Soula Cafe: Overcoming the Odds

Glasgow Food - West End

Location, Location, Location!

You couldn’t pick a better location than right in the heart of Finnieston, in the West end. Surrounded by the ever-changing landscape of cafes, restaurants & bars; this neck of the woods is constantly in the conversation of “where we off to today?” Even though Soula has only added their shop front to the Finnieston neighbourhood during the pandemic, the locals have decided that this little hole in the wall cafe is here to stay what looks like well beyond any lockdown or virus the world can throw at it.

What did you have?

Before arriving to Soula, I had heard through the grapevine that the falafel was something I had to get my hands on before they were all gone. Needless to say, I got there before the rush and ravished that thing! (The video below will give you a little sneak peak. I may have kept the embarrassing eating clips for myself though…not ready for the public ridicule quite yet).

They’ll also ask if you want 1 or 2 shots of coffee. I thought it was kind of a no-brainer but I still appreciated the inquiry.

2 shots is the correct answer by the way.

Mo: the man behind it all.

I’m not sure I know anyone that has worked more jobs in different industries than this guy right here.

Graphic designer, antiques dealer, restaurant worker, shop assistant, greengrocer, and that’s just to name a few! He brings all his experience into this place and you can feel it when you talk to him. I’m sure he’d share a couple of stories if you ask nicely…and ordered a soup and a salad.

After things got locked down last year, Mo was stuck between a rock and a hard place, wondering what his options were to earn a living, now that his antiques store was closed. Instead of packing up shop and finding storage for everything, he made some space, did some DIY and birthed what is now Soula. He told me that this was something that he had been thinking about for the last 10 years. No time like the present, huh? Isn’t there a clever quote about necessity and invention? Ugh, I don’t know. Google it. (Mo would).

His determination and willingness to be in an uncomfortable position has allowed him to taste the fruits of success and overcome the odds. He’ll be the first to tell you that it wasn’t easy, and still isn’t. Coming out of this pandemic with a new business however, is something to applaud (and visit if you’re in the ends).

The Spot

Not gonna lie, this is one of the cutest little spots I’ve seen in Glasgow lately. I would call it something like a hole in the wall (I think I did earlier in this article actually) and that’s definitely a good thing. Especially when we’re in a time where you can’t even go into a cafe or restaurant to pick something up. Soula boasts a window out into the street where they can serve the passersby.

The cafe is attached to Mo’s antique house but is split into different sections. If you know where the Hidden Lane is, then it’s right next door.

With it being so close to Kelvingrove Park and right in the midst of hipster-ville (no shade, I love a hipster stash or trendy pair of glasses too), this place is bound to make a killing in the months to come. Just beware of traffic and parking if you’re rolling up on wheels. Can get busy.

So do yourself a favour: go slurp a coffee, chow down on a falafel and say hi to Mo and his staff down in Finnieston soon.

Check them out on IG and show them some love:

@soula_finnieston

Big up Mo!