Hazel, one of Glasgow’s newest restaurants, has given a sneak peek at what to expect ahead of its opening on November 13 – including an interior inspired by the city’s coat of arms.
Hazel opens alongside the neighbouring AC Hotel Glasgow, with both openings marking the next significant step in the Love Loan property development project – from Edinburgh-based private investment and real estate firm Chris Stewart Group.
Love Loan, which aims to transform the area on the edge of George Square into a leisure and residential destination, includes the Soho House private members club, and Flight Club. The development arrives as Glasgow City councillors recently voted through the city’s master plan aimed at repositioning the city centre for the next 30 years with a focus on leisure, residential, and living.
Chris Stewart, owner and CEO at Chris Stewart Group said, “Love Loan will be one of Glasgow and Scotland’s premier leisure destinations and a symbol of how city centres must evolve to meet modern demand. Hazel is a hugely important part of its appeal.”
Hazel, the 100-cover George Street restaurant is led by French chef Eric Avenier who has worked in and led hotel and restaurant kitchen teams in his native France and Scotland, including six years as head chef at city centre favourite The Atlantic Bar and Brasserie, and two years as executive head chef at Mar Hall Hotel.
He said, “We are immensely proud of Hazel and its first menu, and cannot wait to welcome diners living in and visiting Glasgow.
“It takes the very best of fresh, locally sourced Scottish ingredients, and infuses them with Mediterranean influence and flair to instantly transport diners to that rich culinary playground but with an unmistakable Scottish twist.
“We have set out to bring something new and exciting to Glasgow with Hazel, and this menu reflects that. The blend of large and sharing plates caters for classic and modern dining – people will love it!”
The drinks menu includes an extensive wine menu including the signature Hazel 75 cocktail and the Crossbill 200 Martin in partnership with the Glasgow gin distillery Crossbill.
The interior design was inspired by the legend of St Mungo and Glasgow’s coat of arms, with life size tree and lighting in the shape of birds and bells and it came into being after the discovery of an original period stained glass window depicting the legend which was found during the construction of the neighbouring AC Glasgow Hotel.
Themes of nature run through Hazel with the centrepiece of the restaurant a full-size Hazel tree inspired by the Glasgow coat of arms (main picture) and the story continues through sculptural tributes to the four miracles of St Mungo, including lighting in the shape of birds, a bell, and fish.
