
The Wild Olive Tree
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Quick info
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.
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Menu & Prices
20 dishes · mains £2–9- Red Lentil + Veg£6.85
- Chicken, Leek + Rice£6.85
- Sweet Potato, Carrot + Coriander£6.85
- Butternut, Tomato + Bean£6.85
- Soup & Bread£6.85
- Soup & Bread Large£7.45
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fresh homemade scones, daily homemade soups, sultana scone and sourdough bread with soup.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fresh homemade scones, daily homemade soups, sultana scone and sourdough bread with soup.
Customer Review Summary
Scones are the clear draw at this church-housed cafe, with the Sultana scone singled out repeatedly and reviewers also naming vanilla, pumpkin and sunflower, and cranberry orange, served fresh with jam and clotted cream. Soups come close behind, including cream of mushroom, Moroccan chicken and sweet potato with tomato, served with sourdough or big pieces of bread. Reviewers describe the staff as friendly and the space as light, airy and clean, with plenty of room between tables. Several mention that the cafe supports the homeless and say the prices are low. The recurring drawbacks are about crowding and supply. One reviewer found the cranberry orange scone a little sweet because of its candied orange. Another says there are no menus handed out, so ordering means standing near the entrance, which gets awkward when it is busy. Others note the cafe is popular and suggest arriving early, and one visitor found the soup had run out. Several also mention tea and coffee, and one reviewer was glad that jam came at no extra charge.
Customer Review Summary
Scones are the clear draw at this church-housed cafe, with the Sultana scone singled out repeatedly and reviewers also naming vanilla, pumpkin and sunflower, and cranberry orange, served fresh with jam and clotted cream. Soups come close behind, including cream of mushroom, Moroccan chicken and sweet potato with tomato, served with sourdough or big pieces of bread. Reviewers describe the staff as friendly and the space as light, airy and clean, with plenty of room between tables. Several mention that the cafe supports the homeless and say the prices are low. The recurring drawbacks are about crowding and supply. One reviewer found the cranberry orange scone a little sweet because of its candied orange. Another says there are no menus handed out, so ordering means standing near the entrance, which gets awkward when it is busy. Others note the cafe is popular and suggest arriving early, and one visitor found the soup had run out. Several also mention tea and coffee, and one reviewer was glad that jam came at no extra charge.
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.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
- Closed
Good to know
“Casual, non-profit pick inside an old church offering a range of espresso drinks, soups & scones.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, restroom
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Location
Tea houses near The Wild Olive Tree
- Tea House on the Loch4.64196.8 mi away
dog menu, lentil soup, meringue with cream
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Wild Olive Tree | 4.7538 | — | fresh homemade scones, daily homemade soups, sultana scone |
| Tea House on the Loch | 4.6419 | 6.8 mi away | dog menu, lentil soup, meringue with cream |
The 1 nearest tea houses by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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