The Ubiquitous Chip has closed its doors for the summer as work begins on a multi-million-pound refurbishment of the Ashton Lane site.
The venue, which has operated for over 50 years, will remain closed until 15 September. The project includes a full refresh of the main and mezzanine dining areas, a complete kitchen upgrade, new lighting in the courtyard, and the expansion of the Wee Bar into an adjacent unit. Original features, including the courtyard pond and Alasdair Gray murals, will be retained.
All 40 existing staff have been retained during the closure and will be redeployed across sister venues and a recruitment drive is now underway to fill 20 new roles across front and back of house, in preparation for a move to seven-day opening.
The kitchen team will expand with new roles including sous chefs, chef de partie and commis chefs. A new bar manager is also being appointed to oversee all three bars across the site, including the newly extended Wee Bar, which will take on a speakeasy-style format. Additional roles include bartenders, restaurant supervisors and floor staff to support the extended service.
Head Chef Doug Lindsay, who has led the kitchen for more than two decades, has helped shape the design of the new space. General Manager Will Allen said, “The kitchen is the engine room of The Chip. We’re working hard to make sure the new layout supports quality, creativity, efficiency and the kind of environment chefs and front of house staff want to work in. This is a great opportunity to be part of a team that blends legacy with ambition. There aren’t many kitchens like it in Glasgow.”
The venue holds two AA Rosettes and an AA Notable Wine List Award.