Glasgow restaurateur chooses Maryhill to launch new site

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Glasgow entrepreneur Alan Tomkins will open The Botany bar and restaurant in the city’s Maryhill area later this month.

Tomkins and business partner Calum Lawson will launch the bar and restaurant on 12 September, following an extensive £200,000 renovation of The Strathmore on the riverfront.

They hope that the restaurant will kick off a “sea change” in the district, attracting customers from the West End to the area.

The Botany will serve a menu inspired by world cuisine, from chef John Paul Lappin, whose experience includes roles at the city’s Gamba seafood restaurant, and Urban Bar & Brasserie.

Dishes, which will be made with locally-sourced ingredients, will include the likes of smoked venison loin; and Sri Lankan monkfish curry. Accompanying drinks will include wines; botanical cocktails; gins; and whiskies. Sundays will see a special brunch menu.

The restaurant’s design is inspired by the waterfront venues in Amsterdam, and features a conservatory and a terrace.

Its name pays homage to the stories of prisoners who started their journey to Botany Bay from the nearby Clyde Canal.

“This a very exciting time for Glasgow,” says Tomkins.

“Having worked in hospitality for as long as I can remember, I’ve seen the city change and develop its attitudes towards food and drink. Options used to be very limited. Now, Glasgow’s a haven for foodies."

Tomkins, formerly a board director for Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, has launched several successful Glasgow venues including Urban Bar & Brasserie; Vroni’s Wine Bar; and Blue Dog.