New restaurant plan for city spot
HUGE plans have been revealed for an ‘ elegant’ Chinese restaurant to open in the former Prezzo building in Glasgow.
Zhima, meaning sesame in Mandarin, will open at the site on St Vincent Place on April 17 in a move creating more than 60 new jobs.
The space has been transformed following a £ 1 million investment to create a ‘ contemporary and elegant’ dining experience.
It is the latest venture by Hunky Dory Group, who own popular city centre restaurants such as Chaakoo Bombay Cafe, Panang and Topolabamba.
Zhima will be the ninth opening for the group, and it is being established in partnership with respected Scottish restaurateurs Mario Gizzi and Tony Connetta of Di Maggio’s Restaurant Group ( DRG).
Paul Sloan, co- founder of Hunky Dory Dining Group, said: “We’re so excited to bring Zhima to Glasgow city centre, where it will add something new to a burgeoning dining destination.
“The concept has been in development for close to four years but finding the right site was the key.
“We’ve had a plan in place with partners Mario and Tony to transform St. Vincent Street/ Place, and this is the next stage.
“It’s right next to Buchanan Street and a prime location for a new venue. As soon as we heard the site on St Vincent Place was becoming available, we knew it was the home for Zhima.”
With a business lunch, pre- theatre and evening menus, Zhima promises to deliver ‘ beautifully presented dishes’ and there are options for intimate private dining for up to 12 guests.
Paul added: “There aren’t many places in the city centre where diners can go and get properly dressed up and that’s the point of difference we’re bringing to this part of Glasgow.
“It’s all about elevating customer experiences and providing a late- night venue with a bit of glam and sophistication.”
Dishes will be influenced by Cantonese, Hunan and Sichuan cooking styles and guests can enjoy small plates at the venue’s cocktail bar.
Paul said: “Chinese food
is a big part of Glasgow’s culture and the Zhima concept champions this.
“We’ve recruited chefs with more than 20 years’ experience working in Asian- fusion restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and hope to bring to Glas
gow what Hakkasan does to London and Tattu does to Edinburgh an elegant, adventurous dining destination.”
Zhima will open on April 17, and will be open seven days a week from 12pm to 10.30pm.