Glasgow’s famous Ho Wong is back in business in a new-build restaurant on the corner of Waterloo and West Campbell Street, only a stones-throw from the original Ho Wong in York Street which closed in June 2019.
Brothers Tony and Michael Chung and business partner Jim Ridley have re-opened in a modern-build which has a larger footprint than the old Ho Wong, and the new restaurant is both contemporary and elegant with a very definite oriental feel.
The new restaurant has been designed by Geraldine Crossan who, in a previous role, also worked on the refurbishment of the original Ho Wong more than a decade ago.
The new restaurant sits in the corner of a modern office block and the exterior is both striking and discreet. The name of the restaurant is visible on beautifully etched glass windows which depict various oriental scenes … the only sign that there is life inside is a hint of light from lamps within which shine through.
The vestibule of the restaurant takes you into a lengthy, exquisite bar area. This leads into the restaurant which also boasts a long, elegant serving bar.
The colour palettes is primarily teal, which not only appears on the walls but on the ceilings too. The fixed seating in the large bar area is either upholstered with gold silk-like fabrics or has a floral chinoiserie -like appearance.
Small, white, round and square tables, with a gold band on gold pedestals, add to the sense of luxury in the reception bar. This area also features contemporary Chinese artwork, which is colourful and striking, as well as various familiar ornamental Chinese items including small bonsai trees, Chinese lions and vases which have been tastefully curated.
Severino Projects were chosen to work on the new Ho wong. Angus Alston, Director at Severino Projects, said he was pleased and honoured when he was approached by Tony and Jim to be the Principal Shopfitter on the new Ho Wong project. He told DRAM. “Severino Projects worked very closely with Interior Designer Geraldine Crossan, developing her concept sketches into working details, then to manufacture and install. While the project was not without its challenges, everyone worked extremely well together to ensure completion on time and to highest standards.”
The main restaurant area pays a nod to the former Ho Wong with the designers making great use of booths, which were coveted in York Street. The back wall is lined with them – all upholstered in vibrant teal. There are also subtle scenes of China set into the walls. Bright pops of colour are introduced via striking lamps, while huge Chinese locks are used as artwork.
Angus explains that the feature Chinese locks were a typical example of the team working well together. The locks were made in the Severino workshop, then hand-painted by Artist Ranald McColl to achieve the aged brass effect.
Designer Geraldine Crossan comments, “As the designer of the previous Ho Wong, Tony and Jim had great faith in my ability to visualise what the new Ho Wong required to take the restaurant into its next era.
This aspirational new vision had to reflect the great expectations of their loyal clientele who were so keen to see the Ho Wong open once again.
As I developed the concept my design solution evolved. The restaurant and private dining room were set either side from the focal bar area by bold open screens. The restaurant was planned providing the clientele’s ever popular circular booths.
I then created a palette of glowing jewel colours, patterns and textures set against a bold jade coloured background creating a warm luxurious ambience inspired by oriental and retro themes.
Lastly, the interior was complemented by a selection of carefully curated groupings of wall art, murals and chinoiserie.”
