Chef Nico’s dining magic goes public with new venture
THIS is the exclusive first look inside Glasgow’s newest boutique pub as the city’s food and drink scene continues to undergo a major transformation.
Public House by Nico finally threw its doors open to the public yesterday after months of anticipation.
The new eatery, which has taken over the former Mallard unit on Great Western Road, aims to bring modern, British gastropub cuisine to the city’s West End, all under the direction of innovative head chef Nico Simeone.
Following in the success of his award-winning sister restaurant in Finnieston and Edinburgh, Six by Nico – which introduces a new menu concept every six weeks – Public House by Nico will offer a broad selection of small plates and larger dishes.
A big emphasis will be placed on weekend breakfast and brunch and also a Sunday roast offering.
The restaurant’s interior exposes the unit’s harsh, industrial features which are overlaid with soft, quality finishes.
A marble countertop takes prime position as bosses say the design is “a play between rough and beautiful and feminine and masculine.”
A slice of cosy countryside in the heart of Glasgow, Chef Nico, who also has the awardwinning 111 by Nico restaurant in nearby Kelvinside, said: “The venue offers a rawness and honesty guests will be familiar with.
“The visible kitchen is front and centre and helps create a pub environment that is fun and welcoming, offering top comfort food.”
Describing how he believes the boutique pub is making a comeback, he added: “We wanted to introduce the trend to Glasgow.
“Public House is charmingly old-fashioned and a place guests can enjoy exceptional food and wines. It’s local with a menu specifically designed to be value for money.”
The modern gastropub, which has a 60-seat capacity and a small dedicated bar area, has been on Nico’s radar to open “for some time.”
He continued: “The goal of the restaurant is to make the dining experience fun with the sense of playfulness the Scottish are known for.