I've lived in Strasbungo for a while so it's obvious to see why it appeals to so many people. (Image: Nicola Roy/Leach PLC)
Local areas don't often grab headlines. If that's the reason for being positive, it's a pretty great feeling. That's how I felt last week when my little Scottish neighbour was chosen as one of the best places to live in the UK by the Sunday Times.
Strathbungo, a small but vibrant gem on the south side of Glasgow, truly has that moment. Last September, it was named Scotland's coolest region and was named one of the world's most hips by timeout experts. Living here to be up to 3 years and seeing how it went at that point with new openings and events, I can see that it definitely deserves this title.
Read more about cute towns with “views around every corner” named after the best UK homes
You can walk anywhere in Strasbungo and the streets are beautiful (Image: Nicola Roy/Leach PLC)
Experts at the Sunday Times described Strasbungo as “evidently a village.” The transformation into a residential suburb began in 1860.
Experts visited individual locations on the list and made decisions based on home prices, schools or famous residents as well as access to culture, high street conditions and green spaces.
It is a small area consisting of just a few streets hidden near Queen's Park and Govan Hill, but is packed with impressive architecture that presents amazing amenities, exciting events, breathtaking scenery and fresh things to explore continuously.
The cafes, restaurants, bars and shops in Strathbungo are one of the great things about living there (Image: Nicola Roy/Leach PLC)
The thriving café culture on the south side is my personal favourite attraction and my personal favourite about it, especially on Sunday mornings. Burnfield Bakery on Pollokshaws Road stands out. Its display windows are always packed with the delights of charming viennoiserie styles, such as cinnamon bread and babcas.
Pollokshaws Road also features Gusto and Relish, 721 Hinba, Grain and Grind, and Sunnyacre. Perfect for modifying caffeine and pastries in the morning.
If you're looking for something more important later in the day, there's no shortage of eateries. Bungo is a perfect spot for meals and a few drinks, and is also the perfect place to see people.
Japanese cuisine enthusiasts should make beelines for wasabi. Among the delicious products are sushi, cutlet curry, ramen, and an array of matcha flavors – a drink at the moment – a must-see.
Little Hoi An serves amazing authentic Vietnamese cuisine (Image: Nicola Roy/Leach PLC)
And Little Hoi An, a great Vietnamese restaurant hidden on Alison Street, is well worth a visit if you're craving a warm bowl of noodles or a bowl of noodles.
In my opinion, the area may not have as many late-night bars as the city centre, but one of the few drawbacks that resides here is that there are still plenty of great places to spend the night. Here, from Allison Arms to Corruel Shipyard, there are plenty of cozy pubs here to ensure there is no shortage of new spots to check out.
The Rum Shed is a great choice to fantasize dances, host DJs from all over the world, and offer a diverse selection of music that perfectly embodies the community spirit of Strasbungo.
The stunning interiors of Marchtown are a great place to sit and watch people while drinking orange wine. I can't wait until it's warm enough to sit outside.
Bungo is a great place to see people (Image: Daily Record/Nicola Roy)
The Strathbungo in spring is stunning and it's great to see so many people out.
A short five-minute walk leads to the lush lush splendor of Queens Park.
For those seeking retail therapy, be sure to check out our cooperation, a hidden treasure trove of shops off Main Street. While some great rewards are a must-see for vinyl collectors, the tailor's vintage offers eclectic clothing that you won't find on the high streets.
The area has a wealth of charity shops and the category stands out as a great independent queer bookstore. They host regular reads and events and provide book delivery services.
Strathbungo may not have the same fame as certain areas west or south of Glasgow, but it boasts a strong sense of community and has a wealth of attractions. It's no surprise that it was chosen as one of the best places to live.
Sholand has plans to build a flat on a shopping arcade site, which has many residents confused and worried about the potential impact on local property values.
Meanwhile, Strathbungo maintains its appeal and more affordable housing options, but these prices are rising rapidly.
What's unloved as excellent transport links to the city centre, plenty of parking spaces, flat white and almond croissants always make attractive promises within reach?