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Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Sneak peek at works underway at Glasgow's Ubiquitous Chip
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. READ NEXT: 'Time to say goodbye': Coffee shop closes after five years READ NEXT: The story behind why city landmarks are being lit purple, red and white this weekend 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.
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Sneak peek at works underway at Glasgow's Ubiquitous Chip
Closed since July 5, doors are scheduled to reopen in mid-September, with an 'enhanced visual appeal, fresh menus and extended opening hours'. 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.' During a preview tour on Wednesday, August 13, the Herald received a sneak peek of the work underway to enhance the venue. 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. 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. Read more: 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.
Scotsman
24-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
‘Iconic' Scottish bar and restaurant with priceless artwork to close for months for multimillion pound refurbishment
A long-standing Scottish bar and restaurant is set to close for about two months as it undergoes a multimillion pound refurbishment. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Ubiquitous Chip , one of Glasgow's most treasured restaurants and bars, is to undergo a multi-million pound restoration set to rejuvenate and infuse a new lease of life into the historic Ashton Lane venue. The works, which will see the much-loved West End establishment close for around 60 days from late evening on Saturday, 5 July, will preserve the building's unique character and legacy, while refreshing and restoring the spaces that have hosted countless first dates, wedding celebrations, family gatherings and unforgettable dinners over the last 53 years. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fondly referred to as 'The Chip' by its loyal clientele, the doors will reopen to the public in mid-September with the team say, an 'enhanced visual appeal, fresh menus, extended opening hours and a continued commitment to its customers, long-standing local suppliers and culinary values.' The restoration will include a full refurbishment of the restaurant's main dining areas, as well as the careful preservation of iconic features such as the intricate murals by Alasdair Gray and the tranquil Koi Carp pond – both as loved and as recognisable as The Chip's name itself. New, bespoke lighting will be installed in the courtyard, bringing a refreshed dimension to the dining experience. Following careful consideration and planning by head chef, Doug Lindsay, the kitchens on both floors will be extended and upgraded to provide an improved, fully functional environment to support the skilled teams in crafting new innovative menus alongside signature dishes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The enhancements will continue in the restaurant, where changes in the main dining and mezzanine areas include the addition of plush seating and soft furnishings in a mix of rich colours that complement and enrich the botanical theme, completed with the installation of new bespoke lighting to bring it all together. Works will commence from Monday, 23 June at the Ubiquitous Chip | Contributed The works will also see the expansion of the much-loved Wee Bar into the neighbouring building, formerly a bookmakers. Whilst the cosy and familiar environment will remain in this area, the expansion will introduce a more intimate and inviting den, forged around the clandestine character of a speakeasy and establishing another space to tempt customers inside. 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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad '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. 'While these changes will bring fresh energy to the space, The Chip will remain instantly recognisable to those who know and love it. '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.' Founded by Ronnie Clydesdale in 1971 to celebrate the best of Scottish produce, The Chip has played a defining role in Glasgow's food story and has remained a cornerstone of the city's culinary identity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Originally opened in Ruthven Lane before moving to Ashton Lane, it has spent over five decades at the heart of the West End, welcoming generations of diners and regulars who have made it part of their lives. Widely acknowledged as a leading innovator in Glasgow's culinary foodscape , The Chip was the first venue to proudly celebrate its Scottish provenance and local suppliers – an approach which has since been adopted by multiple other establishments. Over the years, it has received several prestigious awards for its outstanding food and drink and currently holds 2AA Rosettes and an AA Notable Wine List Award. Around 20 new roles will also be created ahead of reopening to support the move to seven-day service across both the restaurant and bar. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Allen added: 'You can see and feel how well-loved The Chip is – it's in the walls, the floors, the regulars and the stories people share. 'The enhancements have been curated to celebrate and preserve the history of the venue and the millions of memories that have been made here, whilst also investing in its future. 'The restoration is about nurturing the soul of The Chip, ensuring it remains a vibrant, relevant and welcoming destination for generations to come. We will once again set the stage and standard of culinary exploration and exemplary cuisine and can't wait to embark on this exciting new chapter. ' Before the doors close for the summer, guests are invited to enjoy a special events including: Sunday, 29 June: Rooftop Takeover with Tequlia Patron and Cointreau (margarita party) music from Shaka Loves you 2pm-7pm Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Thursday, 3 July: Jura Jig music from the Campbells Boys in the Big Pub with drams from Jura Whisky
Scottish Sun
23-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Iconic Glasgow bar & restaurant to close for summer as major expansion planned
The eatery, a fixture in Ashton Lane since 1971, will be shut to customers for around 60 days 'FRESH ENERGY' Iconic Glasgow bar & restaurant to close for summer as major expansion planned Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR Glasgow restaurant is set to close soon for the summer amid plans for a major revamp. Ubiquitous Chip in the city's west end is due to undergo a multi-million pound renovation. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Ubiquitous Chip in Glasgow is set to close for a major renovation Credit: Alamy 2 The Ashton Lane restaurant has been a fixture in the city's west end for over 50 years Credit: Alamy The eatery, a fixture in Ashton Lane since 1971, will be shut to customers for around 60 days. Ubiquitous Chip, known as 'The Chip', will stop serving after the evening of July 5. The historic establishment's main dining areas will be refurbished and the features, including murals by the late artist and author Alasdair Gray, will be preserved. The kitchens on both floors will be extended and upgraded, with new plush seating installed and the addition of soft furnishing to "enrich the botanical theme". The works will also see the expansion of the restaurant's Wee Bar into the neighbouring building, formerly a bookies. New lighting will be installed in the courtyard and the restaurant. Bosses have said the works "will preserve the building's unique character and legacy, while refreshing and restoring the spaces that have hosted countless first dates, wedding celebrations, family gatherings and unforgettable dinners over the last 53 years". Around 20 new jobs will be created ahead of the big reopening to support the move to seven-day service. The restaurant will reopen from mid-September with a refreshed interior, new menus, and extended opening hours. Ubiquitous Chip general manager, Will Allen, said: 'The Chip has always been a place full of life – and over the years, that life has left its mark. 6 ways to get the biggest bargains in B&M "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. 'While these changes will bring fresh energy to the space, The Chip will remain instantly recognisable to those who know and love it. "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.' Ubiquitous Chip was founded by Ronnie Clydesdale in 1971 to celebrate the best of Scottish produce. It originally opened on Ruthven Lane, before relocating to Ashton Lane. Over the decades, it has become a firm favourite in Glasgow's rich food scene. Mr Allen added: 'You can see and feel how well-loved The Chip is – it's in the walls, the floors, the regulars and the stories people share. "The enhancements have been curated to celebrate and preserve the history of the venue and the millions of memories that have been made here, whilst also investing in its future." Before the doors close for the summer, on June 29 there will be a rooftop margarita party with live tunes from Shaka Loves You. On July 3, there will be live music from the Campbells Boys in the Big Pub, with drams from Jura Whisky.
Daily Record
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Celebrated Alasdair Gray artworks go on display for first time at Scottish museum
Artworks by Alasdair Gray are on show for the first time at Kelvingrove, including pieces gifted in memory of his late wife and the original art for Poor Things For the first time ever, artworks by the celebrated artist and writer Scottish Alasdair Gray are being exhibited at Kelvingrove Gallery, the very place he credited with inspiring his lifelong passion for art. The display features nine pieces from the Morag McAlpine Bequest, gifted to Glasgow Life Museums ten years ago in memory of Gray's late wife. Among the highlights is the original artwork for his 1992 novel Poor Things, recently adapted into a major feature film in 2023. These personal works, including portraits that later became characters in his stories and framed drawings for his own and others' book covers, were originally given to Glasgow Museums in 2014 following Morag's passing. This exhibition coincides with what would have been Gray's 90th year. The multi-talented Glaswegian, who died in December 2019 aged 85, was not only a novelist and poet but also a prolific playwright, painter, and printmaker. His creative legacy continues to thrive through books, exhibitions, conferences, and the annual Gray Day held every 25 February. The Morag McAlpine Bequest enriches the existing Alasdair Gray collection at Glasgow Life Museums, which already includes his City Recorder series from the late 1970s, some of which are displayed at the Gallery of Modern Art. The new exhibition, housed in the Fragile Art Gallery, marks a decade since the donation. Alongside Poor Things, visitors can view the wrap-around jacket for Old Negatives, artwork in progress for Agnes Owens' People Like That, and the piece A Working Mother. The display offers a fascinating glimpse into Gray's artistic methods, highlighting how he reused imagery and drew from historical artworks to shape his distinctive style. Katie Bruce, producer curator with Glasgow Life, said: "Alasdair Gray showed great generosity when he gifted The Morag McAlpine Bequest to the city, following the passing of his wife. "These personal gifts for anniversaries, birthdays, and Christmas, include portraits later transformed into characters in his work and framed drawings for book covers and dust jackets, both for his own publications and those of fellow writers. "It is fitting and wonderful to display this collection in a place that meant so much to Gray, and to offer audiences a deeper understanding of his innovative practice and extraordinary talent." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Visitors to Kelvingrove can also admire Cowcaddens Streetscape in the Fifties, painted in 1964. This evocative work, which Gray described as "my best big oil painting," captures life in a Glasgow neighbourhood deeply changed after the war. It stands as a significant example of his painting during the decade following his graduation from Glasgow School of Art in 1957. This painting captures the changes in landscape and community life in Cowcaddens, one of Glasgow's oldest districts. It is an important reminder of the city's past, reflecting the post- war transformation that shaped modern Glasgow. The combination of this artwork alongside the Morag McAlpine Bequest creates a rich and diverse showcase of Gray's talents, allowing visitors a rare insight into the breadth of his artistic career and the influences behind his work.
