STEFAN King’s G1 Group is set to make its first foray into Ayrshire with an outlet in Kilmarnock.
The Glasgow-based company, which operates more than 50 managed outlets across its home city, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and St Andrews, has bought the council’s former trading standards offices in London Road and plans to transform it into a food-led venue.
The new unit will be headed by chef Michael Kilkie, who has been at the helm of fellow G1 outlets The Waverley Tea Room in Shawlands, The Cricklewood in Bothwell and The Byre in East Kilbride since 2009.
Kilkie said he’s looking forward to opening a restaurant in his home town.
“I’ve walked passed 14 London Road every day for a decade and always thought what an amazing venue it could be,” he said.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be able to be working with G1 Group in making my dreams a reality and to serve the community I know so well.
“For me personally, knowing the community and having friends and family in the area I know what will work and I can’t wait for it.
“I believe there’s a massive gap in the area for a good quality, value for money community venue that everyone can enjoy.
“I’ve learned so much working with the G1 Group team over the last few years and I’m bursting with ideas.”
Councillor Jim Buchanan, spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration at East Ayrshire Council, said: “14 London Road’s location – close to the town centre on the historic London Road – and the beauty of the building itself, which typifies the kind of historical property that G1 Group invests in, will make it an attractive venue and eatery. And we are particularly pleased to hear that it will be headed up by local man Michael.
“Michael’s reputation as the Sunday Mail cookery columnist, together with his experience running successful restaurants such as Waverley Tea Room, The Cricklewood and The Byre, are bound to stimulate interest and demand.”
