Glasgow city centre restaurant Red Onion wins Come Dine With Me: The Professionals

In the latest episode, aired on Tuesday evening, city centre restaurant Red Onion competed alongside Saffron and Calabash to take home the £1000 prize and the coveted Come Dine With Me trophy. 

Father and daughter duo John and Rosie Quigley wowed their guests with seared Barra scallops, Gressingham duck breast and vanilla cheesecake with salted passionfruit caramel. 

Commenting on their win, John, 58, said: “We had so many customers ‘tag’ us on social media to encourage us to enter that the programme’s production team got in touch directly to ask us to take part.

"While we weren’t sure to begin with, in the end we decided it would be good experience and a bit of a laugh – some light-hearted relief after the trials and tribulations of the last couple of years.

“It was a lot of pressure trying to cook and dish up under lighting and lots of people being in the kitchen that we just weren’t used to, but we both loved it and felt very natural.

"We work well as a team and as a family unit."

Red Onion's scallop starter

John started up Red Onion in 2005 with his wife Gillian after years of experience working in London's most established restaurants. 

The popular bistro-style eatery offers new interpretations of classic Scottish cookery in a modern and comfortable environment.

John added: “It was never planned that Rosie would join the business, but after studying in Birmingham she has been helping us out with the management side of the restaurant and really enjoyed it, helping us with new ideas and setting up the takeaway side of the business as a result of the pandemic.

“We were so excited to win! It’s been great getting to know the other contestants, our fellow restaurateurs here in Glasgow.

"We all come from completely different walks of life and cultures but suddenly we’re all pals and enjoying this unique experience together.”

Rosie, 22, added: “It was fantastic to take part in the programme and I think we both loved being in front of the camera!

"Part of me is glad to be back at my laptop again working away behind the scenes but it was an unforgettable experience for us as a business and a family.

“Whether you’re a Red Onion regular, or this programme encourages you to visit for the first time, we will be delighted to welcome you to our venue in the city centre.”