Michele Pagliocca’s fingerprints are unmistakably, all over the fabric of Glasgow’s modern hospitality scene. Long before artisan brunches were trending and vintage-themed pubs were popping up on every corner, this individual was already reimagining what dining, drinking, and dancing could look like in our city.
He arrived in Scotland at the age of 17, not with a business plan or a bulging CV – but with curiosity, drive, and a willingness to work hard. His first jobs weren’t in boardrooms or trendy kitchens – they were in a petrol station and chip shop owned by his uncle. But it didn’t take long for Glasgow’s energy to pull him in. He soon found himself frequenting the Casa d’Italia, a cultural and social hub for the Italian community – where he met the woman who would become his wife and lifelong partner.
What followed was a remarkable journey – one that would take him from modest beginnings to becoming a driving force behind some of the city’s most memorable and beloved venues.
In his early days he worked with his wife’s family and indeed his wife in venues such as the Pot Still and the 39 Steps, but it was a meeting with Donald Macleod, a man passionate about music, that led to a business which was to dominate his life for the next 14 years when the two co-founded CPL which went on to become one of the most successful entertainment groups in Scotland, helping launch iconic names like The Cathouse , The Garage, The Cathouse, Cube, The Tunnel, and Underworld. The group also brought large-scale music events like Download Festival to Glasgow Green.
But in 2004 after more than a decade in that world, and following the death of his father, he made a defining move – parting ways with the group and taking sole ownership of The Shed in Shawlands and a property behind The Garage when Donald bought him out. This shift, which he said at the time was a semi-retirement, marked a new chapter – one that embraced smaller, character-driven venues over large-scale operations. It also allowed him to focus on family, travel, and personal passions which now includes cycling.
However stepping away from the big stage didn’t actually mean he slowed down. Indeed he thrived on being out on his own working with his family. He launched The Butterfly and the Pig, a quirky bar-restaurant filled with mismatched teacups, whimsical décor, and home-cooked fare.
Then came Singl-end, a café-bakery developed with his son Gianni, a family-run café-bakery known for its industrial aesthetic and hearty food, Though the original location closed briefly, it returned stronger than ever, with a successful second site opening in Merchant City in 2018. Although Gianni stepped away from the business and is now in cybersecurity his daughter Michela continued working with her father in the business. The business also grew to include the Buff Club and MacGregor Pie & Ale Howff.
Michele Pagliocca didn’t stop at building beautiful spaces – he made them feel lived-in, welcoming, and unmistakably Glaswegian. He also worked to make them safer and more inclusive. He secured rare late-night licences through collaboration and care.
He donated to Glasgow’s Nitezone initiative to keep revellers safe, and launched internal campaigns – like “CHAT” to encourage staff and patrons alike to look out for one another. He also raises cash for the BEN.
And he continues to pivot the business. After 26 years of success with The Shed, he wasn’t content. Instead, he reimagined the venue completely, relaunching it earlier this year asThe Marlborough – a bold, art-deco inspired space that now hosts club nights, live acts, and even a vinyl listening bar, breathing new life into Shawlands’ night-time culture.
Throughout his journey, he’s stayed rooted in family and in 2025, his daughter Michela officially took over leadership of their company, Monteleone Ltd, ushering in a new generation of innovation and stewardship. Although Michele is still as active as ever in day to day operations of the business – he remains a grafter. While wife Josephine or as we all know her Jo Jo has been at his side throughout the journey and has worked hand in hand with her hubby – although she is still more comfortable in the kitchen than front of house.
From late-night clubs to brunch spots with a soul, from community-minded pubs to design-rich experiences, Michele’s vision has never been about chasing trends – it’s been about creating spaces that mean something. Places you remember. Places you return to.