Latest news with #UbiquitousChip
Scotsman
5 days ago
- 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.
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
