The McMillan has new al fresco area covered

Outdoor terrace is the ‘final piece of the jigsaw’ for family business

Glasgow south side venue The McMillan Bar & Chophouse has launched a new outdoor area – which co-owner Miles McMillan said represents the final piece in the jigsaw for the family business.

The new 78-capacity terrace was created in space to the side of the venue, which sits on the corner of Titwood Road and Pollokshaws Road overlooking Queen’s Park.

Separated from the pavement by large grey wooden planters and branded barriers bearing The McMillan name and logo, the space is furnished with contemporary black chairs and tables topped in white. Covering a large portion of the terrace area is a bespoke retractable roof from Love Awnings, which is fitted with LED lighting and eight heaters, and can be opened or closed at the touch of a button.

A terrace offer has been created too, with a separate food menu and table service throughout.

The project represents an investment of £50,000 and took 18 months to complete, from securing planning and licensing to the work being carried out.

And although the terrace only launched last month Miles, who, together with sister Mia, runs The McMillan, which was opened by their parents Scott and Evelyn in 2014, said it’s already making a big impact on the business, which comprises a main restaurant area, the adjacent Andy’s Bar and a private dining room.

“It is a big investment but we wanted to create a premium terrace and I think we’ve done that; we’re really pleased with it,” Miles told SLTN.

“We’ve gone with premium furniture and the retractable roof is great quality. If the weather’s good it’s open and people can enjoy the sun. If the weather’s not great we can close it over and put the heaters on and it’s really cosy. It’s really given us a year-round space.

“There’s a massive market for outdoors and it’s going really well so far.

“It’s eight years since we opened and this is the last piece of the jigsaw. We’ve taken our time but we wanted to do it properly and we’re really pleased with the end result.”