One of Glasgow’s most treasured restaurants and bars, The Ubiquitous Chip, is to undergo a ‘sensitive reconditioning’ aimed at reaffirming its place at the heart of Glasgow’s food scene.
The works, which will close the historic Ashton Lane venue for around 60 days from late evening on Saturday, 5 July, promise to ‘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’.
Referred to as ‘The Chip’ by its clientele, the doors are scheduled to reopen to the public in mid-September with enhanced visual appeal, fresh menus, extended opening hours and a ‘continued commitment to its customers, long-standing local suppliers and culinary values’.
The restoration, with a budget described as ‘multi-million pound’, will include a full refurbishment of the restaurant’s main dining areas, as well as the preservation of iconic features such as the intricate murals by Alasdair Gray and the Koi Carp pond, while new, bespoke lighting will be installed in the courtyard.
Following 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 Chip’s teams in crafting new menus alongside signature dishes.
The enhancements will continue in the restaurant, where augmentations in the main dining and mezzanine areas will include the addition of plush seating and soft furnishings in a mix of colours that will complement the botanical theme.
The works will also see the expansion of the Wee Bar into the neighbouring building, formerly a bookmakers. Whilst the familiar environment will remain in the specialist area, the expansion will introduce an intimate den, with a speakeasy vibe.
General manager Will Allen 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.
“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, The Chip has played a defining role in Glasgow’s food story and has remained a cornerstone of the city’s culinary identity.
The Chip was the first venue to 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 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.
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.”
