Naveed Rashid has opened The Hawke Bar and Kitchen above his Scottish restaurant Arisaig, in Glasgow’s Merchant Square.
The 60-cover restaurant and bar serves contemporary and traditional dishes made with locally sourced produce with an emphasis on casual dining. The bar specialises in gin, whisky and an evolving range of cocktails.
Owner Naveed said, “We used the space as an overspill for Arisaig on busy nights and as an event space and pop-up but always thought it had more potential.”
The Hawke opened in January after a three-week refurbishment led by Naveed, which included extending and refurbishing the bar, new signage, toilets and furniture and a dark grey colour scheme softened with plants and soft furnishings.
A wood and metal mesh cabinet at the back of the bar beside a snug area showcases The Hawke’s fine whisky selection.
Another unique feature is a cocktail trolley which offers bespoke table service, an idea of Naveed’s which has proved extremely popular.
He added, “The cocktail trolley has been a hit. The idea was that we wanted to do something bespoke and memorable that would also speed up service – and we’re selling more cocktails.
“We’re delighted with The Hawke and the feedback has been great.”