Shawlands is an area in Glasgow's Southside that, as well as being largely residential, has a main road that is packed with individual eateries and quirky boutique. There are plenty of opportunities to eat, drink shop and even dance the night away in Shawlands, and this is a guide to my favourite ways to spend a day here.

The road you want to visit is Kilmarnock Rd as this is where all the action happens- here, or just off a side street. Everything is within just a few minutes walk of each other too; which makes it a handy compact location for a day out.

Eating In Shawlands

Bella Napoli is a fabulous Italian establishment that serves delicious, hearty and authentic Italian food from pizzas and pastas to foccacia sandwiches. It's a great place for dinner or lunch for all the family, and is split over two floors- the ground floor is a casual cafe-style area to grab your meal in relaxed surroundings; wheras, downstairs is a more formal a la carte style Italian dining experience. There really is something for everyone here, and the staff are so friendly and welcoming.Follow up your visit there with a trip to Cheer Me Up Froyo is a small take-out frozen yogurt bar that serves mountains of the cold creamy stuff with every topping you can imagine. It's a great way to round off a lunch or dinner at Bella Napoli.

Drinking In Shawlands

The Granary is a good old-fashioned pub that you can park yourselves in with a group of friends and drink the night away alongside as many packets of crisps as you can handle. When they close, you can head across the road to The Shed (providing you are dressed for it); which is a dark night club with pumping music and a student crowd.

Shopping In Shawlands

Nuala Ashe is a pretty and delicate gift boutique selling gifts (aimed mostly at women) and cute homeware. They always have beautiful selections of jewellery and scarves in stock from independent designers; along with more mainstream items such as Lily Flame candles and greetings cards. If you are looking for a present for someone, you'll get the process done and dusted (and beautifully wrapped) in here in no time at all.Pierrot et Coco is a quirky, luxurious and elegant boutique that sells everything from stationery to beauty and homewares. It's every stylish woman's paradise.

Lots of the beauty is from unusual but luxury European brands that you'd have difficulty finding anywhere else- such as Ortigia and Alvarez Gomez.

The homewares on offer are a mish-mash of unique treasures from independent brands- again with a strong French/European influence.

Honey Boutique is a modern clothing store with trendy pieces aimed at the 20s-30s age group. It features mostly trend-led and celebrity-inspired clothing and footwear, and holds collection's such a Geordie Shore's Vicky's The VIP Collection By Vicky. This store is the ideal place to go if you are looking for everything you need for an outfit for a sparkling night out on the town.

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*Cover image courtesy of Google Maps.