WebMarApr18

@
The Cran
www.westendermagazine.com | 37
Reviewed by
Roberto Parrucci
Reaching The Cran on a cold winter
night, I’m struck by its laid back,
comfortable atmosphere with wooden
benches and old armchairs covered with
blankets in tartan patterns. On the naked
brick walls there’s a remarkable piece of
wood hanging, one of those your dog would
find upon an empty Scottish beach. Opposite
the entrance, a series of framed artworks
also serve to brighten the space.
My eye is immediately caught by the counter,
stocking various big pots of appealing food.
A quick glance at the daily’s board and I opt
for a haggis samosa (don’t be fooled, it’s
vegan haggis we’re talking about here) and
a vegan stovie (yes, it’s possible to recreate
the meaty all-round texture, but cruelty-free).
To wash all the food down I opt for the green
machine, a smoothie with broccoli, celery,
spinach, banana and pineapple. This should
be enough to stave off any midday hunger
pangs.
Delving into the haggis samosa, served
with a slightly spicy apple puree on the side
that goes hand in hand with the balanced,
generously stuffed vegan filling, I have the
immediate impression this food hasn’t
lingered long in the counter. It’s fresh, crusty
and an extremely succulent starter.
Sampling the vegan stovie, served with
oaties on the side, this traditional Scottish
recipe is revisited with loads of lentils, beans,
mushrooms, potatoes and carrots. Halfway
through I’m knocked down. The stovie is so
creamy and filling that it immediately gives a
sense of appeasement to my empty stomach.
With this bonanza for foodies, I quickly feel
satisfied having eaten my fill.
Luckily, a few sips of the most refreshing
of smoothies bring me back to normal and
I discover some space for a sweet treat, a
lavish chocolate caramel cake.
The Cran aims to be a crossroad for crafted
food, drinks, arts and work. The food at
the counter is partly in-house made, partly
provided by Face-plant Foods, a wellestablished
plant-based kitchen, providing
the best of stews, curries and soups.
With desserts provided by an artisan
Glasgow-based baker, The Cran makes it
even easier for you via their Instagram stories
for the latest updates on the menu. Artisan
traders can also set-up a pop-up shop
here, present their products at tastings and
showcase their arts and crafts (from jewellery
to vintage clothing, ceramics and plants).
The Cran aims to serve as a community
space, a venue for events and workshops.
The philosophy of this wee pearl is to try
and shop as local as possible. Have you
ever met a cow in Glasgow? Well, next time
you sink into the Cran’s creamy cappuccino,
rest assured it’s a weegie cow’s milk you’re
tasting.
The Cran
994 Argyle Street G3 8LU
0141 237 3435
thecran.co.uk
Image I Gregor Reid