The Glasgow Times most read food and drink stories from 2021

From food trucks serving 'Posh Mince and Tatties' to futuristic pizza vending machines, we've loved covering it all here at the Glasgow Times.

Now, to mark the end of 2021, we've decided to round up the list of our most read food and drink stories from the past 12 months to see what's been a hit with our foodie followers.

Think you can guess what they are?

Read on for the top ten:

1. "TV Chef James Martin opens loaded baked potato shop in Glasgow shopping centre"

Who would have thought a humble spud could inspire our most-read food story of the year?

That's right, it was the opening of TV chef James Martin's SpudULike in Braehead shopping centre that caused the biggest stir amongst the city's foodies in 2021.

To be fair, a Butter Chicken topped baked potato does sound tempting...

Read the full story here.

2. "Here are the Glasgow beer gardens getting ready to reopen in April"

Although we've chosen not to include round-ups or reviews in our most read list, we felt that this article written during the Spring deserved to be counted.

It's mindblowing to think that just a few months ago the entire hospitality industry was once again placed under tight restrictions as we entered a post-Christmas lockdown.

The high number of readers (putting this story in second place) is a real testament to just how much we were missing a cold pint enjoyed with friends.

Let's make sure to never take the simple pleasure for granted again.

Read the full story here. 

3. "Leonardo Di Caprio spotted in Glasgow West End restaurant during COP26 visit"

Of course, a visit from Hollywood's finest was one of our biggest stories of the year.

A-list actor Leonardo DiCaprio was spotted leaving West End institution The Gannet back in November as he spent time in the city for COP26.

We can't help but wonder what he ordered, but according to The Glasgowist: 'If he was there for the set menu fine dining experience he would have enjoyed dishes including Loch Creran oyster with a Vietnamese dressing, line caught mackerel, highland red deer and a dessert made with Bare Bones chocolate, who have recently opened a shop in the East End of the city'

Fancy inviting us next time, Leo?

Read the full story here.

4. "Here is the amazing reason a popular Glasgow restaurant will close on a Sunday"

The Battlefield Rest recently celebrated an astonishing 27 years in business and, going by this story written in August, we can see why.

Owner Marco Giannasi decided to close his restaurant one day a week to look after the well being of his staff following an immensely stressful year for industry workers.

Bravo, Marco!

Read the full story here.

5. "Meet the Calton boy behind trendy Barras seafood truck"

The popularity of this heartwarming story makes it clear that we love to see local talent thrive.

'Calton born and bred' chef Kevin O’Hagan told us all about his new venture, the Salt and Sea food truck, which he had recently opened to sell out queues in his home neighbourhood.

Six months later we're still thinking about his recipe for Posh Mince and Tatties.

Read the full story here.

6. "'It’s a wee bit of a family affair': Meet the owners of new Glasgow bakery Partenope"

The news of an authentic Italian deli opening in Shawlands had our readers clicking for more back in July.

Proving that the pandemic could be used as a push to follow lifelong dreams, owner Sara Capaldi told her story and gave us the lowdown on what we could expect from her family run business.

Read the full story here.

7. "Inside the Southside's coolest new underground bar"

There really is no were quite like Mr Lincoln on Pollokshaws Road.

The basement, speakeasy-style bar was the talk of the town when they opened their doors this summer.

We visited the uber cool underground hangout to snap some photos and learn a little more about what this 'secret' spot was bringing to the neighbourhood.

Read the full story here.

8."'Absolutely devastated': Food fans gutted as favourite Southside venue announces closure"

Another sign of just how much Glasgow's Southsiders care for their foodie favourites.

The sad news that Gnom on Pollokshaws Road was set to close for good ranked highly on our list of most read stories this year.

Owners Fliss Andrew and Tom announced the news on social media after an 'unforgettable three years' much to the dismay of brunch lovers everywhere.

Has anyone managed to replicate their signature Boa Buns or Turkish Eggs yet? Asking for a friend.

Read the full story here.

9. "We visit the Little Curry House to see what's new after their £150k refurb"

This story about the joyous return of a West End Indian restaurant proved a hit in October of this year.

We tried their new tapas-style menu and chatted with Jasdeep Singh, who had recently taken over the running of the Little Curry House on Byres Road from his father.

Read the full story here.

10. "Glasgow's pizza vending machine sees viral success thanks to this student"

Ending the list on a somewhat surreal note is our interview with a Glasgow student whose TikTok video of a local pizza vending machine went viral earlier this year.

20-year-old Honey Keenan racked up a massive 1.5million views for her post which showed a step by step process of ordering her dinner.

Could these bizarre vending machines be the future of food in Glasgow? 

We'll just have to wait for our 2022 list to know for sure.

Read the full story here.