24 Mar 2025
The city’s food scene just got a whole lot sweeter with the addition of The Crumbleologist to Clydeside Containers. Alan McCurdy, the self-professed Crumbleologist, is bringing Scotland’s first-ever crumble bar to the heart of Glasgow’s newest food hub. Specialising in gluten-free, mostly plant-based fruit crumbles, The Crumbleologist offers wild and delicious flavour combinations like Cherry Amaretto and Rhubarb Dragon Fruit Gin, combining nostalgia with modern creativity.
Alan’s journey from teaching computer science to creating Scotland’s most innovative dessert concept has been nothing short of remarkable. Inspired by a similar business in London, Alan wanted to make crumbles more than just a traditional dessert. He shared with host Billy Kirkwood on the Clydeside Containers Podcast, “I’ve always loved making crumble, but I wanted to take it further. I wanted to give people something that’s not only gluten-free, but exciting, fun, and full of flavours they might not expect.”
His crumbles cater to all dietary needs, featuring both familiar favorites like Apple Cinnamon and adventurous concoctions such as Peach Raspberry Chambord. Alan explained, “Apple is always a top seller – it’s the classic. But then I can throw in something like Cherry Amaretto, and suddenly we’re in a whole new territory. It’s all about being creative and pushing boundaries!”
Alan’s passion for his craft is rooted in personal experience: “I have a family with celiac disease, so I know firsthand the importance of gluten-free. That’s why I’m so dedicated to making sure my crumbles are perfect for people with dietary restrictions.” His attention to detail has earned The Crumbleologist a loyal following across Scotland, with customers traveling from afar to get a taste.
In an interview on the Clydeside Containers Podcast, to be released on Thursday, Alan shared how his journey began with a passion for creating the perfect crumble, which led to the realisation that there was a gap in the market for a dedicated crumble bar. “I knew there was something special about crumbles. I wasn’t going to be a gimmick – gluten-free was my thing,” said Alan. “It’s not just about offering something safe for people with celiac disease – it’s about creating a product that’s as good as anything you’d find at a traditional bakery, if not better.”
After successfully launching at farmers' markets across Scotland and a weekend residency at the Barras Market, Alan's move to Clydeside Containers marks a new chapter for his business, offering a permanent space for fans to indulge in his creations seven days a week. “Clydeside Containers is the perfect place for The Crumbleologist,” said Alan. “It’s a vibrant, diverse space that’s become the center of Glasgow’s street food scene, and I’m excited to bring my crumbles here for the people of Glasgow and beyond.”
As a self-funded business supported by his family, Alan has grown The Crumbleologist through dedication and a strong connection to his loyal customer base. His commitment to high-quality, gluten-free crumbles has earned him a cult following, with people traveling from across the country (and beyond) to experience the desserts. Alan’s business is built on passion, creativity, and a touch of humor – he often connects with customers through social media, making sure they feel like part of the Crumbleologist family.
“I’ve had people come up from the borders on a motorbike just to get my crumble,” Alan shared, reflecting on the widespread love for his creations. “It’s crazy, but it’s also the best feeling. To know that people care enough to travel to try your food? That’s something I never expected.”
With his move to Clydeside Containers, Alan is bringing new, exciting flavours and the opportunity for customers to enjoy hot custard straight from his self-service machine – a real crowd-pleaser. “People are obsessed with custard,” Alan joked. “I got a custard machine, and now it’s like moths to a flame. It keeps it smooth and hot, and I’m telling you, it makes the experience that much better.”
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic crumble or something more adventurous, there’s something for everyone at The Crumbleologist. “We’ll always have your staples like Apple and Cinnamon, but we’re always experimenting with flavours,” said Alan. “We’ve got a Prosecco crumble for summer, a Peach Raspberry Chambord for those chill vibes, and I’m always looking for something new to surprise people with.”
Clydeside Containers is set to open in Late Spring 2025.
