The Ubiquitous Chip, a cornerstone of Glasgow’s West End dining scene, has reopened its doors following a meticulous and imaginative £1.2 million restoration. Long known for its whimsical charm and culinary excellence, “The Chip” now enters an exciting new chapter – one that carefully preserves its iconic character while embracing contemporary design and comfort.
At the heart of the transformation is a collaboration of highly skilled contractors and creatives, each contributing to the rebirth of this cherished venue. Design consultancy Surface ID led the creative direction, seamlessly integrating new design features that elevate the dining experience while respecting the venue’s storied past.
From the plush orange leather banquettes to the rich green and teal seating, every colour and texture has been purposefully selected to complement The Chip’s warm, organic aesthetic. The project’s execution was managed by Myriad Contracts, who handled joinery, plumbing, electrical, and roofing work. Their work was crucial in navigating the challenges of a complex refurbishment within a listed building.
The integration of modern amenities into a space with so much history was no small task, and Myriad delivered with both precision and sensitivity. Guests familiar with The Chip will find plenty of nods to the past— while being delighted by fresh surprises.
Andy Thornton supplied a new range of internal furniture, enhancing comfort without compromising on visual appeal, while Inn Gear refurbished key original pieces, ensuring continuity with the venue’s rich history.
Lighting plays a key role in the atmosphere, and Lightiquehas curated a collection of ambient fixtures that cast a soft glow across the venue’s refurbished Brasserie and Restaurant.
A standout addition is the bespoke chandelier lighting which serve as both functional elements and artistic statements. In the Restaurant, diners can look forward to a refined culinary experience with a choice between a seasonal à la carte offering and a carefully curated tasting menu.
Fresh fish and seafood are sourced directly from trusted local supplier John Vallance, while premium vegetables come courtesy of Barnhill Farm in Renfrewshire. To complete the menu, a selection of hand-foraged herbs and spices—sourced by Maxime Cour Sauvage—adds a unique, wild dimension to each dish.
Over in the Brasserie, a more relaxed and sociable atmosphere invites guests to explore a vibrant selection of sharing and small plates. Highlights include beef tartare, monkfish cheek kebabs, and indulgent buttermilk fried chicken waffles.
A significant addition to The Chip’s offering is the newly introduced pub snacks menu, now available in the Big Pub – a first for the venue, made possible by the fully upgraded kitchen. The refurbished Wee Whisky Bar, renowned for its impressive collection of over 100 whiskies, now features a newly added special occasions.
Across the venue’s other bars, guests will find a thoughtfully curated range of classic cocktails with a modern twist, expertly reimagined by The Chip’s in-house mixologist, alongside a robust wine list featuring 300 hand-picked selections to suit every palate. The venue’s transformation is more than just aesthetic.
Behind the scenes, the kitchen has undergone a full-scale upgrade with bespoke installations by Airedale Catering Equipment, supporting the expanded menu and elevated service. In the Big Pub, new kitchen functionality allows for the introduction of a dedicated pub snack menu – an exciting first for The Chip. Dining spaces are now acoustically and visually refined, thanks to Scotia Sound’s discreet AV installation and Pointer’s comprehensive CCTV and security upgrades, ensuring comfort and safety for all patrons.
Outside, Eclipse Furniture supplies weatherproof yet stylish tables and chairs, perfectly suited for al fresco dining on cobbled lanes surrounded by hanging vines and leafy canopies.
Curtains from AJ Blinds soften the natural light that pours in from Ashton Lane, while Benholm Group’s lush planting introduces greenery that blurs the lines between indoors and out – especially in the verdant mezzanine and open-air courtyard areas.
Project oversight was managed by EWH Consultingas quantity surveyors, with structural support from Grossarts Associates, Caledonian Espresso has supplied state-of-the-art machines that ensure the venue’s drinks offering matches the quality of its cuisine, while Ashleigh Signs helped reintroduce The Chip to Ashton Lane with elegant, understated signage that reflects the venue’s renewed identity.
With reimagined menus led by long-standing Head Chef Doug Lindsay and a team of skilled artisans behind its visual rebirth, The Ubiquitous Chip once again stands as a jewel in Glasgow’s culinary crown. Whether you’re rediscovering the iconic haggis dish, sipping whisky in the upgraded Wee Whisky Bar, or exploring the new tasting menus under the warm glow of bespoke chandeliers, the refreshed Ubiquitous Chip offers an experience that feels both timeless and entirely new.
General Manager Will Allen says, “We’ve had such a warm response, from people who’ve been coming here for years and those who have walked in for the first time. It’s great to feel a real energy reignited, and this is only the beginning. “The restoration has been about making sure The Chip is ready for the future, not just for us as a team, but for everyone who’s made it part of their lives over the years. The response has been exceptional and we’re looking forward to everything that’s to come.”