When we think of some of the best cuisines in the world, our minds immediately jump to French, Italian, and Indian to name a few.

Many restaurants in Glasgow can save us a few pennies on a trip around the world as we are lucky to be able to sample some of the finest dishes across so many cultures right here in our city.

But one restaurant which opened in 1971 has always been determined to showcase Scottish cuisine in all its glory, putting it on a pedestal that competes with the finest food on the planet.

(Image: Colin Mearns) When Ronnie Clydesdale established the Ubiquitous Chip on Ashton Lane, he did so with the premise that we host some of the best ingredients, so we should be celebrating that.

‘The Chip’, as it is affectionately known, now prides itself on claiming to be one of the pioneers in Glasgow specialising in authentic Scottish cuisine, from Oban hake to bacon from Carluke.

READ MORE: Famous faces come together to celebrate 50 years of popular Glasgow restaurant

This philosophy of singing the praises of Scottish produce has remained the signpost of the Ubiquitous Chip for over half a century. But with dozens of other ‘Scottish’ restaurants popping up ever since, any restaurateur knows you need a bit of an edge to survive in such a competitive food and drink scene.

(Image: Newsquest) That’s why The Chip aims to cater for everyone and does so through the labyrinth of nooks and crannies to explore in this tucked-away West End gem.

As well as the classic fine dining restaurant on the Ashton Lane cobbles, a wander through The Chip will uncover a brasserie for a more casual affair.

READ MORE: The story behind Glasgow's Ubiquitous Chip's Oscar link

The corner bar in – you guessed it – the corner of the restaurant serves a selection of handpicked wines and cocktails, while up the back of the restaurant, the ‘wee whisky bar’ claims to serve the most choices of whisky per square foot in Scotland.

Alasdair Gray murals in the restaurantAlasdair Gray murals in the restaurant (Image: Colin Mearns)A few steps up the stairs to the next floor and you’ll find the ‘upstairs’ bar, which emulates both a cosy traditional pub and a suave late-night cocktail spot, depending on your mood.

Glaswegians have visited this chameleon of a restaurant for everything from fine dining to a wee dram in a wee cove of whisky joy. Its jungle-like array of plants is complemented by stunning murals from renowned artist Alasdair Gray.

Alasdair Gray, right, and Ronnie Clydesdale, c 1984Alasdair Gray, right, and Ronnie Clydesdale, c 1984 (Image: Newsquest) Customers who return again and again have lauded the Ubiquitous Chip, as have the likes of AA who have awarded it two AA Rosettes and the Good Food Guide, who have had the restaurant in their prestigious guide since 1975.

One such fan is Hollywood star Kelly MacDonald, who was working at The Chip one summer when she noticed a leaflet for auditions for a new film. That film would be Trainspotting, the Glasgow actress’ breakthrough role. Since achieving global stardom and moving to the United States and back, Kelly has never forgotten one dish in particular from The Chip.

In an interview with the New York Times in 2012, she said: “You can’t leave Scotland without trying haggis, and a very good place to do that is the Ubiquitous Chip. Their version is with venison.”

Still Game star Sanjeev Kohli and Jennifer ReochStill Game star Sanjeev Kohli and Jennifer Reoch attend the Chip's 50th (Image: Archive) Kelly isn’t the only celebrity to have crossed the threshold of this West End spot. The Big Yin himself Sir Billy Connolly, Keira Knightley, Michael Keaton and Mick Jagger are among those thought to love the food.

Meanwhile, Still Game star Sanjeev Kohli, Braveheart actor David O’Hara and Game of Thrones’ Katie Dickie were on hand to celebrate the restaurant’s 50th birthday with a glamorous party at the venue.  

Not all has remained the same at The Chip, as the Clydesdale family sold it in 2022 to the Metropolitan Pub Company, which is owned by Greene King.

Colin Clydesdale at the Ubiquitous ChipColin Clydesdale at the Ubiquitous Chip (Image: Newsquest) The company approached Colin Clydesdale and his wife with a tantalising proposition of buying The Chip and their other restaurants and, after being in the same hard-working family for over 50 years, Colin felt the time was right.

He is still full of hope for its future, though.

He said at the time: “I truly believe the business and people will be in safe hands with [managing director] Michael and the team, who will continue the legacy that we have built.

“We look forward to visiting as customers for many years to come.”