The Trading House, owned by the New World Trading Company and part of Living Ventures, is a new establishment that compliments Glasgow’s bar and restaurant scene very nicely. The venue is located in The Citizen Building, which was built in 1889, and used to be the offices of The Evening Citizen newspaper. The success of the New World Trading Company’s other venues, such as The Botanist and The Smuggler’s Cove, is an indication of The Trading House’s potential.
Our journey to the preview of The Trading House began in a classic, red double-decker horse drawn carriage, which transported us from Glasgow Queen Street to the front entrance of The Trading House. The method of transport signifies what is at the heart of The Trading House’s design, the era of East Indian colonialism. Paul Danson, who is responsible for the interior design of the venue, has used furnishings and ornamental features inspired by the décor of the time.
Visitors to the bar and restaurant can expect to be immediately taken aback by the magnitude of the building. The venue is a magnificent 7,500 square feet, which comprises a bar with a seating and dining area, and a further two dining areas, one of which is located at the far end of the ground floor and another on the second floor, running parallel with an open kitchen.
The bar boasts large, arched, dark panelled windows that stretch to the full height of the ceiling, contributing to the overall lofty and expansive feel on the ground floor. The sheer size of the windows allow for a great deal of natural light to stream into the venue, and really open up the space.As well as 140-covers over the two-floor venue, there is a beer tasting room through the back, that runs directly into a private dining area.
As you walk through the front, double door entrance to the bar, there is a beautiful feature staircase leading to the mezzanine seating area which overlooks the bar area. Cream and green are dominant colours in this area and throughout, complimented by stripped back wooden, natural-looking floors. The ground-floor, bar area is lined with a classic green, wooden panelling that runs the circumference of the room.
The marble-topped bar, which is located on the right-hand side as you enter, is truly spectacular in both style and size, running the full length of the bar area. Three large, green pillars stand behind the front bar and stretch to the top of the ceiling. The cream ceiling has original cornicing, and has retained a beautiful rectangular panelling that can be seen throughout the entire bar area.
Lighting is a distinguishing element in here, with large, eccentric metallic lights that resemble palm trees. There are also a number of chain pendant, bowl-like lights that hang directly above and run the full length of the bar, suspended from a wrought iron rod. Customers can also dine in this area of the venue on high wooden tables which are complimented with brown leather stools, lined with vintage brass beading.
The wooden back bar features two authentic barrels and there is a refrigerated space which houses a few kegs of the bar’s signature brews.
From floor to ceiling, this venue really has incorporated as much detail as possible into the bar area, with old-fashioned ornamental features, such as travel luggage and storage boxes from past times.
The rear dining area has neutrally painted cream walls with wood panelling. The walls have been tastefully dressed with photography and historical artefacts from colonial times, such as weaponry and pistols, which could have potentially been collected during an adventurer’s travels. This room has also been separated from the main bar area by wooden partitions containing frosted glass panels.
The neutrality of this area juxtaposes quite nicely with dark wood tables and chairs. The dining chairs are beautifully carved and have an interesting designed fabric element on the back, each design different from the other. This area also contains a comfortable, fixed seating that has been designed with a floral fabric. The fabric furnishing in this room, as well as the low hanging, bell shaped pendant lighting that are lined with quirky red tassels really warm up this area.
To the right of the ground floor dining area is another open, good-sized space with a corridor leading off into the beer-tasting room. This room is enclosed with large, intricate wrought iron gates that run the length of the room, which were made especially for The Trading House. They are a work of art! The room has brick walls, with an attractive wooden panelling that runs the width of the room just below the ceiling. Low, intimate lighting is produced by fairy lights that lie within pendant glass jar containers. In the centre of the room is a long, high timber table and stool area that can accommodate customers for beer tasting.
A separate private dining area, which can hold up to 16 people, can be accessed through a door leading off from the beer tasting area. This room has a classical feel, with neutral walls and a green, wooden panelling that covers each wall. Metallic teapot ornamentals and tall, gas-lit candles sit on top of a decorative mantelpiece. The centre of the room holds another fabulous, dark wood dining table and a feature mirror. This room is also complimented with the previously described large, arched, panelled windows that are a grand and distinctive feature alone.
General Manager, Louise Ralston, is keen to establish The Trading House as a must-go destination for Glaswegians and visitors to the city.
The Trading House is certainly a great addition to Glasgow’s bar and restaurant scene!
THE TRADING HOUSE
24 St. Vincent Place Glasgow G1 2EU