Tinderbox
Quick info
About Tinderbox
On Ingram Street in Glasgow, Tinderbox spreads across two floors with large windows and a mezzanine level. A piano sits in the back room. Cakes and snacks cover the counter, including gluten free options like strawberry slice and raspberry brownie, alongside toasties such as ham and cheese served with a bag of crisps. Orders are taken at the counter and a buzzer lets customers know when food is ready, since there is no table service. Free wifi and tables with power sockets suit anyone settling in to work. The shop opens daily and takes walk-ins only. A step-free entrance suits visitors with mobility needs, and outdoor seating extends the space for those who want to sit outside. High chairs are available for families with young children, and dogs are welcome inside. The shop sits near Queen Street station, across from the Channel 4 building.
Good to know
- ParkingPaid street parking · Parking
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating · Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Good for kidsHigh chairs
- DietaryVegan options · Vegetarian options
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention gluten free cakes, plug sockets for working, two-floor spacious seating and toasted sandwiches and toasties.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention gluten free cakes, plug sockets for working, two-floor spacious seating and toasted sandwiches and toasties.
Customer Review Summary
Coffee is what most reviewers return to Tinderbox for, with several calling it excellent, smooth and refreshing, and a decaf mocha and flavoured lattes get specific praise. Food sits close behind. Reviewers single out a toasted chicken, cheese and jalapeno sandwich, a ham and cheese toastie with crisps, and a salt caramel tart. A gluten free strawberry slice and raspberry brownie also draw praise, though one reviewer notes there are no gluten free sandwiches. Many also like the large tables, plug sockets and good wifi across two floors, and several describe friendly staff. The recurring complaint is upkeep: reviewers mention uncleaned, littered tables, downstairs seating covered in dirty cups and trays, a dingy look, and flies around the drink stations. Service draws a few negatives too. One reviewer found the cashier sullen and the room very hot. Another says a coffee was too hot to drink, and after it spilled, staff told them to pay for a replacement.
Customer Review Summary
Coffee is what most reviewers return to Tinderbox for, with several calling it excellent, smooth and refreshing, and a decaf mocha and flavoured lattes get specific praise. Food sits close behind. Reviewers single out a toasted chicken, cheese and jalapeno sandwich, a ham and cheese toastie with crisps, and a salt caramel tart. A gluten free strawberry slice and raspberry brownie also draw praise, though one reviewer notes there are no gluten free sandwiches. Many also like the large tables, plug sockets and good wifi across two floors, and several describe friendly staff. The recurring complaint is upkeep: reviewers mention uncleaned, littered tables, downstairs seating covered in dirty cups and trays, a dingy look, and flies around the drink stations. Service draws a few negatives too. One reviewer found the cashier sullen and the room very hot. Another says a coffee was too hot to drink, and after it spilled, staff told them to pay for a replacement.
Featured reviews
- Serventofgod Doyle
“Toilets blocked and really dirty, staff were good and very sorry about there toilets”
- Rachel Fielding
“Super welcome from staff on a wet day. Dog friendly and bowls of water provided. Good choice of vegan food - and especially recommend lentil soup. Lovely vibe.”
- Robin M.
“The Tinderbox has a welcoming urban cafe vibe, with great coffee, toasties and pastries. Try the Pasteis de Nata - a delicious Portuguese treat that is not to be missed!”
- Nurul Azrai
“Stylish cafe in central Glasgow, minutes from Queen Street station, close to Strathclyde Uni. Spread over two floors, lots of seating. Decent food, typical cafe prices. Wasn't busy when O was there so service was very quick. Provides free wifi + wall sockets - convenient for thisd wanting to "work from cafe!" Opens till late, again, another plus.”
- Tony Richardson
“Great little coffee shop and service was very friendly”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Caffeine fixes, cakes and snacks in a contemporary coffee shop with large windows and mezzanine.”
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Popular for breakfast
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for solo dining
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Paid street parking
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed inside
- Delivery
- Takeaway
Show more amenities
- Dine-in
- Vegan options
- Bar on site
- Casual
- On-site services
- Coffee
- Dining options· 5
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Popular for· 2
- Solo dining
- Good for working on laptop
- Facilities· 1
- Toilet
- Crowd· 3
- Groups
- Tourists
- University students
- Parking· 1
- Parking
- Offerings· 2
- Quick bite
- Vegetarian options
- Highlights· 2
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Atmosphere· 2
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Family-friendly· 1
- High chairs
Location
Coffee shops near Tinderbox
- Absolute Roasters4.82620.5 miVegan options
fresh pastries and croissants, takeaway only, no seating, morning breakfast rolls
- Smile Cafe4.64870.8 mi£1–10Vegan options
scrambled eggs on toast, italian sausage roll, italian espresso
- Gudea Coffee House4.93521.1 miOutdoor seating
arabic coffee (qahwa), date balls, tiramisu
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TinderboxOutdoor seating · Vegan options | 4.21,185 | — | £15–30 | gluten free cakes, plug sockets for working, two-floor spacious seating |
| Absolute RoastersVegan options | 4.8262 | 0.5 mi | — | fresh pastries and croissants, takeaway only, no seating, morning breakfast rolls |
| Smile CafeVegan options | 4.6487 | 0.8 mi | £1–10 | scrambled eggs on toast, italian sausage roll, italian espresso |
| Gudea Coffee HouseOutdoor seating | 4.9352 | 1.1 mi | — | arabic coffee (qahwa), date balls, tiramisu |
The 3 nearest coffee shops by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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