Whistle Stop Tour of the Southside

We were visited by my cousin Marie Claire and her husband Gary, last weekend. Over the last couple of years we have become slightly obsessed with the idea of them moving to Glasgow. Each visit becomes a tour of what's on offer around our fair city and a collection of reasons and arguments as to why Glasgow is a great city to live in and why they should move here. In all fairness, they've realised this along time ago, which we suspect is why their visits have become more frequent.

On Friday, we introduced them to the delights of the Pakistani Cafe on Pollokshaws Road, where we very nearly consumed our own body weight in food. The Thali, both vegetarian and meat, was fantastic. M.C and Alburt tried the special pakora - Black Pudding and chilli, and as they were still raving about it the next day, I think that means it was pretty good. Next it was off to Sammy Dows for some live music before we headed down to the Granary.

M.C and I headed off down to Pollok Park, on Saturday morning, to take part in Park Run. Which after the vast amount of food consumed the previous evening, as well as a few glasses of wine, was pretty remarkable. I've been meaning to try out the Park Run, but have been a little hesitant to go along on my own - just in case I was last. I do have to say that there are all levels of runners at the event, it is really well organised, everyone is really friendly and although a little fragile we had a great run.

Once we had been home and refueled we headed out for a tour around Shawlands and for a browse around some of the shops, Raw Vintage, Hayes and then down to Skirving Street for a browse through Butterfly and Kisses, Note and the Dresser's Room. Then we headed down to Battlefield for some coffee and hot chocolate at Beanscene.

We crossed the river into the city centre, that evening, to the first 'Pop up' exhibition by southside designers Gin Palace. There aim is to showcase and sell the work of talented, cutting edge designers from or with a connection to Scotland. It was a great night with some really interesting designers and artists.

On Sunday morning we headed off to Mise en Place in Polloksheilds for some very tasty breakfast before heading to House for an Art Lover, for a browse around the building and yet more food in the cafe. A fun, hectic whistle stop tour of some fun places in the south. Hope it convinced them to move....