Rouken Glen Park was leased to East Renfrewshire in 1994, but it belongs to the citizens of Glasgow. Archibald Cameron Corbett, MP for Tradeston and later Lord Rowallan, gifted the estate and mansion house in 1906. Generations have roamed around the wide open spaces punctuated by grand old trees – climbing on rocks, lying out on the grass, taking the dog for a walk or letting the kids play on the swings. The parks in and around our Dear Green Place are one of the city’s best features.
The boating pond here once actually had a lot of boats. Now it’s the preserve of the swans and ducks, but still looks picture perfect on a sunny day.
The Boathouse cafe serves ice cream from its front window, particularly popular this week. Inside is an open dining room, with a collection of contrasting furniture in a busy space. The lunchtime crowd is mostly parents, grandparents and young children. The atmosphere is relaxed and buzzy without being too noisy. There’s a terrace outside where you can sit in the sun, should the opportunity arise.
Pop in for a coffee and something from the cake cabinet on the counter. Or stay for a more substantial meal. Pretty much everything is fresh and tasty and of a high standard. You can tell that they care about what they serve.
It’s simple food but the ingredients and flavours shine through. Not often we’re compelled to tell you to order a chicken and bacon wrap but it is excellent here. Served with lettuce, mayo, side salad, sour cream and homemede salsa.
Elsewhere on the menu there’s comfort food like fish and chips, mac ‘n’ cheese, cheese burgers and triple decker sandwiches – steak and onion with dijon mustard is our favourite. There’s also a selection of elaborate salads.
You’ll leave happier than when you arrived.
Walk off your lunch with a stroll to the Rouken Glen waterfall.
The Boathouse, Rouken Glen
Davieland Road
Giffnock
G46 7UG
Tel: 0141 638 6203
Email: enquiries@roukenglenboathouse.co.uk
