McCune Smith Cafe

McCune Smith Cafe In the 18th and 19th centuries, Glasgow was complicit in New World slavery through its lucrative trade in sugar, cotton and to***co.

Dr. James McCune Smith

‘McCune Smith’ at 3-5 Duke Street in Glasgow takes its name from Dr. James McCune Smith, the black intellectual and abolitionist who embodies two aspects of the history of the area. Paradoxically, at the same time, a small group of highly influential philosophers and scholars were changing the way people thought about the way they lived. The Scottish Enlightenment, as it is

now known, was a flourishing of intellectual thought based on empiricism that has resonated to the modern day and led Voltaire to remark: ‘It is to Scotland that we look for our idea of civilisation’. Indeed, Frances Hutcheson, Adam Smith and John Millar, scholars at Old College, now the University of Glasgow, laid out the first sustained philosophical critique of chattel slavery in the world. This idea of civilisation and equality of men made it possible for James McCune Smith, an African American from a slave background, to study at Glasgow, one of the world’s most prestigious universities, after he had been refused entry to American institutions on account of his race. Enrolled in 1833 at Old College when it stood on High Street, he went on to graduate at the top of his class in 1837. He was the first African American in the world to hold a medical degree, and on his return to New York 16,000 people gathered to receive him.

‘…educated in Scotland, and breathing the free air of that country, he came back to his native land with ideas of liberty which placed him in advance of most of his fellow citizens of African descent. He was not only a learned and skilful physician, but an effective speaker, and a keen and polished writer…A brave man himself, he knew how to esteem courage in others’. (Frederick Douglas – American Social Reformer, Orator and Statesman)

If you are wondering what we’ve been up to since winding up the business in Glasgow, we’ve been keeping very busy, off i...
17/02/2022

If you are wondering what we’ve been up to since winding up the business in Glasgow, we’ve been keeping very busy, off in search of more knowledge and skills to help with our new venture.

In September we were both incredibly fortunate to earn places on a learning journey organised by Karen Donnelly Associates and Jackie of Tourism Angles and Visit North Iceland.

The North Iceland Food Excellence trip was transformative for our business plans and an outstanding opportunity to see how food and tourism businesses operate in a small, independent country.

To see our case studies that we produced, follow the links;

https://vimeo.com/643453720 for our vlog that Harrie was involved with making

https://open.spotify.com/episode/58janMuijcdoC2tXpAIr4x?si=-WWDcsJeRuW-R1zOUVETcQ for the podcast of our journey that Dan was involved with.

This new vlog was created by a team of UK tourism and hospitality practitioners who traveled to Iceland in the autumn of 2021 - just as the world was re-opening…

Best dairy by far!
10/06/2021

Best dairy by far!

When poet ploughman Robert Burns famously wrote that ‘The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men / Gang aft agley’, he might have added dairy farmers to the couplet.

T H A T ‘ S A L L F O L K SThere are a thousand people we have to thank, there’s plenty to come, but first and foremos...
20/12/2019

T H A T ‘ S A L L F O L K S

There are a thousand people we have to thank, there’s plenty to come, but first and foremost we could never have done what we do without these bloody awesome folks...these lassies are INCREDIBLE and we are going to miss working with them everyday. If you have an independent cafe/coffee/ food business and you are looking for staff, I can only say I’m a little jealous to lose them.

Last Sunday ever! We’ve made some vegan patatas bravas, Dan is pretty excited, hope you are too!
15/12/2019

Last Sunday ever!

We’ve made some vegan patatas bravas, Dan is pretty excited, hope you are too!

N E W M E N U Last two weeks doesn’t mean we aren’t going to change up the menu. New sandwiches, new brunch & some go...
11/12/2019

N E W M E N U

Last two weeks doesn’t mean we aren’t going to change up the menu. New sandwiches, new brunch & some gorgeous specials lined up for our last weekend. Who’s for brunch?

How gorgeous is this nutty mincemeat cake? 🍰 🎄
03/12/2019

How gorgeous is this nutty mincemeat cake? 🍰 🎄

N E W S On Friday December 20th, McCune Smith at 3-5 Duke Street, will open its doors for the last time. This announcem...
27/11/2019

N E W S

On Friday December 20th, McCune Smith at 3-5 Duke Street, will open its doors for the last time. This announcement gives me butterflies in my stomach, and it was particularly gut wrenching to give the news to some of the finest staff any business could wish for. However, Harrie and I are taking an opportunity to start a new project in the Highlands that will not only take us closer to family and old friends but allow us to pursue our wider ambitions.

When I think back nearly 7 years ago when McCune Smith opened it’s doors, I thought all I’d be doing is serving light meals, teas and coffee and making small talk with customers. It would never have crossed my mind some of the very special individuals, communities and events that we would be involved with. There are too many to thank in a single post, so over the next few weeks before we go, we’re going use our social media to reflect and thank those without whom McCune Smith would never have been possible.

20/11/2019
Can you tell Harrie studies blacksmithing? Show us your cinnamon scrolls!
04/11/2019

Can you tell Harrie studies blacksmithing? Show us your cinnamon scrolls!

Bramble, raspberry cheesecake topped with lime cuts and fresh fruit 🍇 🍓 Sunday brunching!
28/07/2019

Bramble, raspberry cheesecake topped with lime cuts and fresh fruit 🍇 🍓 Sunday brunching!

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3-5 Duke Street
Glasgow
G40UL

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