La Bodega

£

vegan
What does this mean?

What’s it all about?

A vibrant family-owned Venezuelan-style coffee shop and kitchen, specialising in homemade, authentic empanadas and arepas.

TTP Pin

Taste the Place - don’t miss:

The empanadas!  These handheld corn dough parcels filled with meat, veg, and Venezuelan cheese make a perfect snack on the go.  

What's the inspiration behind La Bodega?

Inspired by her mother’s cooking and championed by her late brother, Augusto, Franci always dreamt of running her own business.  So, with husband, David, the pair hatched a plan to open Glasgow’s first Venezuelan-style coffee shop. 

Despite limited experience, budget, and time, as Franci was juggling a full-time job, the pair pooled their savings and took a leap of faith.  They kept plans tightly under wraps before opening the doors of La Bodega in August 2023, revealing its new identity as a Venezuelan-style coffee shop and kitchen.  Offering a range of speciality coffees, homemade empanadas and more recently, arepas (flatbread made of ground maize dough stuffed with a filling), this small venue is quickly becoming a South American favourite and East End destination hot spot. 

Cachapas OFFER Large

Offer from this venue

Taste the Place – EXCLUSIVE APRIL OFFERS

This April, embark on a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure as select venues showcase exclusive, full-priced dishes and drinks you won’t always find on their regular menus. This is your chance to experience the bold creativity, unique flavours, and heartfelt passion of small, independent businesses. For some specified venues, you can enjoy a Taste the Place discount instead. Don’t miss this chance to savour something special! Grab your friends, explore new flavours, and support our incredible local food scene.

 

How to Redeem:
It couldn’t be easier! Simply visit a participating venue and say the magic words: “I’m here for Taste the Place!”  No secret passwords, no complicated steps - just pure delicious discovery! 

 

Terms and conditions:
Offers are valid only at participating venues for the duration of April (Wednesday April 2 – Wednesday 30, 2025). Offers may be subject to availability and venue discretion. Venues reserve the right to modify or withdraw offers at any time without prior notice. We recommend that you review our “Please bear in mind” before visiting your chosen venue.

T&Cs and redemption details

Cachapas 
£9 

A traditional Venezuelan treat, these corn kernel pancakes offer a subtle sweetness and are packed with savoury fillings. Served with queso fresco (a firm a soft, fresh Venezuelan cheese) and tender beef brisket, this dish brings the authentic flavours of Venezuela straight to your plate. 

What role does La Bodega play in creating a sense of community and belonging?

For Venezuelans, family is hugely important.  This extends to many other South Americans who’ve left the home continent and found themselves in Glasgow.  “When we first opened, we hadn’t realised how many South Americans live and work locally, many arriving alone, without their families or a wider support network.  Coming to La Bodega and hearing Spanish being spoken has helped to create a thriving community hub where South Americans can feel at home.”  Franci Fernandez, La Bodega. 

fun-fact

Fun fact – did you know?

La Bodega featured in Waitrose & Partners June 2024 edition, citing them as “Scotland’s go to place for trying empanadas.” 

Quesillo Venezolano

At-home recipe

This venue has provided a recipe for you to try at home.

Where to find them:

98 Bellgrove Street, Glasgow G31 1AA

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