The family behind Indian restaurant The Malletsheugh in Newton Mearns have taken over the former Carrigan’s site in East Kilbride, where they plan to open a new dining concept called The Osprey.
It’s a new chapter for the Birk family, who have established a strong reputation for quality and service since launching The Malletsheugh just two years ago, winning multiple awards and a loyal customer base. Now the Birks are building on that momentum, with The Osprey set to bring a premium food experience to East Kilbride, combining elements of their original offer with a “fresh new twist”.
Pav Birk, who leads the family business alongside his mother Tina and brothers Aman, Bobby and Rohan, said: “This is a really exciting moment for us, getting the keys to our second restaurant – it feels special.”
He added, “We took a leap with The Malletsheugh, stretched ourselves and stepped into the unknown with a lot of risk – it was a gamble but we knew the place and the concept were special.”
Bobby Birk said, “We are bringing the best of The Malletsheugh to East Kilbride, but of course we didn’t want to just replicate the same formula exactly.”
He confirmed that Indian cuisine would remain at the heart of the offer, alongside a Scottish menu. “We have a fun idea to freshen things up,” he said. “We’re very grateful for the love and support our family has had at The Malletsheugh and we are excited to get to know the people of East Kilbride and how we can help and support the local community.”
The Birks have a three-generation legacy in Indian cuisine, with their grandfather and father both working as chefs in Glasgow. The family also previously operated the Taj Mahal in Gourock. But The Malletsheugh, and now The Osprey, represent a more “contemporary” direction say the family.
Tina Kaur Birk said, “This is a proud day and moment for our family. The boys’ grandfather was one of the first Indian chefs trained in Glasgow and their father followed in his footsteps, they’ve grown up with hospitality in their blood.
“So to see them now make a huge success of the first high-end family restaurant and move to launch a second is a thrill. It makes me very proud of them.”
The building in East Kilbride is now undergoing a full refurbishment, with the family investing significantly in both the interior and exterior to bring it in line with their signature style.
Staff continuity is also a priority. Bobby confirmed: “We are trying to do something new and exciting but of course we are very conscious that former Carrigan’s staff are in limbo at the moment.
“We intend to keep as many of them as possible employed at The Osprey. We want to help the community and add to it.
“The restaurant is now closed for extensive renovations but we are consulting with staff representatives and very much want them to be part of The Osprey when we launch.”
An opening date has yet to be confirmed, but the Birks say they are focused on doing the project justice before welcoming their first guests.