Stepping into the cafe, I was struck by its airy and comfortable feel. The decor is minimalist, with white walls and an exposed ceiling, which gives it a slightly sterile, yet modern, vibe. The staff, however, are anything but cold; they were incredibly welcoming and attentive throughout my visit. I ordered a black Americano and asked for a smaller cup to ensure a stronger brew, but unfortunately, the coffee itself was quite bland and lacked a robust flavor.
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Before you go
- Chef / owner
- Launch Foods Foundation / Craig Johnson (charity SC049694)
- Opened
- 2022
- Style
- Social-enterprise café: coffee and light food whose profits fund free meals for Glasgow primary school children
- Setting
- Former city-centre café at 99 Bothwell Street (closed); current café on Cresswell Street, West End
- Known for
- charity café, funding free school meals, coffee and toasties, social enterprise
- Good for
- coffee with a social purpose, quick business-district lunch (when Bothwell St was open)
- Reservations
- Walk-ins often fine
- Booking
- Bothwell Street closed Jan 2026. Visit Launch Coffee on Cresswell Street (West End) or see launchfoods.org — no table booking needed for café trade
- Book online
- Open booking page
- Getting there
- Bothwell Street site was near Glasgow Central and St Enoch Subway when open; use Cresswell Street / West End transit for the current café
- Also by them
- Launch Coffee, Cresswell Street (West End) — current café
- Also
- Bothwell Street café closed January 2026 due to building reconstruction; Charity has provided over 1 million free meals to Glasgow children (per Launch Foods site); 100% of café profits stated to fund feeding Glasgow’s kids
Glasgow restaurant
Launch Coffee Shop
Website
Visit websiteOpening hours
- Monday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Overview
Launch Coffee Shop at 99 Bothwell Street was the city-centre café of Launch Foods (Scottish charity SC049694), founded by Craig Johnson in 2018 to tackle child food poverty in Glasgow. The café opened around 2022: coffee, sandwiches, snacks and baking, with profits funding free after-school meals for primary pupils — by 2026 the charity reported over a million free meals provided. In January 2026 Launch announced Bothwell Street was closing because the building faced major reconstruction. Trading continues at Launch Coffee on Cresswell Street in the West End; the Foundation’s food-truck school meals programme continues. Do not plan a visit to Bothwell Street — go to Cresswell Street or launchfoods.org for current details. Historically the Bothwell Street spot sat in the business district near Central Station / Bothwell Street offices; St Enoch Subway and Central were a short walk when it was open.
Reviews
Lovey clean and fresh very relaxing atmosphere very modern interior with lovely staff. But think it's a bit expensive I paid £17 for too cakes and too hot drinks. But overall good experience just prices too high. Unfortunately. But Think the owner doing a great job for charity overall thumbs up👍 for his kind heart supporting the need of others We need more warm hearted ❤️ people in the world like him to make it a better place.
Read on Google MapsI'm so glad to have stumbled across this amazing place, thank you for helping the children xxx and also for providing the most delicious cookie 🍪 and coffee WOW !!!!!
Read on Google MapsFriendly staff, great drinks, and amazing choice of food and sweets. Really spacious and comfortable environment.
Read on Google MapsMost amazing cookies, you must try the apple crumble one!! Staff are so lovely. Nice quiet but cosy cafe
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