Extensive refurbishment creates a modern bar restaurant in the heart of Glasgow
CORPORATE customers are the key target market for Maclay Inns’ first city centre outlet.
Located just yards from Glasgow Central Station, and in the heart of the city’s business district, The Hope was purchased by Maclay Inns earlier this year and completely refurbished before reopening this month.
Working with design firm IBDP, contractor Donaldson Construction and furniture supplier CFG, the two month project included the removal of some interior walls in order to extend the restaurant area, and the installation of oversized hanging felt lampshades and new feature windows to allow more light into the space.
Glasgow is very much at the heart of the outlet, with tenement-style floor tiles, Glasgow-inspired art on the walls and art-deco cupula (dome) on the ceiling.
The copper and mahogany bar was retained, but completely restored, while a large zinc drinking table sits between two of the outlet’s original marble pillars.
Additionally, a new open kitchen has been created, delivering a menu that includes a special ‘dine out’ value offer of £6.95 for one course, two courses for £8.95 or three courses for £10.95.
“When we took over, the venue had been closed for months and was dark, dated and in need of some love and attention,” said Maclay Inns marketing manager Lynn Lovelock.
“We could see it had great potential and we are delighted with the new look and confident that our customers will be too.”
The local business trade will be key to the outlet moving forward, and is targeted with free wi-fi and an early opening time of 8am, while the 75-cover restaurant space is being marketed to the local businesses for use as a venue for corporate events and office parties.
“In addition to our lunch and dinner menus, we also have a great breakfast menu to sit in or take away as well as offering free wi-fi, daily newspapers and breakfast TV for people looking to relax before heading into the office,” said Lovelock.
The Hope’s drinks range has also been tailored to business people, with a beer selection that spans Tennent’s, Caledonia Best, Bitter & Twisted, Joker IPA, Pilsner Urquell, Franziskaner, Samuel Adams, Heverlee, Peroni and Guinness, and wines sourced from Bibendum Wine. There’s also a range of premium spirits.
