Cottonrake

Hi everyone, my name is Craig and I’m addicted to tarts.
My introduction to Cottonrake was only a couple of days ago when my wife kindly brought home some tarts and a black pudding sausage roll but now I’m hooked!
Yesterday my wife, recognising the withdrawal symptoms, brought some more of their delicious goodies home including a slice of carrot cake and a white chocolate and raspberry tart.
I’ll start with the carrot cake — wonderfully moist and full of flavour. It was light enough to be filling but not so much that I couldn’t tackle the tart!
Where do I start with the tart…
Light, thin shortcrust pastry filled with a smooth, glossy white chocolate ganache and topped with a quenelle of cream and solitary raspberry.
At first I was confused, does one raspberry on top really count?
Not dwelling on my thoughts too much I took a bite and wow! The pastry flaked away, the ganache was perfect and in the centre was a sharp raspberry compote.
Now it all makes sense!
If desserts were heroin, Cottonrake would be my dealer.

Wow!
I decided I was going to be a lovely wife and stop in for some baked yummies for the hubby on the way home yesterday. Cottonrake was nearby AND recommended. Perfect. It’s fairly small and it was busy so I waited patiently by the door on my turn, and when it eventually came I was a little overwhelmed by the array of cakes, pastries and breads in front of me!
I opted for the pear tart, the black pudding sausage roll and on recommendation of the lovely girl who served me, the dark chocolate tart (although she vouched for everything they sell obviously). Off I went to get the Subway, then the train, the whole time my little box of goodies whispering «go on, eat me before you get home». My willpower won out though and I made it home, all three items in tact.
We were on our way out again as soon as we got in so opted to split the black pudding sausage roll to keep us going. YUM! Crispy flaky pastry with what felt like a hundred delicate layers, coated with roasted rosemary to give it even more depth of flavour. The black pudding itself didn’t dry out a bit. I’m one big fusspot when it comes to black pudding and it ticked all of the boxes for me.
After that I coaxed hubby into sharing the tarts with me so we split them later in the evening. That dark chocolate tart may look dense, but the ganache filling was surprising light. It had no bitterness and that little quinell of cream and pistachios really cut through the strong chocolate flavour beautifully.
The pear tart was my favourite. Probably one of my favourite pastries I’ve ever tried if I’m being honest. Crumbly pastry, with a little sweet jammy layer at the bottom, delicately moist and light frangipane in the middle and topped with a soft, juicy caramelised pear and loads of tasty almonds. What’s not to love about this?
Cottonrake is seriously impressive. Hubby almost took the VERY long way home yesterday to sample some more of their tarts and even though I’m not much of a sweet tooth I totally condone this behaviour and can’t wait to try more!

I paid a visit to Cottonrake Bakery one chilly Monday morning and it was absolutely delightful. I had the white chocolate tart and tea and my boyfriend had carrot and walnut cake and a latte. We sat in the bakery which although small is very comforting. The cakes were mouthwatering, there wasn’t much talking while were eating put plenty of «mmmms» and «oh my god you need to try this!» You can see glimpses of people baking behind the scenes and there is an amazing smell within the bakery. There is an amazing array of cakes to enjoy and freshly prepared sandwiches. We couldn’t resist purchasing 2 pastrami and gherkin sandwiches to take away.

Quite possibly the most delicious cookie I’ve ever eaten in my entire life. Holy moly I feel compelled to drive back and buy 5 more!

Favourite. Bakery. Ever.
I’ve tried most of their goodies (that’s what happens when it’s located between where you live and your university), and everything I’ve tried is delicious. Favourites are scones with clotted cream and their homemade jam, their carrot & walnut cake, and their brownie. Their bread is also amazing. The space is tiny, and at lunchtimes plus at weekends it’s usually really crowded, but most of the time you’ll be able to get a seat. The staff is really friendly too.

Seriously this holds the Best Bakery in Glasgow Award for me, if not the Best Bakery Anywhere At All In The World.
I am a huge fan of Cottonrake. I used to pay regular visits to Cottonrake in its original location in Partick when I was living in the West End. Its (relatively) new premises on Great Western Road is definitely an improvement with a much brighter shop and more space to display their incredibly delicious wares! It is however still on the small side with limited seating, and very limited space for Mums like me with big space-​hogging prams!
Anything I have tried from Cottonrake has not just been good, but been amazing! From their stunning white chocolate tarts (my most favourite Cottonrake treat) to crunchy, chewy white chocolate and cranberry cookies, to incredibly velvety brownies, to moist carrot cake with generously applied layer of sumptuous cream cheese icing. Their savoury treats are just as delicious.
My only niggle with Cottonrake is that a lot of their bakes, even if they don’t contain nuts, are sprinkled with nuts. A real bummer for my nut allergy-​suffering husband… All the more for me! ;)

CARROT AND WALNUT CAKE!!! That is all you need to know. It is DIVINE. I would say THE best Carrot cakes I’ve tasted in a looooooong time (my Mum used to make a mean CC), YUM!
Heard SO many good things about Cottonrake ~ Unilocalers, my boss, random strangers… well not the last one but it wouldn’t surprise me as a lot of people have a lot of love for this wee bakery.
I’ve walked this place umpteen times but unfortunately it seemed every time I walked past the cupboards were bare :-(This was due to the time of day (late) I was passing. So when my friend was up visiting and we were wandering down GWR one sunny early afternoon I suggested we pop in just to see what goodies they did have… they were mid-​refurbishments (or something?) so I don’t know if this meant they had a limited choice? All I know is I spotted lots of delicious looking bakes & cakes. After trying to decide on what to have (it ALL looked amazing) I opted for a (generous) slice of the Carrot & Walnut cake with a flat white coffee & my friend had a cookie of some description; I can’t actually remember what flavour it was because as soon as I had tasted my Carrot & Walnut cake it was like NOTHING ELSE MATTERED! I was in my own personal cake Heaven. WOW. SO amazing. The cake was so moist, super tasty and the cream cheese topping was incredible. I noticed you can actually buy WHOLE cakes here… err…I think I know what I want for my birthday now! Uh. BEST CAKE!
Seating wise there isn’t much space (couple of window benches & another wee table) but its a bakery/​take away kinda place anyway. The coffee was also nice & I liked that they had bottled tap water & glasses for us to help ourselves too also. My friend was happy with her cookie (I did try it & it was also really good) & I was ecstatic with my hunk o’ lurve cake… mmm…
Staff were also friendly & one lady in particular took a shine to my friends wee boy :-) He is a wee cutie.
So aye. CAKE!!!

I live right down the road from Cottonrake which is dangerously close. I have tried some of their sweets and they are to die for. Honestly, every time I walk by I try to reason with myself why I shouldn’t get a tart. I have loved everything I have tried.

Wow, just wow. After seeing Pam G’s photo of cake from here I knew I had to try here. After brunch at Left Bank, I was still peckish and craving some sugar. The selection was incredible and I don’t think I have ever seen brownies so big. Proper brick slabs!
I had an incredible white chocolate and raspberry tart and my friend had a raisin scone. I love bakeries that properly package their goods, so no spills or tears on the way home. Here takes both card and cash which is so useful.
I will definitely be back to try a coffee and some more sweet treats. Will also be bringing my Mum who loves white chocolate.

My first encounter with the Cottonrake today. I honestly could live in this place. I stood salivating for a good 10 minutes before I could decide what to have!
A tiny little place, with seats in every space imaginable (which were all filled). You can see the bakers working away in the postage stamp sized kitchen as you stand at the till.
Although I’d been recommended the White Chocolate Tart, I could not resist the Lemon Meringue Tart. It was so zingy with the crumbliest, most delicious pastry I’ve ever tried. I literally ate it in about 3 bites.
Martyn had the Dark Chocolate and Caramel Tart. I (of course), had a taste. It was almost bitter with the dark chocolate, with sweetness from a thick layer of caramel. It was delicious but I don’t think I could manage a whole one.
Knowing we’d be out for the next 2 days, I didn’t buy any bread. I’ll 100% be back to sample their bread though as the smell was out of this world.
A gorgeous wee bakery well worth a visit.

This
likens the bakery i want
in my neighbourhood
whyy
isn’t it. damn.
You can’t really pass up that whiff of fresh ‘just out of the oven’ bread and baked goodies. Something as simple as hot cross buns are delightful. The humongous brownie glistening its shiny chocolate skin before flaking off to chocolatey decadence. should come with a food porn disclaimer.
Its a bit cramped but they do a good job with using space efficiently with bar stools and a mini communal mesa to the left. Staff were not over friendly, but well on top of things, quick and fast in the kitchen where it counted. Cashier was a friendly face and helpful with me deciding which sandwich I wanted more :)
I’m not regularly in the west end but now when I am, I’ll go via Great Western Rd to make a pit stop at Cottonrake for a gratifying sumthin sumthin.

We popped in to find a slice of celebratory cake for John’s bday, but since it was after 3pm we missed out on any cakes they had hard earlier. We were disappointed at first but then John got a chocolate torte and I got a normal scone. John LOVED the chocolate torte which was rich and creamy like a chocolate mouse almost. My scone was delicious and the strawberry Jam was yummy, probably not homemade but tasted that way! =) I also really liked my latte! John enjoyed his tea =). Will be back again for a treat.

Another quaint bakery café you can stop by along Great Western Road! I felt like I needed a bit more energy after my yoga class today so I headed up to Cottonrake for some coffee and a simple lunch.
Fresh bread for my BLT sandwich and a cappuccino really hit the spot for me! Was a nice treat after a tough workout!
Staff are very quick and friendly. Best thing is also looking at all the freshly baked goods! Such a treat for the eyes, nose and mouth yum yum.
Didn’t get to try their baked goods today but will be back for it and more for sure!

I’ve been a regular visitor to Cottonrake since they opened in Partick. They do the most wonderful cakes, pastries and sandwiches. Popping in here for lunch or tea and cake is always a highlight. My favourite thing is the chocolate brownie and I would recommend it to everyone.
The only downside is the small number of seats. I’m always hoping they open a larger second branch.

I’ve been meaning to write a review about Cottonrake ever since I discovered it back when it was situated in Partick. A tiny little artisan bakery with stunning produce, it’s no wonder they branched out!
The bakery is now situated on busy Great Western Road and is at least twice the size of their original store — a testament to their growth over the past year. The new store has a sit in option which would have been impossible in Partick, and I decided to pop in to see how the new store was faring.
Their cabinet was filled with the usual gorgeous looking treats I expected from Cottonrake and I decided to sit in and enjoy! I ordered a pork shoulder sausage roll and a chocolate and raspberry tart — it was Saturday after all, only fair to treat myself! I went to pay and was, to be honest, a little shocked by the price. I knew that the items were a bit more expensive than your average Greggs but I discovered there was a 30p charge for every item if you choose to sit in. This added an extra £1.20 to the cost for my partner and I — a little steep, perhaps?
Nevertheless, we sat down to enjoy our delicious looking treats, starting with the sausage roll. The pastry was perfect, crisp and golden brown and sprinkled with herbs. The meat inside was flavoursome but alas, a little bit dry. I got to try a bit of the pork shoulder and black pudding sausage roll which actually I ended up prefering. It had much more flavour and a gorgeous colour to it.
What I was really looking forward to though was my stunning chocolate and raspberry tart and it did not disappoint. The little meringue peaks on top were a fluffy marshmallow texture, the chocolate filling was perfectly rich, and then underneath, a layer of raspberry coulis to cut through all that thick chocolate. It was heavenly, and honestly, I could have eaten one double the size.
Everything in that bakery was calling for me to try it, buy it, take it home. Their selection of freshly baked breads looked wonderful, and their brownies made me salivate. I would definitely recommend trying Cottonrake but I would advise you to take away. Don’t pay 30p per item extra to sit in a slightly cramped space — although this was due to the fact that it was a Saturday morning and people were rushing in to buy bread and other treats.
If you want great quality baking, then Cottonrake is certainly worth a visit, but be prepared to pay for that quality, which frankly, seems only fair. I’ll be saving up my pennies before my next trip back!

My first visit to Cottonrake (I know!) and I’ll definitely be back.
Wandering round the area I was in need of something to keep me going, and as it was early there were seats available so I popped in.
First things first, this is not a big place. I’d imagine the bulk of their revenue comes from takeaway but that’s no bad thing.
I ordered my flat white and a blueberry frangipane tart and sat down. A few moments later I turned in my seat and reached over to take my coffee and tart — yup it’s that small.
The coffee was good, a solid blend and a good temperature, but oh my days the tart was delicious!
They bake everything from scratch and it shows. A fresh pastry, a wonderfully moist frangipane, with little bursts of blueberry with every mouthful, so so good.
I didn’t linger long, it’s not that kind of place, but I will definitely be stopping in next time I pass. Cake heaven!

I was in the vicinity and looking for a fresh baked treat and a hot drink, and Cottonrake did not disappoint. My wife and I shared a chocolate tart and a scone (with clotted cream and jam). I almost always tend to favour chocolate over anything and today was no different. I ordered a breakfast tea and I’m happy to report that it was loose tea, and it was also served at a good strength. (I can’t figure out why so many other places serve loose tea so weak, except that they have no real idea how much to put in).
Since everything is baked fresh that day the section was a bit limited later in the afternoon, so I’m looking forward to trying it out earlier in the day… but I have no doubts that I whatever I order is going to taste amazing.

Great Western Road has long been needing a bakery and Cottonrake has answered that call!
They make everything from scratch from black pudding and sausage rolls to bread and dark chocolate tarts.
Everytime I have been in the staff have been really friendly and it has been always been so busy that I’ve only ever taken away and never sat in (They do however have only about 8 seats).
It is definitely worth a visit for one their white chocolate tarts but I would recommend getting there early as they tend to run out of delicious goodies into the afternoon.
On a bonus point they also open on a Sunday!

Cottonrake has been on my list of places to check out for ages, finally today the parking and time Gods conspired to make it possible. Great Western Road is rapidly becoming Glasgow’s coffee quarter and Cottonrake holds it’s own with an americano with a head like a pint of Guinness. The coffee was strong and tasty with no over roasted bitterness. But lets face it I didn’t visit Cottonrake for the coffee, they could have served me nescafe and I probably would have forgiven them.
I took ages to choose what to eat. The lemon meringue tart, carrot and walnut cake, dark chocolate tart, almond croissant and treacle tart all looked absolutely amazing and if I wasn’t attempting to convince myself that I am low carbing I would have taken one of each home. As I am trying not to use Peppa Pig as a dieting mentor I decided to be reasonably sensible and have a cinnamon bun. When I say reasonably sensible I of course mean that the cinnamon buns were huge, sticky looking and I like to pretend I would fit right in in a scandi-​thriller with my penchant for strong coffee and cinnamon flavoured pastries. It was spectacularly good and the perfect choice for morning coffee.
G came with me and as per usual he straight away decided on a scone, bless him and his predictiveness! He was impressed with the generous size but got cross with the too hard butter. Being a scone aficionado this is an aft repeated gripe, cold butter ruins a beautifully soft scone and destroys the structural integrity — can you tell that I hear this a lot? I did manage to beg for a taste and regardless of his moaning about the butter it was a tasty scone and I’m pretty sure that the delicious raspberry jam was homemade.
There isn’t much seating and despite the brilliant people watching potential I can’t see myself rushing back to sit in and while away the hours with a long luxurious coffee break. It’s just too cramped to be anything more than a quick pit stop. But in terms of a cake cabinet I’ve never been as stuck for what to choose and now I just need to work out when I can get back to try something else…

The cakes range from soft and gooey delicious Double Chocolate Cookies to the moreish White Chocolate and Raspberry tart (which is one of the nicest things I have ever eaten). Every cake I have had from here has been exceptional. My one negative might be that there isn’t a massive selection of cakes, but what they do have is incredible.
They also do a selection of breads, which I have only tried once and wasn’t a big fan of. It is worth noting that I am not a massive fan of artisan breads anyway so don’t let my judgement put you off.
Well worth a special visit to pick up a treat.