Alan Tomkins extends Glasgow empire with the Botany
Entrepreneur Alan Tomkins has chosen the Maryhill region of Glasgow as the home of his latest venture, the Botany.
Tomkins, who has invested heavily in the city in locations such as Urban Bar & Brasserie, Vroni's Wine Bar and Blue Dog, will launch the site on 12 September.
He will be joined by his business partner Calum Lawson, who will be the site's owner.
The bar and restaurant will focus on high-quality food and drink while steering away from fine dining. It is named for Botany Bay, Australia, where Scottish convicts would be taken. Their journeys started on the nearby Forth and Clyde canal.
A menu of internationally inspired food will be produced by the kitchen of John Paul Lappin, who has worked at some of the city's best restaurants including Gamba and Urban Bar & Brasserie. Dishes will include a venison loin smoked in house and a Sri Lankan-style monkfish curry.
Tomkins said: "This is a very exciting time for Glasgow. Having worked in hospitality for as long as I can remember, I've seen the city change and develop its attitudes towards food and drink. Options used to be very limited. Now, Glasgow's a haven for foodies.
"The transformation of Finnieston came because of a few anchor venues offering spectacular food and drink. Calum and I both believe we can lead a similar sea-change in Maryhill and North Kelvinside. Our aim is to not only to maintain a local institution, but to attract customers from the West End, Bearsden and Milngavie. The delicious food, seasonal cocktails and fantastic atmosphere will add a lot to what's already an up and coming area."
