JACK House wrote newspaper columns and books as an advocate and chronicler of Glasgow from the 1940s through to the 1990s.

On one particular occasion, he noted that the view from his restaurant table, looking down Great Western Road was “like the Champs Elysées – only better.”

The fortunes of this broad boulevard have ebbed and flowed over the years, often in synch with the city itself. It retains a sense of magic. I think of this often when I walk out of Kelvinbridge Subway station on a dark, damp winter’s evening with The Downtown Lights by The Blue Nile as a soundtrack.

A renewal of fortunes for Great Western Road has been triggered by some strategically placed independent businesses. Locals have also rediscovered the joys of an evening stroll during lockdown to accelerate things and become more accustomed to sitting outside in all weathers.

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Sisters have been a part of this story. Paulin Watches at number 407 is the flagship store and workshop for the growing Glasgow business of Eleanor, Charlotte and Elizabeth Paulin.

When Eleanor completed a degree in fashion, she decided to join with her sisters and embark on a design-led career creating timepieces. In doing so they were following the example of their great-grandfather, George Henry Paulin, a world-renowned Scottish sculptor who took several commissions from the Queen, including for her 1853 coronation. His statue of Lord Lister stands in Kelvingrove Park, a short walk from the Paulin store.

At number 401, Cake Bar is a colourful confection of a shop, a delightful offshoot of Three Sisters Bake, run by sisters Gillian, Nichola and Linsey Reith. You can also find their tray bakes, sausage rolls and brownies at Partick Farmers Market every second Saturday.

Adding to the sisterhood leading the charge for local businesses, Sips & Baker opened at number 521 in April last year. The cosy café, brunch spot and bakery was started by Alana Milne and her two sisters in law Carla Thomas and Romana Knowles.

Alana and her family have worked in hospitality and event catering at venues and events across the country but were keen to find a permanent home in Glasgow. When lockdown shut their festivals and catering business, that focused their attention.

All three of the owners are inspired by their travels, taking inspiration from family holidays in Italy, Spain and France when designing Sips & Baker. At the same time, they wanted to fit in with what they felt was a burgeoning independent scene on Great Western Road where they have some fantastic neighbours.  

When renovating the space, they focused on highlighting and celebrating the original features of the building. This involved a substantial refit, removing the false ceiling and walls, then working on restoring the cornicing, brick work, fireplaces and doors. The result is a bright, open, welcoming café with space to move around and settle in. You have a view out on the street for people watching but all eyes eventually land on the cake cabinet.  

“We wanted Sips & Baker to be all about creating a very relaxed atmosphere that works just as well for a business meeting as it does for a large family lunch with the kids and grandparents,” Alana says.

“The team bring a wealth of talent and experience from across the restaurant industry. From manager Sarah to the head chef Gino, it’s a collaborative effort.

“The baking aspect was crucial to what we wanted to do and the team managed to recruit the most talented fabulous pastry chef, Wendy, who worked in London for many years. She bakes all the cakes and pastries in our kitchen. The ice cream is made by one of our co-owners, Carla, which means we can create seasonal flavours that are a hit with younger customers”.

Highlights from the breakfast menu include toasted sourdough with crushed tomatoes, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and serrano ham. Or you can have a Korean crumpet with kimchi and fried duck egg. Their croque monsieur with bechamel, Dijon mustard, gruyere and bacon served on a bloomer is a popular choice. Pair with a speciality tea, neon latte or house blend coffee.

Family was a featured topic on the latest episode of our Glasgow Food Chat podcast, which you can find on Spotify or via the Glasgow Times website. Food writer Sarah Campbell and I were joined by Mhairi Taylor of Zique’s and Giovanni Eusebi of Eusebi’s to talk about their own food story.

Both of them worked to bring the spirit of their family kitchen to their hospitality business, inspired by their parents and grandparents. This has led to a relationship with customers that has continued through different generations. They’ve fed weans who are now grown up and bringing in their own kids. Both emphasised the connection they had to long term producers and suppliers, staff that had been with them for years, people they feel had become part of their extended family. It’s those relationships that define the true spirit of Glasgow hospitality.

instagram.com/sipsandbaker

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Talk of the Town

Caledonian Heritable, the owners of The Dome bar and restaurant on Edinburgh’s George Street, are considering their options for redeveloping a landmark building on the corner of Ingram Street and Glassford Street.

The bar group, owned by entrepreneur Kevin Doyle, bought the former Glasgow Savings Bank headquarters on Ingram Street in 2019 for £1.5 million.

Previously an Emporio Armani boutique and then an outlet for Jigsaw clothing, hospitality figures in the city are watching closely to see what will come next.

Caledonian Heritable did not wish to release any details of their plans when contacted.

The Dome was also a bank property in Edinburgh city centre before it was turned into one of a prominent venue in the capital.

The Glasgow Savings Bank building, next door to The Corinthian is a striking, baroque property, with a statue of Saint Mungo above the door and a distinctive crown-shaped copper dome above it.