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IT’S time for an evolution at a Finnieston favourite. The next stage for Kelvingrove Café will begin with building work and expansion in March 2020. Over a mid-week brunch, owner Barry Oates revealed his plans: “We will be closed for about 10 days to cut a hole in the floor for the new stairs next to the fireplace. After that, the area will be boarded-up for six weeks and we will build a new dining room at the back, with a window looking out at the church and part of our roof is coming off”. A quick flick through some design pictures on an iPhone shows how the existing busy bar area will lead into a purpose-built, bright dining room, with the kitchen moving downstairs.

“We are six years in, there’s still more to be done and we want to put the focus on our food,” Barry adds.

Looking back, Kelvingrove Café claiming this corner of Argyle Street in 2013 was the startinggun for a rapid expansion of the Finnieston food and drink scene. “Crabshakk, The Finnieston and the Ben Nevis were here by the time we arrived. After we opened, all the units fell like dominoes. For about two years, something opened at least every six months.”

Barry believes they found their role quickly. “It always felt like a great neighbourhood. There were interesting people around, folk who were proud of the area. It just needed a gang hut.

“A clubhouse for everyone. That’s what we wanted to be and that’s how it has worked out.”

This week, they launched a

Veuve Clicquot pop-up Champagne Grotto that will run until January 12. Open from 9am to 1am for drinks, food menus currently roll from brunch into small and large plates in the evening.

The current theme in the kitchen is “Czech-style and Northern European wintry dishes. It’s like a hug on a plate”.

PLATFORM at Argyle St Arches host their big Christmas celebrations this Friday. Book your place for street food, music from the Platform DJs, craft beers and cocktails. The event runs from 12pm till 1am, with the market still family and dog-friendly until 8pm.