Wandering aimlessly in Glasgow is a favourite past time & one highly recommended as during a recent meander I stumbled across The Hidden Lane. How magical does that sound? And yes- it wasn’t too unlike a Harry Potter moment as the cobbled path turned a corner into a mythical village. Ok, so perhaps it’s only a few rows of buildings but some are brightly painted and on closer inspection I discovered each one functions as a creative studio. This, to the lucky few who don’t yet know it is The Hidden Lane a bohemian hub for creative ‘types’ located just behind Argyll Street.

Most of the architecture is similar to that found on Ashton Lane except these possess a charm in their crumbling state. Design agencies, a music studio and other media spaces have quietly set up business here. At the top corner sits the Hidden Lane Café and Gallery a hotchpotch building with old glass windows and a stiff door. From the slightly steamed windows fairy lights can be seen to twinkle inside, with a menu stand tempting customers from the other. After giving the door a good push the rush of heat from the open kitchen welcomed me in. Looking around I instantly feel in love with the interior. Split by a wooden beamed mezzanine the café has an odd but sweet assortment of stools, wicker seats and tables.

The woman at the counter, complete with linen apron motioned out to pick a seat and without apology I made my way to one upstairs for a full nosey around. The gallery element of the café is evident in the prints hung around the walls with a designated space for events posters and promotion of their poetry and music nights. I chose a coffee with cake and listened to the eclectic music and gentle chatter of other customers. I felt like I had stopped in on an Aunt preparing food at home, as the woman singing cheerfully looked quite unconcerned about settling the bill. Taking the cash she smiled said a goodbye then turned back to her chopping board.

Join the community www.thehiddenlane.co.uk

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This review was published in Scotcampus (Sep 09) www.scotcampus.com/freshers09