Luke Tracey has opened The Skillet on Glasgow’s Hyndland Street. In the past the site has hosted Absolute Roaster and Cafezique. Now Tracey, who previously owned The Square restaurant in Broomhill, has invested in turning the venue into a stylish eatery and cocktail bar with two dining areas.
Luke told DRAM, “It has been going very well although it has been a bit of a whirlwind. We only got the keys a few weeks ago, so the whole team chipped in to get it ready to open. It was full on, but it was also fun.”
Luke who closed The Square in Broomhill in order to open The Skillet adds, “We wanted to do something new and fresher and something a bit different and in a busier area. When I looked at this building with its beautiful cornicing, nice open layout and mezzanine I could see what I could turn it back into and I do think we have brought it back to life. Customers have said it has a New York/ Manhattan/ London chic feel and I am more than happy with these comments.
“The team that I have is the same team from the Square – even though there was a three months transition – once we got the keys it was all hands on deck.”
The Skillet offers brunch, lunch and dinner and everything in between from coffee to cocktails and with a relaxed vibe.
Says Luke, “People can drop in any time, and just come for a drink too. All the units around us close quite early so we created a dedicated bar area at the front for people to enjoy and use.”
He concludes, “Me and my partner both work in the business. I have no objections to busting a gut 70/80 hours a week because I love hospitality. So you will find me here polishing the cutlery and taking the orders. I think my customers like that too.”