Featuring Ryan Alex Zdrojewski, owner of Songbird Speciality Coffee in Partick.

Just five minutes from Partick Station in Glasgow, tucked between local shops and bustling streets, sits Songbird Coffee — a small café with big heart. More than just another coffee stop, Songbird is carving its own path, blending specialty coffee culture with community, inclusivity, and a whole lot of dogs.

Launched in late 2023, Songbird Coffee has quickly gained a loyal customer base, despite opening into a competitive café scene. But founder Ryan’s story isn’t just about business; it’s about passion, independence, and a desire to create something meaningful.

From Starbucks to Specialty

Ryan’s journey started years ago while working for Starbucks, where the idea for Songbird first took root. “Ever since I left Starbucks, I kind of thought about what I wanted to do afterwards,” Ryan explains. “I got really into specialty coffee — it opened my eyes to the world of it: the farming, the process, the people behind it, and the skills involved. I just wanted to be a part of it.”

The transition wasn’t rushed. Ryan took time to explore different jobs and gain experience, gradually narrowing down his vision for the kind of business he wanted to build. “It gave me a lot of independence,” he says, “and I did a lot of market research on myself.”

By late 2023, everything began to fall into place. After finishing what he describes as his “final job,” Ryan went for a walk with his dad. They passed an available unit in Partick and, almost impulsively, decided to inquire. “We met the owners, shook hands, and that was that.”

Atmosphere First

From the beginning, Ryan was clear about the kind of environment he wanted to create: relaxed, welcoming, and community-focused.

“I want people to feel at home here. They can chill, do uni work on their laptop, read a book, or just sit and have a nice time,” he says. “The atmosphere here is to help people relax.”

Songbird delivers exactly that. The space itself is cozy but functional, balancing modern design with warm, homey touches. While many cafés lean into the minimalist aesthetic, Songbird feels like somewhere you could spend hours — and many customers do.

Dog-Friendly to the Core

One of Songbird’s standout features is its dog-friendly policy, which has attracted a dedicated crowd of both human and canine regulars. As a dog owner himself, Ryan understands how important that flexibility is.

“I know the anxiety of leaving your dog outside,” he says. “Especially when it’s cold or not safe for them. We want everyone to feel welcome here — pets included.”

In fact, Songbird goes a step further. With customer permission, they take photos of visiting dogs and add them to a ‘Dog Wall of Fame’ inside the café. “It’s a nice little touch, and customers love seeing their pets up on the wall.”

The bond between dogs and local cafés is something that many Glaswegians truly value. In fact, a recent survey revealed some interesting insights: 33% of respondents mentioned that they would specifically opt for a dog-friendly café when choosing a spot to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. It seems that our furry friends have a significant influence on our café choices! However, 67% of those surveyed felt that Glasgow cafés could do much more to cater to dog owners, indicating a clear desire for improvements. Additionally, a striking 67% expressed that they would feel a stronger connection to a local café if it welcomed dogs, showing just how much this makes a difference in fostering community vibes. It’s clear—dog-friendly spaces not only enhance our experiences but also promote a sense of belonging.

In a city where the bond between humans and their dogs is cherished, Songbird Coffee stands as a testament to that relationship, demonstrating how nurturing a dog-friendly environment can create not only loyal customers but a vibrant, inclusive community.

A Safe Space for Everyone

Beyond the dog-friendliness, inclusivity remains at the core of Songbird’s identity. “We’re very talkative here, lots of characters, but it’s a safe space for everyone. We’re also trans safe as well. I don’t believe that bigotry should be a thing — everyone should feel safe here.”

Creating an open environment has allowed Songbird to foster not just a customer base, but a sense of belonging. Ryan describes many of his customers by name — including a New Zealand couple who visit weekly with their little dog Tara for a biscuit and a cuddle.

Curating Quality Coffee

Certainly, no café can thrive on ambiance alone. Songbird’s coffee is taken as seriously as its atmosphere.

Ryan sources beans carefully, choosing suppliers that align with his values. After initially considering an Edinburgh roaster, he discovered Gal Coffee Roasters, a small four-person team based in Argyll and Tenderbrook.

“They popped up on my Instagram. I ordered a batch, loved it, tried everything they offered. I knew they were the ones I wanted to partner with. What they stand for — their focus on the farmers, on the people — it aligns with everything I want Songbird to be.”

They even feature rare coffees, like a specialty Chinese aerobic natural brew with pineapple, mulled wine, and orange notes. “It’s absolutely beautiful. I’m not even a fan of coffee, but I’d drink that,” one customer said.

Signature Drinks & Hidden Gems

While many regulars stick to familiar options, Songbird has some delightful hidden gems on the menu. Their recently launched Iced Hochicha Latte — a roasted tea ground similarly to matcha — is already gaining attention.

“It’s from Kyoto and has loads of health benefits, like antioxidants,” Ryan explains. “It’s a great alternative to coffee if you want something caffeine-free.”

He also recommends the V60 pour-over, which remains a bit underrated despite its loyal fans. “We’ve got a good range of coffees from different roasters and origins. There’s a lot for people to explore.”

The Power of Community

Since opening, Songbird has gradually grown into a true community hub. “At first it was slow, but by November things started to really pick up. Now we’ve got regulars who’ve stuck with us from the beginning.”

The café recently launched a community library where locals can borrow or donate books — another small gesture that reflects its mission of fostering connection.

Ryan credits the wider coffee community for inspiring him and helping him build Songbird: “I’ve met so many amazing people. It’s showed me a whole side to Glasgow’s coffee scene I never knew existed.”

Why Songbird Stands Out

With so many independent cafés scattered across Glasgow, what makes Songbird worth visiting?

“Honestly?” Ryan laughs, “Because I’m here.”

He quickly adds, “But really, it’s about the experience. You come to Songbird for quality coffee, but also for the friendliness, the community feel. We’re not trying to be the absolute best in the world — we’re here to offer good coffee and a good experience.”

Looking Ahead

As for the future, Ryan isn’t looking to franchise or expand too quickly. His focus remains on nurturing what Songbird has built: “We welcome everyone, we serve good coffee and food, and we try to offer something a bit special.”

With its growing customer base, strong community ties, and unwavering commitment to quality, Songbird Coffee looks poised to become a long-term staple of Glasgow’s vibrant coffee culture.

Address: 476 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, G11 6SQ

Instagram: @songbirdspecialitycoffee

Click below to watch an interview I did with one of the owners, Ryan!