The new owners of famous Glasgow bars and restaurants Ubiquitous Chip, Stravaigin and Hanoi Bike Shop have announced their plans for what they describe as 'three pioneering pillars of Glasgow’s hospitality landscape'.
As we reported last month, Glasgow's longest established family-run restaurant, Ubiquitous Chip, and its sister venues have been sold to pub chain the Metropolitan Pub Company. It's owned by Greene King, self-described as the 'UK’s leading premium pub operator'.
Some Glaswegians have since shared their dismay at the move, fearing for the future of the restaurants and pubs.
READ MORE: Glaswegians respond as Ubiquitous Chip sold to pub chain chiefs Greene King
Announcing the deal, long-time owner Colin Clydesdale said: "Metropolitan Pub Company approached Carol and I, as great admirers of The Chip, Stravaigin and Hanoi, with an interest in buying. After much consideration, we decided to sell the business that has been in family ownership since 1971.
"I truly believe the business and people will be in safe hands with Michael and the team, who will continue the legacy that we have built. We look forward to visiting as customers for many years to come."
Today the team behind the Metropolitan Pub Company have opened on their plans for the much-loved venues and say their managing director, Michael Horan, 'very much plans to continue building on the legacy that the Clydesdale family has created over the last 50 years', with the goal of 'ensuring the business survives another 50 years'.
The company also operates Café Royale in Edinburgh, and says it is currently exploring a further pipeline of sites, described as 'complimentary businesses sharing an independent ethos and strong point of difference', in both Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Talking about the recent acquisition, they say it is one of the 'most significant' to have happened in our city in recent times, adding 'the development heralds an exciting portfolio expansion into Scotland' for the company.
Acknowledging the Chip's heritage as a much-loved Glasgow institution 'and its credentials as a pioneer of provenance', Mr Horan - who has an emotional and family tie to the city - explained his vision and said: “Ubiquitous Chip is held in the greatest affection by so many people, myself included, as is Stravaigin and The Hanoi Bike Shop.
"I know this first hand from many years living in the west end with my Glaswegian wife.
"So, when Colin (Clydesdale) and Carol (Wright) decided they wanted to sell the venues, I was clearly delighted that they both felt Metropolitan was best placed to ensure the business would be in safe hands for many more years to come.
"People, provenance and placemaking will be at the heart of our plans, supported with significant investment”
Founded in 2011, Metropolitan Pub Company is a collection of 70 'unique and premium' pubs across the UK, which owners say are 'celebrated for maintaining their individual character and charm, providing distinctive experiences, and delivering high quality food and beverage'.
Explaining the success of some of their acquisitions down south, the team behind the company explained: "In keeping with the company’s new Glasgow business, strong cultural credentials underpin many of Metropolitan’s venues.
"The City Barge on the banks of the Thames in Chiswick is famed as the location where The Beatles filmed the 1965 film ‘Help’.
"The Black Swan in Surrey features in John Landis’ 1981 film ‘American Werewolf in London’.
"In Cambridge, The Anchor is the iconic riverside pub which enjoys legendary status thanks to its Pink Floyd patronage.
"The World’s End in London’s Finsbury Park was chosen by Ed Sheeran to perform his debut album ‘+’ just after signing his publishing deal in 2011.
"And the 302 years old Grenadier in Belgravia, with its money ceiling and haunted stories, is a landmark in its own right."
As such it's considered the Ubiquitous Chip, Hanoi Bike Shop and Stravaigin trio have a natural and obvious synergy with the Metropolitan Pub Company.
Mr Horan spoke also expanded on his specific plans for the venues and says they will each be backed with investment while giving them more autonomy and protecting their 'independent spirit'.
He said: "I am aware of the deep connection patrons feel towards the business and conscious of their expectations of us to protect such an iconic cornerstone of Glasgow . The independent spirit of the Glasgow business is one of its greatest strengths and there are no plans to change this.
"Indeed, we are committed to more independence and more autonomy across the three venues, but supported with substantial investment.
"So, opening up opportunities for local food and drink suppliers, increasing local employment (there are currently around 40 -50 vacancies across the Glasgow business), engaging with local talent through cultural events that will bring back energy and excitement, and investing in facilities infrastructure such as the kitchen, the washrooms, looking at expanding the rooftop terrace and so on.
"As a well-resourced independent operator, Metropolitan can strengthen areas such as these."
Furthermore, it's planned staffing levels will be 'resourced up' in the near future, with the company adding: "The 145 team members across the three Glasgow venues will join the 1,200 staff employed by Metropolitan Pub Company. An immediate priority is to resource up the Glasgow workforce and return ownership and decision making back to management on site."
Meanwhile Mr Horan spoke of his intention to protect the jobs of the staff already on site and said: "The Glasgow team are exceptionally talented and passionate people with a wealth of knowledge.
"Doug Lindsay for example is a brilliant Head Chef who has been in the kitchen for nearly 20 years. We want to invest in Doug’s kitchen infrastructure to enable him and his team to keep doing what they do so well, to encourage them to be daring, to have the freedom to engage more with local suppliers, and even aim for a third AA rosette should Doug wish.
"We want to reward staff to make them feel valued. For example, remunerate appropriately on pay and benefits and provide opportunities for personal development such as great training, the chance to study for a degree if this is of interest, and support with access to mentoring.
"We make no apology in saying we will encourage management and their teams to sharpen their business focus so they are capable and confident in running their venues independently.
"This will ensure the business survives another 50 years. That is the legacy Colin and Carol themselves wished for."
The Ubiquitous Chip had been in the hands of the Clydesdale family since it opened in 1971 and until being bought over, was managed by Colin Clydesdale along with his wife Carol.
Stravaigin was recently named one of the 50 Best Gastropubs in the UK while the Ubiquitous Chip, which features murals by Scots artist and writer Alasdair Gray, was named Best Pub in the area at the National Pub and Bar Awards 2022.
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