Two Scottish neighbourhoods named among the UK's coolest

Finnieston in Glasgow, and Stockbridge in Edinburgh, made the cut alongside other places like Walthamstow in London and Ancoats in Manchester.

Introducing the list, the publication said: "'Living like a local' has become one of the 21st century’s most unstoppable travel trends. Yes, there’s a time and a place for joining the throng at a big-hitting tourist attraction. Visiting London without strolling down the South Bank, peering through the gates of Buckingham Palace or gazing up at the majestic dome of St Paul’s just wouldn’t be right. 

"But if you want a window to the soul of a city, if you want to really uncover its quirks, it pays to get off the beaten track and visit one of its up-and-coming quarters – to which residents, not tourists, flock for bustling restaurants, cosy pubs and independent boutiques.

"Below we present 15 of our favourite urban neighbourhoods, nominated by locals and representing all four UK nations, along with the best places within them to eat, drink, shop and sleep."

Finnieston in Glasgow was named the third 'coolest' neighbourhood in the UK (Image: Getty)

Two Scottish neighbourhoods named among the 'coolest' in the UK

Finnieston in Glasgow and Stockbridge in Edinburgh were the two Scottish neighbourhoods named among the "coolest" in the UK.

Finnieston was highlighted for its exciting and ever-changing atmosphere centred around Argyle Street.

The Telegraph said: "Long gone are the days when Glasgow’s Finnieston neighbourhood was a raffish and rundown ramble of houses built for workers powering the city’s burgeoning shipbuilding industry.

"Today ‘WeMo’ (West of Motorway), as local Wags have dubbed it, is the city’s go-to hipster hub. The savvy set from Byres Road have upped sticks here, bringing their creativity and energy, whilst Finnieston retains enough of its raffish vibe to spice up the grand old sandstone buildings.

"The main action unfurls on ‘The Strip’ along Argyle Street, although it is spilling over into neighbouring lanes. Things change quickly in Finnieston, so you might find the local hairdresser has become a bar, or just branched out into serving cool cocktails alongside cool cuts."

Discussing where visitors can eat and drink, the publication added: "The Finnieston (thefinniestonbar.com) was pivotal in kickstarting the area’s rebirth – it’s still spot on for cocktails (think small batch Scottish gin, not whisky) and Isle of Cumbrae oysters. 

"Crabshakk (crabshakk.co.uk) buzzes with regulars appreciating Glasgow’s best seafood (the shared platter is the savvy local choice), while Peter McKenna at The Gannet (thegannetgla.com) plays with the best of Scotland’s bountiful culinary larder with his creative multi-course fiesta."

On places to shop, the Hidden Lane was recommended for its eclectic mix of art galleries and studios, massage parlours, gift shops and tearooms.

Stockbridge was praised for its many shops, bars and cafes (Image: Getty)

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Stockbridge was similarly commended for its variety of independent shops, bars, markets and cafes.

The newspaper said: "It may be only a 10-minute walk (downhill) from Princes Street, but lucky locals of this pretty, popular neighbourhood still call it “the village”. Compact and prosperous, it’s blessed with independent shops, bars and cafés both old and new, and a thriving Sunday market. 

"It also has the best charity shops in the city, good vintage outfits, and no less than three independent bookshops including one dedicated to women writers. And proving everything old is new again, there’s Mr Purves’ Lighting Emporium for sales, spares and repairs of vintage lighting – particularly useful given we may all want oil lamps this winter."

Recommending spots for a bit of lunch or an afternoon pint, the title added: "The Pantry (thepantryedinburgh.co.uk) is an all-day favourite among locals; The Pastry Section (pastrysection.com) for cake lovers; Twelve Triangles (twelvetriangles.co.uk) for bread, buns and door-stopper vegetarian sandwiches.

"Caffeine addicts haunt Artisan Roast (artisanroast.co.uk) and Fortitude Coffee (fortitudecoffee.com). For something stronger try The Last Word Saloon (lastwordsaloon.com), a low-key, dimly lit hideaway offering malt whiskies and the best cocktails in the city.

"For dinner, Bells Diner (bellsdineredinburgh.co.uk) has been serving hamburgers, steaks and shakes since 1972. Or try tiny radiCibus restaurant’s (radicibus.co.uk) carefully sourced and exquisite approach to traditional Italian cooking."

A number of shops were also highlighted with the newspaper telling readers: "Pick up coffee from Mr Eion (mreion.com) and cheese next door at George Mewes (georgemewescheese.co.uk). 

"For clothing there’s Treen (shoptreen.com) for desirable, ethical fashion and Dick’s (dicks-edinburgh.co.uk), whose ethos is “buying less and better”. Jorum Studio (jorumstudio.com) is a small atelier for perfumes, while Edinburgh Mercantile (edinburghmercantile.com) offers homewares both useful and beautiful."