By Susan Young
When Paul Sloan first told me about his plans for a new contemporary Chinese restaurant that would put the theatre into Chinese dining in Glasgow I wasn’t surprised. Paul and his team at Hunky Dory are not known for doing anything by halves and they have certainly delivered. The new Zhima, which translates to ‘sesame’ in Mandarin, opened last month and it is a masterpiece.
The company has spent £1m transforming the former Prezzo into what is a stylish and elegant restaurant and bar. The footprint remains the same, but the whole restaurant has been re-configured.
He initially described it to me as being Hakkasanesque – in that he wanted a restaurant with the same luxury feel, and a similar vibe, and it definitely has that. As you walk in you are met by striking black fretwork. Paul tells me some originally came 
from China, but others were created locally in Glasgow.
He wanted to deliver a more private dining experience and the fabulous fretwork splits the many booths.
He explains, “A lot of people mentioned to me that they felt that many existing Chinese restaurants were not private enough, so I have created a restaurant which has cool dining booths which give you an element of privacy.”
The restaurant caters for 136 diners, while the sumptuous bar can seat 16. There are two-seater booths, four-seater, and large six-seater booths, as well as a private dining room which seat 12. Paul’s vision has been brought to life by his usual designer Dominic Paul of ibdp Interiors, and his own fitout business delivered on the brief. He smiles, “My business partner (and cousin) Mario Gizzi looks after the financial side, and we did the fitout. The way we work together does work very well.”
What strikes me about the design is the attention to detail which is very evident, and the quality of the fabrics used in the upholstery. As you enter and head towards the bar there is a seating area which is not boothed. This area is immediately adjacent to the windows and features blue velvet chairs which have been trimmed with gold, marble-effect tables and fixed seating.
The fabric here looks like watermarked velvet which perfectly matches the back of the bar stools. A feature wall draws your eye, complete with 16 gold masks 
encased in black and gold frames. Paul explains, “We found the masks in China and we covered them in gold leaf before having frames made for them. Although the initial outlay wasn’t very much, because the masks themselves didn’t cost much, by the time we finished they were not as inexpensive.”
Whatever the outlay, it was well worth it. It’s a feature which is stunning, and it is also used in the private dining room to great effect.
The bar itself is beautiful. It is a bold gold with a classic marble top which is very deep. This adds to the feel of luxury. The brass trimmed back bar, which sits on a black wall is also striking. The brass has been used to great effect. Even the posing tables in the bar have brass pedestals.
Upstairs there is a semi-circular wall with fixed seating – this is one of the few relics from Zhima’s previous incarnation, but now it features exquisite gold shimmery wallpaper which is very oriental in style. The rich gold colour is also evident in the bespoke artwork panels that hang in the booths and on the walls of the restaurant. It really is a feast for your eyes.
The designers have used a mix of green and gold and brown and gold velvet upholstery and the material at the backs of the booths are watermarked. The seating doesn’t just look good, it feels good too. Each of the larger booths, which seat six, feature a large piece of artwork and the lighting here is square with some brass work. Whereas in the smaller booths and in the bar the lighting reminds me of vertical black birdcages. It’s very effective and at night keeps the restaurant moody.
There are also small Black table lamps that are put on the tables at night – which are battery operated which also add to the intimacy. The bathrooms have all been retiled but outside the ladies there is a special area.
Explains Paul, “Mario saw a special make-up area when he was in a bar in Barcelona and he thought it was a great idea. So, I have put in a lovely Chinese cabinet with a big mirror and Chinese bowls with cotton buds.”
I wouldn’t normally comment on the dishes and the cutlery, but they too match the decor. The plates are just delightful, it’s not often I take a picture of an empty one, but I couldn’t resist. The food too is delightful.
I think Zhima is sure to be a hit with customers of all ages.
