The Pelican Cafe is an award winning restaurant located in Glasgow’s trendy West End.
Situated directly opposite Kelvingrove Museum and Art Galleries, it is a popular place amongst students and shoppers.
The Pelican Cafe is tucked between an array of shops and cafes on Argyle Street, but the dog friendly sticker on the window was enough to draw us inside.
Upon entering we approached a member of bar staff to be seated, who became rather flustered at the sight of Holly despite the dog-friendly sign, and promptly told us to sit next to the window so Holly could sit in the corner out of the way.
We sat at a wooden table at the window, which provided striking views of the museum and art galleries, and also allowed for people watching in the warm weather.
A friendly waitress took our drinks order straight away.
Despite the shaky start, the atmosphere within the restaurant is calm and relaxing. There is a continental charm to the decor; lashings of creams, reds and browns, with luxurious deep-red leather booths at the back of the restaurant, and wooden tables towards the front for more of a cafe feel whilst people watching.
While there is little lighting, the fairy lights draped above the booths make you feel like you are in Spain, and the mellow jazz and South American music only adds to the atmosphere.
Bottles of wine are stored and stacked on display ready for opening, with great pricing.
Our food order is taken and Holly has sat up on a chair, idly chewing on a treat while she if often fawned over by customers coming in and out.
Out of the bustle of the kitchen, a member of staff who I can only imagine is the manager or owner, comes out to greet us and is extremely friendly towards Holly, telling us of his own pet dogs he owns, dispelling any reservations we had about how welcomed dogs were in the restaurant.
The kitchen faces onto the restaurant, and through the servants hatch the buzz within is on show. The restaurant is filled with the aroma of fresh cooking, just enough to make you desperate for your meal to arrive.
Our waitress is attentive and friendly, delivering our meals and checking on our drinks, popping over to the table every so often to ensure we are enjoying ourselves.
Our food is well presented and smells as delicious as it tastes.
This restaurant prides itself on sourcing it’s core produce locally, ethically and from top quality producers. Their speciality is seafood, however there are a great number of meat dishes, vegetarian and vegan options, and also a childrens menu for families. Children and dogs are allowed into the restaurant until 8pm, although food is served continuously until 10pm.
Blowing all nearby competition out of the water, the delicious food is more than competitively priced starting at £4, but still of great quality. Drinks are also on the cheaper side, not beefing up your bill unless you are buying wine.
There is an upscale West End feel to this restaurant. The atmosphere is mellow and relaxing,
with people quietly talking beneath the music.
Not only does the location provide views of Kelvingrove museum and art gallery but the gardens outside make a fantastic place to take your furry friend for a walk before or after your meal.
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We did have a lovely time, the food definitely made up for the initial welcome.
And Holly was all puffed out after her walkies and treats.
TIP: No doggy bowls or treats on offer here, so best to bring your own.
We recommend: Wild Scottish Mushroom Tart, Tarragon Crust and Poached Egg £5
Our rating
the best of dog-friendly scotland 