Sneak peek at works underway at Glasgow's Ubiquitous Chip

Glasgow Times

11 hours ago

The much-loved restaurant, located in Ashton Lane in the West End of the city, is now more than halfway through a multi-million-pound restoration project.
Closed since July 5, doors are scheduled to reopen in mid-September, with an 'enhanced visual appeal, fresh menus and extended opening hours'.
(Image: Ubiquitous Chip)
PicturedL The Ubiquitous Chip on Ashton Lane is undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration project
Will Allen, general manager, said: 'The Chip has always been a place full of life – and over the years, that life has left its mark.
'This restoration is about caring for an establishment that locals and visitors to Glasgow hold dear.
'We're ensuring it's ready for the decades, generations and many more memorable moments to come within its walls.'
Pictured: The Chip's new glass roof seen from the terrace (Image: Newsquest) The most significant investment in the building is a new glass roof above the main restaurant, allowing light to flood into the space below.
While this has been installed, the many colourful artworks adorning the walls of The Chip have been carefully stored and protected. They will return to their places alongside several new pieces, which will not be unveiled until the reopening.
Alasdair Gray artwork at the entrance way, not previously visible, has now been uncovered, with a heavy velvet curtain in place of a door also allowing for easier access and better 'flow' on the restaurant floor.
There's no need to worry about the colourful fish in the koi pond, a beloved feature of the restaurant space, as the team have been keeping a close eye on them while work is carried out around their home.
Pictured: The new extension at 'The Wee Pub' will be available for private dining and events (Image: Newsquest)
Elsewhere, after purchasing the neighbouring William Hill betting shop, a new space has been transformed into an extension of the 'Wee Pub' area. This will offer extra seating and can also be hired for private dining and events.
In a first for The Chip, the extension will also house a TV Screen while the walls will be used to showcase the work of up-and-coming Scottish artists.
Pictured: A significant investment has been made in The Chip's kitchen spaces (Image: Newsquest)
These aesthetic changes and renovations will be obvious to regulars upon their return. Less visible, however, will be the results of significant investment into extending the venue's kitchen areas, making them better fit for purpose.
This will ensure 'everything runs smoothly' and 'help everyone to have a better time'.
Pictured: The Brasserie space will remain largely unchanged (Image: Newsquest)
The Brasserie area will remain largely unchanged, but with new furniture, upholstery, and a freshly polished floor. Next door, the Upstairs Bar has already been repainted, with plans to expand the number of seats available.
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Pictured: The Upstairs Bar has already received a fresh lick of paint (Image: Newsquest)
From the roof terrace, customers will be able to take in the full effect of the building's new glass roof, which provides a clear view into the restaurant below.
'While these changes will bring fresh energy to the space, The Chip will remain instantly recognisable to those who know and love it,' Allen continued.
'We know it's important that we keep everything that makes this place special – the atmosphere, the people, the design – and give it the love and attention it deserves to enrich its journey for the future.'
Although the team is delighted to talk us through the restoration works, details of new menus and other 'surprises' have been kept under wraps for now.
Further updates are due to follow in the coming weeks.
Ronnie Clydesdale founded the Ubiquitous Chip in 1971 with partner Ian Brydon.
Both contributed £500 to the venture; Ronnie's share was his redundancy from the Black & White whisky bond, where he was a manager.
Entirely self-taught, he pioneered the trend for using local, seasonal Scottish produce and was the first to put the provenance of his ingredients on the menu.
Pictured: The West End venue is scheduled to reopen next month (Image: Newsquest)
The restaurant was initially located in Ruthven Lane before moving to Ashton Lane in 1976.
It has welcomed many famous diners and even served Princess Margaret lunch and Mick Jagger dinner on the same day.
Other famous faces include Michael Keaton, Billy Connolly, Kylie Minogue, Keira Knightley and Lewis Capaldi.
In 2022, it was bought over by the Metropolitan Pub Company, a subsidiary of Suffolk-based firm Greene King.