Glasgow hospitality entrepreneurs Kevin Campbell and Toni Carbajosa, two of Glasgow’s hospitality entrepreneurs, are planning on opening the Cranside Kitchen and creating one of Glasgow’s largest beer gardens at their iconic Rotunda building in Finnieston at Tunnel Street, as soon as lockdown restrictions and licensing allows, hopefully later this month.
Under the new plans, which have been submitted to planning, the areas currently used for parking and private patios at the Rotunda, will be used as an outside space to offer meals, alcohol and other hot and cold beverages. The new outdoor venue will open seven days a week with a food market and proposed beer garden at the rear corner of the premises.
The plans, for the 200 capacity venue, include two ‘pergolas’ style marquees to cover customers, new trees and greenery, industrial walls, bespoke picnic tables and outdoor furnishings.
Restaurateur Toni Carbajosa said, “We believe that a beer garden will be a great addition for the iconic site. If the First Minister stands up on Thursday and makes the announcement we’ll be ready to go – hopefully within 24 hours. We’ve been working with the local authorities and with the licensing board and are adapting our operations in line with Government guidelines. Our teams are excited to get back to work and customers can be assured that all the necessary safety measures will be in place before we open the public.”
Strict social distancing guidelines will be in place and there will be limits on numbers at any one time to avoid crowding. The Rotunda buildings bathroom facilities will be open for customers and safe toilet management will be maintained at all times. Hygiene measures are also being prepared to make the venue safe for all customers. Staff will be wearing facemasks, gloves and a very strict 2 metre distancing rule will be in place across the site.
The food market will offer menus from five of the Glasgow’s restaurants also owned by the businessman including Rioja, Halloumi, Pickled Ginger, Kilmurry & Co and La Rotunda with a single drinks and desserts menu.
Landscaper John Henderson who created the design comments, “The design proposals aim to create an attractive and usable outdoor restaurant and beer garden area. Cranside Kitchen is located just a hop, skip and a jump away from the River Clyde walks and cycle tracks and the area will continue to offer on site parking for customers.”
Artist Impression of Cranside Kitchen – Lydia Bourhill