Glasgow restaurant closed suddenly - but its story spans 140 years

The building of number 7 George Square is facing an interim of emptiness as its former occupier, Italian restaurant Doppio Malto, shut suddenly on Tuesday.

Since its unveiling in August 2021, the chain has served Glasgow with the option of classic Italian dishes in a rather stunning setting, with polished Corinthian pillars greeting diners as they stepped across its threshold.

READ MORE: Glasgow restaurant 'unexpectedly' closed after three years

As we wonder what could replace the restaurant to do justice to such a prominent location in the city centre, let’s find out more about the building’s history.

(Image: Christian Cooskey, Newsquest Media group)

The setting itself has changed considerably over the centuries. George Square went from being common pasture lands to housing some of the most important buildings in Glasgow, such as the City Chambers.

When George Square was constructed, the site was deemed the ideal location for a residential square surrounding private gardens, as the land was too marshy to be used for agriculture or leisure.

Named after the king at the time, George III, the square opened in 1787.

(Image: Archive image. Newsquest.)

With the City Chambers, Millennium Hotel – and don’t forget Wetherspoons - standing out as some of the main attractions on the square, its neighbours can sometimes be overlooked.

On the east side of the square sits numbers 1 to 7, measuring around half an acre, and the original building was designed by architect Robert Mathieson and built in the 1870s. Around two decades later it was extensively remodelled to incorporate the more elaborate features we can still see today.

From its polished pink granite Corinthian columns to the round-arched doorways, the balustrade balcony to the parapet, the building is designed in tune with the luxury of the grand residences it stood next to.

Why was it built? There were regular complaints about a lack of proper facilities for postal services in Glasgow, and so the building became the General Post Office when it opened in 1878. It was a power move which reflected Glasgow’s growing commercial status, and it being located in George Square only cemented the area more as the hub of the city.

General Post Office, 1977 (Image: Herald and Times archive)

While taking inspiration from classical Greek and Roman structures, the building incorporated many modern developments of the time such as full electricity.

It was altered and extended various times over the years before it ceased to be used as a post office in 1995.

The following year, plans were proposed to convert the building into a National Gallery of Scottish Art and Design, but this was abandoned due to funding problems.

From 1991 to 2005 the building was owned by the G1 group, and they then sold it to Hamilton firm HFD Developments for more than £11million.

The space has been used for a number of offices and businesses, and in 2010 number 7 became the home of Jamie’s Italian, a restaurant by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Jamie Oliver (Image: Archive image. Newsquest.)

Unfortunately, the restaurant and brand could not survive and in May 2019 the business collapsed into administration which resulted in the nationwide closures of his restaurants.

With the large unit out of use again, Italian restaurant Doppio Malto stepped in with grand plans to serve the people of Glasgow their pasta and pizzas.

When it first opened in August 2021, it was the UK’s first Doppio Malto (meaning ‘double malt’ in Italian). The team made the most of the building’s striking features and incorporated a stunning ceiling installation of 55 umbrellas, an open ‘cucina’ kitchen and a basement bar with impressive glass ceilings and traditional Terrazzo flooring.

Doppio Malto (Image: Archive image. Newsquest.)

Now it leaves a gap in the city’s food and drink scene, as well as a literal gap in the prime location that is George Square.

What would you like to replace the restaurant?