting, the other on her phone. Dirty dishes pilled on the counter, no one interested in cleaning / moving to kitchen / hiding from view. Waitress was very disinterested, didn't know soup of the day etc.. once she eventually took our order, got it wrong. Delivered the wrong items (one poached eggs, one scrambled), but told us "just move the eggs to the other plate" and sort it ourselves... gets the order wrong, then just tells us to swap it over. Wasn't offered any sauces or asked how food was. Food ok - very salty and lacked flavour / quality it used to. Asked on waitress to pay at the bar, she merely pointed at another waitress (is she in training, could she not use her words?). Overall, really dissapointed, the place used to be great with friendly staff, now staffed by disinterested and incompetent waitresses.

Shocking service. The place was empty but every table had dirty dishes on it. Waited 20 mins for our table to be cleared. Had to ask for menus and food. Wrong order brought back. Very poor!!

I ordered Turkish eggs and they were absolutely disgusting. The yoghurt had totally curdled into a soup with melted butter floating on top. Literally. I asked the waiter if this is how it's supposed to be and he told me that 'yes, it is, because it's boiled yoghurt, that's the way it always is'. I fully admit that I'm not expert on Turkish cuisine, but I have had this dish several times in the UK and indeed in Turkey and the yoghurt has never been 'boiled'. It's sometimes slightly heated to loosen the yoghurt a bit and bring it to room temperature (some might say Turkish room temperature), but in no preparation have I had it boiled so that the dairy completely curdles. My Turkish friend agreed when I asked her. Eggs themselves were fine, but not appetising, floating in a curdled yoghurt soup as they were. The dish was also riddled with almonds, to the point were they were the principle ingredient rather than a garnish. The picture says it all. They offered to cook something else, but, as others have mentioned here, service was so slow that I just wanted to pay and leave (20mins + per dish that came out of the kitchen). I also ordered a macchiato to be told by the young waitress about 10 minutes later 'you know a macchiato here isn't like in Starbucks or something, it's like an espresso'. I know perfectly well what a macchiato is. If you have it on the menu then trust that customers who order it know what it is. And isn't a macchiato the same everywhere, surely? Quite condescending to explain to me exactly what the coffee is that I'm ordering in case I made a mistake, especially as it's a fairly standard order.

Lovely little coffee shop. Nicevand relaxing with Michael buble in the background. Staff were friendly and attentive but not overbearing. Will definitely come back 😊

Excellent coffee and lovely food. Have never had a problem with the service in all the times we’ve been there. Usually get the granola, which doesn’t skimp on the portion; sausage in a roll or the pancakes, which always go down well

Very disappointed. The two staff that were working on the day of visit were clearly Inexperienced waiting staff, did not know the menu at all, nor any ingredients in the menu, did not know what a dairy allergy was and asked me what was dairy? When the food did come it was overcooked and the bread was hard. Neither waiting staff returned to ensure our food was to our liking. I was not confident in their service at all. It was not busy, there were only two other customers who were practically ignored as well. After finishing our food we sat for a good 20 mins with dirty plates and finally had to ask for a coffee and have the plates removed, this was done fairly begrudgingly. Bearing in mind there were only 4 customers at this point. This was my second visit to Kotho, the first one being fairly pleasant albeit very busy, the staff at the time, were really welcoming, knowledgeable and helpful .This was definitely not the case second time around. There ere are plenty other places around Bearsden that are welcoming with enthusiastic and attentive staff.

Although it took a while for my presence to be acknowledged and the staff member was a bit unsure of the menu, the chcolate and raspberry cake was excellent. Very moist sponge and very tasty. The food being served to other patrons looked good too.

Two girls were working very busy cafe.both are doing everything.feel for them.waiting for order 25 minutes.

Went to this cafe this morning with my wife was ignored on entry.service was non existing...ordered black pudding with pouched egg and was told the black pudding would take 20mins what was it been hand made???? They couldn't get a pot of tea right so wasn't holding mush trust in the food and dont go to the other either as they are as rude and service is rubbish there too.wont return.Do your self a favour and use another cafe as there are alot in bearsden and all are better than this one.

Walked in on a Wednesday morning 0930. No sign of any staff for 5 minutes. Employee emerged from downstairs and didn’t acknowledge me. Eventually sat me down but served two takeaway customers that had arrived before me before coming back to give me a menu. Then - 20 minutes after arrival - informed me that there is no catering today. Waste of time.

There was absolutely no evidence of a track and trace system. There was an excellent offer of 2 coffees and 2 cakes for £9.95. However, this was not applied to our order of 2 coffees and 2 cakes as we didn’t specify that we wanted the deal. Beware!!!

Had a pretty average lunch. Limited menu and expensive . Very surprised no trace and trace details taken considering how close the tables are together. On a positive note the staff were pretty friendly .

After being in lockdown since March really looking forward to coffee and scone “out”. First of all the staff were very pleasant. The coffee was not too hot and really small compared to other restaurants. This leaves the scone, it was terrible. Very very dry and tasteless. The jam actually resembled a very cheap paste and again tasteless. All this was bad but the final straw was the bill ....£12.70 for 2 coffees and 2 scones. Really?

Always good food and atmosphere and it usually has good and friendly service. This visit, it was not good at all. Slow, inattentive and it seems that the masks also mean they don't see the customers. Shame. Maybe an off day?

Had a lovely coffee and ordered a scone which was obviously from yesterday as it was hard. Mentioned to waitress but no action taken. Looks a nice place for lunch or brunch though.

Good coffee and good for lunch too. Sadly the cakes are always stale as they are not covered with bells to keep them fresh. Service can be slow as it is always full.

Enjoyed a lovely evening in Kothels... beautiful lasagne, fresh crisp salad and toasted sour dough bread. Food authentic 'Italian'.. great atmosphere and very friendly staff. Highly recommend for brunch, lunch, dinner or just drinks with a lovely selections of cheese boards, olives, hummus,courgettes fritters and...

I was walking in the area by myself looking for somewhere for a light lunch. I'd had a cooked breakfast earlier so my eye lit on their granola with fresh fruit and was hugely glad I had it. Very satisfying, came away feeling well filled...

Second time we visited and very impressed by the friendly efficient service, the delicious food (recommend any of the variations on Eggs Benedict) and the yummy cakes. The decor is eclectic and the tables well laid out. The space is small and intimate, busy, so...

Welcoming staff, nice relaxing ambience and a totally different menu that was a refreshing change from other predictable establishments. This was my first visit which was recommended by my son and I believe it won't be the last as i was not dissappointed.

I visited Kothel with a good friend. Fabulous breakfast menu choice and I was left wanting more of my poached eggs on black pudding as it was so tasty! Lovely china cup & saucers for your tea. Could not help but notice the fabulous selection...

I've been here on two occasions for lunch. Soup of the day, sandwiches and coffee. All were good. Prices were reasonable for what we had as dishes were filling. The atmsosphere was just right for a casual lunch. The service was good and we didnt...

If you have not tried Kothel, It is a must do . You will be amazed at the quality of the food, along with a very attentive service. One of the best eating places in Glasgow.

Although open until 1700, we were curtly told at 1610 that it was closing ASAP. While I appreciated use of the bathroom for my toddler son and the manager's helpful manner, the surly manner of the female server left a lot to be desired. In...

I have not had such appalling service,for,well, forever! What is difficult about a cappuccino (no chocolate) with a scone, and tea and a piece of cake? 3/4 after having ordered, and intimating we had been waiting for quite a while, a cup(with crack in it)...

We decided to give Kothel a try for lunch as we’d heard good things. It’s quite a quirky place with lots of decor that catches your eye. Food was decent but the quality and standard of the service left a lot to be desired. Very...

I’ve been here a few times and enjoy the quirkiness of the place. Coffee is nice and cakes good. The staff have all been pleasant and service good. However we found it difficult to chat with the music being so loud. It’s a pity because...

The place was uninviting and at 16:30 the only anvailable meal was an all day breakfast The items were either cold or rehased or fried solid . DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY

Waiter was extremely rude and arrogant when we complained that our food had taken nearly an hour to arrive, and that other customers had been served before us despite arriving after us. After his extremely insincere apology and patronising lecture on how he had to...

Fantastic atmosphere - love the food, from the hot meals to the cakes and ciabattas. Good coffee too. The music is really good, a wee bit different to the norm and the staff are exceptionally friendly, helpful and efficient. They actually seem to enjoy interacting...

Driven past this place a few times but finally took the plunge. A brilliant selection of tunes playing subtly in the background is always a good start. Service was prompt and polite, food was very good and decently priced. We'll be back.

As a person who has worked in the customer service industry for a while, I know a bit about what good service and experience are, and this place delivers! Kothel just opened around the corner from my house and I can't be happier. From the...

Our family group of four all had excellent brunch meals. Pancakes, bacon and maple syrup were devoured. Smashed avocado was voted superb - apart from pomegranate seeds which were colourful but a bit hard to crunch. My full veggie was delicious. Excellent, cheerful staff -...

My wife and I went to Kothel for breakfast. The environment is very on trend with walls stripped bare to the stone and full of interesting artefacts. It’s not a big space so people are asked to share larger tables if required. Background music is...

Ordered take away hot chocolate , it was expensive around 2:50-£3 can’t remember exact price and it lacked a decent amount of chocolate in it, tasted more like warm milk with a hint of chocolate, first time I have been in and probably the last...

First visit 22.03.19. Great location and menu. Coffee good. Staff friendly and capable. Lovely decor and atmosphere. The best place for coffee in the Bearsden Cross area. Worth a visit.

We visited on a Sunday afternoon. The place was packed, which is always a good sign. The decor is very similar to the Crow Road branch and the plates, cutlery etc are very quirky and mid-matched. Price wise, it’s pretty much what you’d expect from...

A characterful addition to the Bearsden 'coffee scene'. Excellent coffee and great range of mouth-watering home made cakes with very friendly service. Deserves to do well and certainly worth the two minute stroll down from the Cross.

Visited recently and was given a very warm welcome from staff. It was peak lunchtime and there wasn’t a table ready straight away but, it was not a problem to wait (for less than 5 mins) for a table. Food was tasty. Staff were fantastic!...

Passed here often but first visit today. Really likely the quirky, retro interior. I had the soup and sandwich. Leek and potato and a toasted bagel with smoked salmon. Really yummy. Good service, nice food and atmosphere and warm.

Nice coffee and cake but it was so cold and draughty in Kothel Bearsden today. Customers moving seats in search of warmth or putting their coats on. Would put me off a return visit.

Korhel has opened in Bearsden, right on my doorstep and it’s a great coffee shop with lovely staff. My only negative is that every time I ve been its soooo cold. I know it’s winter and the door is being opened regularly but it’s not...

We came here for a family brunch (three generations) and there was something to please everyone. As a vegan with a gluten intolerance, I was probably the hardest to cater for but was really impressed with the dish I ordered of smashed avocado with chilli,...

Dropped in as my car tyre conveniently exploded right outside with a Tyre shop nearby 😂. On the recommendation of the kind staff at McConnechys, I entered Kothels inviting Cafe and was instantly greeted with super friendliness. Attentive staff and quite excellent food with superb...

Cosy, warm inviting and interesting environment with lots to take the attention although a bit cramped. Very conveniently situated near the train station. Staff were very friendly and helpful but their super efficiency in clearing the table made us feel that we needed to eat...

I had a coffee and moussaka and they were lovely. Really reasonably priced but with a home-cooked and fresh feel. I can't wait to try the roof garden. Some other local cafes may need to up their game and review what they offer and how,...

Fantastic new bistro in Bearsden! Great food - we had the amazing pancake stack with berries and the ciabatta with black pudding and bacon. Great service and very comfortable chairs!😊 The atmosphere is very relaxing and chilled even when busy and I've been back twice...

11th December 2018 Kothel Bearsden, (across from the Station) 78 Drymen Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 2RH OK, this is more than a great place to eat. It is just a fabulous place to be. The decor is so quirky you could be anywhere in the...