Latest news with #UbiquitousChip
Glasgow Times
20 hours 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.
Scotsman
18-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Michelin recommended restaurant sold to huge Scottish hospitality group
An award-winning Vietnamese restaurant has been sold to one of Scotland's biggest hospitality and leisure groups. 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 Hanoi Bike Shop in Glasgow's west end has been sold. The Michelin recommended restaurant, which is tucked down Ruthven Lane just off Byres Road has been sold by owners Metropolitan Pub Group to The Scotsman Group (formerly G1 Group), which is owned by Glasgow businessman Stefan King. The Metropolitan Pub Group confirmed the sale to our sister site, GlasgowWorld, saying: 'We have made the decision to sell the Hanoi Bike Shop, which will transfer from our ownership to the Scotsman Group at the end of August. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Making the decision to sell a property is never an easy one, however following a recent review we have found the Hanoi no longer fits with our future portfolio. We want to thank the Hanoi's customers for their support over the years.' Supplied Metropolitan Pub Group also said that staff at Hanoi Bike Shop will have the opportunity to remain within Metropolitan's portfolio in Glasgow. The Hanoi Bike Shop was sold along with the Ubiquitous Chip and the Stravaigin restaurant by former owners, Colin Clydesdale and his partner Carol Wright, to the Metropolitan Pub Group (part of the Greene King) in 2022 marking the end of family-run ownership of these Glasgow restaurants. The Hanoi Bike Shop is located in the same premises as the original Ubiquitous Chip, which was opened over 50 years ago by Colin's father, Ronnie Clydesdale. When the Chip moved, this venue became Stravaigin 2 before becoming Hanoi Bike Shop. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Hanoi Bike Shop opened in 2012 and was the first Vietnamese canteen restaurant in Glasgow and served bowls of pho and other spicy Southeast Asian dishes. It soon was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. The Scotsman reviewed it in 2012 and called it marvellous, with the reviewer writing: 'This place, one of the handful of Vietnamese restaurants in Scotland, is rather marvellous. If you stumble upon it while looking for an actual bike shop, you'll soon forget that you needed new spokey dokeys.'
Glasgow Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
The Chip launches hiring drive ahead of major renovation
The Ubiquitous Chip, affectionately known as The Chip, is hiring 20 new members of staff to join its team at the much-loved Ashton Lane venue. The overhaul has been designed to preserve the distinctive character of The Chip while giving it the attention it needs after more than 50 years of serving Glasgow. Will Allen (Image: Supplied) The restaurant will undergo a refresh of the main and mezzanine dining areas, an extension and upgrade of the kitchens, and the introduction of a seven-day service across the restaurant and bars. To support the new era in The Chip's 53-year history, the team will prioritise beefing up the kitchen staff. Read more: Celtic transfer target Balikwisha absent from Antwerp training This includes new sous chefs, chef de partie, and commis chefs, with recruitment focused on supporting creativity and consistency in the venue's numerous dining areas. Several front-of-house staff will also be hired, including a new bar manager. The bar manager will be in charge of all three bars and will aid the transition to full seven-day service. They will also oversee the Wee Bar expansion, which will see a new speakeasy-style area created, providing guests with a more intimate social setting. For more information, go here Will Allen, the general manager, said: "The kitchen is the engine room of The Chip. "We're working hard to make sure the new layout supports quality, creativity, efficiency and the kind of environment chefs and front of house staff want to work in. "This is a great opportunity to be part of a team that blends legacy with ambition. "There aren't many kitchens like it in Glasgow." Head chef Doug Lindsay, who has led the kitchen for more than 20 years, has played a key role in shaping the new spaces to meet the demands of a busy service while maintaining the venue's signature standards. The restoration has been carefully planned to preserve the unique character of The Chip while modernising its facilities. All existing staff—around 40 people—have been retained and will be temporarily redeployed to sister venues during the closure. The Ubiquitous Chip has earned two AA Rosettes and an AA Notable Wine List Award.
Glasgow Times
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
I tried this Glasgow restaurant days before it closes
For years, it has been on my list to try but life always got in the way. Then, last week, the popular restaurant announced it would close for around 60 days for a multi-million-pound refurbishment. I was struck by the news and immediately decided it was finally time to pay them a visit - I cannot wait another two months. I secured a reservation and invited a friend to join me. When we arrived at Ashton Lane, I was taken aback by the building. I have walked past it many times but I never really looked at it. It seemed old and crumbling, with most of the lettering missing from its signage. READ NEXT: I tried Glasgow's new viral TikTok food - but what is in it? (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) But as soon as we walked inside, I forgot all about it. The space was homey, welcoming and filled with life, lending a wonderful atmosphere for a nice dinner. We were quickly seated and I could barely look away from the beautiful indoor plants long enough to choose what to eat. I love restaurants which make me feel comfortable, even if their price point is high, which is definitely the case here. With a main course and a side costing up to £42, this establishment is definitely a once-in-a-while treat for me. The wine list looked well put-together but on this occasion, I opted for a Diet Coke, which, in retrospect, was a mistake. This is because my friend's mocktail was just the perfect balance of sweet and sour - luckily, he let me have a few sips. (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) READ NEXT: We tried the al fresco champagne bar at Glasgow Central From the menu, I ordered the steak, which was chargrilled and dry-aged for 35 days. It came with shallots and a caramelised onion purée. I had it with a peppercorn and whisky sauce and sourdough bread. My friend also had the same. Although I love ordering two different things and trying them both, we were just both too excited about the beef. The meal was absolutely delicious, with the sauce and the meat combining perfectly. But for me, the real highlight was the onion pureé. It was outstanding. Finally, the bread was perfect for soaking up the rest of the delicious sauce. It was a wonderful experience and I wish I had come to the Ubiquitous Chip earlier. Now I have to wait for 60, then find another excuse to splurge.
The Herald Scotland
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
The Ubiquitous Chip in Glasgow to close for 'some TLC'
For the work, The Chip - as it is affectionately known - will close for around 60 days from the Saturday, July 5. The doors are scheduled to reopen in mid-September, with an enhanced visual appeal, fresh menus and extended opening hours. Will Allen, general manager at The Chip, 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. READ MORE: '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.' 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 first to put the provenance of his ingredients on the menu. 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.
