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The Wild Olive Tree — Tea Houses in Glasgow

The Wild Olive Tree

Tea HousesGlasgow, SCT

4.7 out of 5 stars4.7(538 reviews)

Quick info

+44 141 248 2049
St George's Tron Church of Scotland, 163 Buchanan St, Glasgow G1 2JX, United Kingdom

About The Wild Olive Tree

Inside St. George's Tron church on Buchanan St in Glasgow, The Wild Olive Tree is a tea house with seating set among the pews of the nave, reached through a side entrance. It runs as a non-profit operation, with a walk-in setup: no menus are handed out, so customers stand near the entrance to look over the options before ordering. Soup service starts at 12pm, with flavors such as cream of mushroom, Moroccan chicken, and sweet potato with tomato base, each served with sourdough bread. Scones change daily, in flavors like sultana, cranberry orange, and pumpkin sunflower, served with clotted cream and jam at no extra charge. Espresso drinks and other desserts round out the counter offerings. Once seated, customers get table service, with staff stopping by to check in over the course of the meal.

Good to know

“Casual, non-profit pick inside an old church offering a range of espresso drinks, soups & scones.”

  • Reservations
    Walk-in only
  • Accessibility
    Wheelchair: entrance, restroom

Reviews

4.7/5
538 reviews

What reviewers say

Reviewers most often mention sultana scone, soup with sourdough bread, clotted cream and jam and supports homeless charity.

5★
432
4★
81
3★
12
2★
3
1★
10

Customer Review Summary

Scones draw the most repeated praise here, with the sultana in particular singled out as a highlight, close behind an array of homemade soups, cream of mushroom, Moroccan chicken, and sweet potato with tomato among those named, served alongside sourdough or thick-cut bread. Several also mention clotted cream and jam included at no extra charge, and tea and coffee brewed well. Staff are repeatedly described as friendly, efficient, and helpful, with table service noted as a pleasant surprise, and the setting inside the church nave is called clean, bright, and airy with generous space between tables. Reviewers frequently mention the cafe's mission supporting the homeless and unemployed, with some suggesting a donation toward that work. Minor drawbacks surface occasionally: one visitor found ordering awkward since menus aren't handed out, and another arrived to find the soup had sold out that day. One reviewer advises arriving early since the spot gets busy.

Featured reviews

  • Google user
    “Visited on family recommendation. Was not disappointed. Great central location. Lovely, friendly welcome and so nice to have table service. Take away, vegetarian and gluten free options too. Chose from a selection of scones, very fresh and tasty and no additional charge for jam, like so many places nowadays! Very impressed with variety of soup and salad options too. Efficient and helpful staff. Very clean, bright, airy and spacious, with plenty of room between tables. So delighted that we visited and will definitely return! 😍”
  • Google user
    “Brilliant cafe. Very popular so get there early. Soups and scones are all excellent.”
  • Google user
    “Finding a sanctuary in the heart of a bustling city is a rare delight, but The Wild Olive Tree offers exactly that. Located within the beautiful sanctuary of St. George’s Tron, this cafe is far more than just a place to grab a drink; it is a profound testament to community and compassion. What immediately drew us to this cafe—and what makes it truly special—is its inspiring mission. Established in 2015 as a ministry of the church, the cafe serves as a social enterprise dedicated to supporting the homeless and unemployed. It is heartening to see a space that genuinely prioritizes those in need, transforming the church building into a genuine place of meeting, rest, and provision. Supporting such a compassionate cause makes every visit feel meaningful. The moment you step inside, you are enveloped by a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The seating arrangements are thoughtfully laid out, inviting you to slow down and enjoy a moment of peace amidst the city's frantic pace. The service is equally warm. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, contributing to the feeling of being truly cared for. We even had the pleasure of meeting the Chaplain, a lovely lady whose presence underscores the cafe’s roots in ministry and kindness. Beyond the wonderful mission and setting, the quality of the refreshments is excellent. We enjoyed tea and coffee, both of which were brewed to perfection. The Sultana scone was a particular highlight—fresh, flavorful, and a perfect accompaniment to our drinks. It is rare to find such high-quality refreshments in a city centre location at such reasonable prices. The Wild Olive Tree is a rare gem in Glasgow. Whether you are looking for a quiet corner to reflect, a warm welcome, or simply a high-quality coffee, this cafe delivers on every front. By choosing to spend your time and money here, you are contributing to a truly worthy cause. We highly recommend visiting this haven of peace and supporting the vital work they do.”
  • Google user
    “This is a nice spot to sit down and have tea / lunch in the busy shopping area. Staff are very friendly.”
  • Google user
    “Best place in Glasgow for a scone. Always fresh. The selection changes daily. Everything including soups and cakes are made on the premises. Ethically sourced goods. Lovely staff on a living wage. Very clean and well priced. The building is easily accessible and there is plenty of space between the tables.”

Amenities

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
Accessibility· 1
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom

Location

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