Savills has reported another record year for Glasgow city centre food and beverage in 2025, with 38 new openings delivering 87,000 sq ft of restaurant space. The agency said this was the highest annual volume since 2018 and around 10% higher than 2024.
The make-up of deals also shifted, with national and international brands taking a larger share of activity. Larger operators accounted for 25% of transactions, up from 10% the previous year, when independent concepts dominated. New arrivals included Sticks’n’Sushi at George Square and Indian restaurant chain Dishoom on Nelson Mandela Place.
Operators continue to be drawn by the city’s scale and footfall. Geolytix ranks Glasgow as having the fourth largest catchment population of any UK city outside London, and the largest in Scotland. MyTraffic has reported annual footfall of 17 million on Buchanan Street, with nearby streets benefiting from strong demand for well-located sites.
Savills also points to solid trading in prime pitches, with several national operators placing Glasgow in the top 10% of their UK portfolios for turnover and profit margin. Some brands have reported turnover more than 40% above pre-Covid levels, with growth helping to offset rising operating costs.
Business rates revaluation is expected to be the big issue in 2026, with some bar operators facing proposed increases of up to 900%. Savills said relief announced in the Scottish Budget is unlikely to prevent an impact on profitability. Even so, the firm is tracking up to 15 unmet occupier requirements for Glasgow city centre, suggesting demand for quality space remains.
John Menzies, director in the Scottish retail team at Savills, said: “Overall, occupier demand for the very best F&B sites in Glasgow will continue to be strong in 2026, but we are unlikely to see the same level of rental growth. Prime F&B rents increased by approximately 15% in 2025 to £50 per sq ft, but we do not expect to see this continue as operators look to absorb the increasing tax burden on this year’s rating revaluation. Consequently, we will also see many operators looking to take on cost effective fitted space.
“On a more positive note, we expect to see public realm improvements make a difference to occupier decision making. This includes the unveiling later this year of the newly renovated George Square which we anticipate will attract more F&B brands to the district, and an improving picture on Sauchiehall Street where the growth of student residential development is resulting in renewed interest from quick service restaurant and leisure operators.”