Pop-up Café XO will partner with The Social Hub for a one-night-only supper club as part of Glasgow Cocktail Fortnight when the umami-focused kitchen, led by chef Andrew Manson, will serve a five-course tasting menu with a welcome cocktail on October 3.
Andrew Manson, whose previous roles include head chef positions at Five March, Dakota, Spanish Butcher, Cafe Gandolfi, Gardener’s Cottage and Stravaigin, said, “The idea behind the menu is to give people a taste of Café XO – it’s a celebration of all things umami. The food is all about flavour and impact, designed to be simple, flavourful and considered.
“Diners can expect a different experience to your usual restaurant or bar situation. Although intimate, I want it to feel casual and informal. We really want it to be the ultimate communal final experience. It’s about creating an experience that creates surprises and sparks conversation.
“Today, when people go out for dinner, they often leave dessert but for us it’s a key part of the experience: we always try to leave a parting moment for guests to remember. We always try to leave a lasting impression.”
On the venue choice, he added, “If I could drop a Café XO kitchen anywhere, the dream backdrop would be The Social Hub. It’s exciting, it’s fun, it’s sexy – it’s become the place to be in Glasgow. There’s so much going on, so many creative minds in one building, it’s inspiring for me as a cook.
“This takeover is the perfect fit for us, and the perfect time, because The Social Hub is having a moment. Café XO has always been about collaborating with other creative people and that’s what The Social Hub is built on.”
Ben McLeod, General Manager at The Social Hub, said, “We’ve been fans of Café XO for a long time, so it’s exciting to welcome Andrew and the team into The Social Hub for Glasgow Cocktail Fortnight.
“One of the things we love most about the city’s food scene is how collaborative and supportive it is, and this event is a chance to be part of that. It’s all about celebrating creativity, connection and brilliant food, which is exactly what The Social Hub is about too – it’s amazing that we’ll have Café XO on the bottom floor and SiSi, our amazing new rooftop bar and restaurant, just a few floors apart – it really demonstrates the strength of Glasgow’s food scene.”
Glasgow Cocktail Fortnight runs from 25 September to 8 October. More than 55 bars and restaurants will take part with exclusive menus, events and discounted cocktails for wristband holders.
Picture: The Social Hub