After more than two decades in their current home, two of Glasgow’s best-known independent venues, Vodka Wodka and Ramen Dayo, are moving.
However, the Ashton Lane institutions aren’t going far – just across the cobbles to the newly vacated three-storey site of the Innis & Gunn taproom.
These larger premises will allow both to significantly expand their offering while remaining at the heart of the popular West End hospitality enclave.
Following the move, the Vodka Wodka bar will occupy the building’s ground floor, where it will be able to introduce food using the existing kitchen; Japanese restaurant Ramen Dayo will operate from the middle floor, growing its capacity from 25 covers to 60; while the top floor will house a new private events room.
The relocation reportedly follows rising rental costs at the current premises, where the businesses have been based for over 24 years. Despite efforts to reach an agreement with the landlord, the two businesses said they had been required to vacate the property.
However, their move to larger premises means all existing staff roles will be retained, with the team hoping to expand further once the new space opens.
The final day of service at the old building will be Thursday 30th April, with a closing weekend of offers and parties planned from 24th to the 26th April.
A spokesperson for Vodka Wodka and Ramen Dayo said: “Although it’s sad to be leaving our current home, this move gives us the opportunity to grow what we’ve built, and the positive news is that we are staying in the globally renowned Ashton Lane.
“We will expand the Ramen Dayo offering, introduce a shared private events floor and continue to serve our loyal Vodka Wodka customers for many years to come.”
Vodka Wodka is said to have been part of the ‘Ashton Lane ritual’ for decades – centred around late night drinks, student celebrations and the occasional celebrity encounter.
It actually first opened in Paisley before establishing its Glasgow home on Ashton Lane in the early 2000s. Over the years the bar has hosted high-profile visitors including former England footballer Paul Gascoigne – and once famously turned away Keira Knightley at the door.
Ramen Dayo first traded in Gordon Street Lane in 2016, using a hand-built yatai ramen cart, with specialised parts imported from Tokyo.
The cart quickly gained local popularity, receiving a 10/10 review from food critic Joanna Blythman in The Sunday Herald, followed by international recognition when the New York Times highlighted it as Scotland’s only premium ramen shop.
In July 2017, Ramen Dayo opened its first full restaurant nearby before expanding to Ashton Lane the following year.
Further details about the new venue and opening events will be announced in the coming weeks. Guests are encouraged to keep an eye on Vodka Vodka and Ramen Dayo on social media via @vodwodkagla and @ramendayo
