There has been so much conversation about the decline of Glasgow that, at times, it can feel as though we have forgotten how much the city still has going for it.
I understand the frustration. We all want to see our city centre looking better, feeling busier and giving people more reasons to spend time here. But when I see the investment behind The Ivy Glasgow Brasserie and The Ivy Asia, I find it hard to accept that decline is the whole story.
People are still prepared to invest in Glasgow. They see an audience here, a future here and a city worth being part of. That deserves attention too.
I was delighted to be invited along ahead of the opening, and I felt very welcome. My first impression was how exceptional the building is. It has the presence to make an occasion feel special before you have even settled at the table.
Glasgow has so many remarkable buildings. Seeing one given a new purpose, with people ready to enjoy it, is something I will always welcome. These places are part of what makes the city distinctive, and there is real pleasure in being able to spend time inside them.
At St Vincent Place, The Ivy Glasgow Brasserie moves into its new home alongside Scotland’s first Ivy Asia. Bringing the two together makes this an interesting addition to the city. The Brasserie offers a familiar name in a grand new setting, while The Ivy Asia gives Glasgow something new to discover.
The building alone is worth seeing for yourself, whether you are planning a celebration, catching up with friends or looking for somewhere to make a night of it.
During the preview, we sampled small plates and bowls in that familiar Ivy and Ivy Asia style. It was a chance to get a feel for the food in a sociable setting, rather than a full sit-down meal.
The cocktails were the standout for me. The watermelon margarita was a complete hit, and the drink I would happily return for. In a building with this much presence, the cocktail offering gives you another reason to make an evening of it.
The wider significance matters just as much to me. A restaurant can give someone a reason to come into town, arrange a weekend away or stay a little longer. That has the potential to benefit the businesses around it too.
Glasgow already has brilliant independent restaurants, talented hospitality teams and people working incredibly hard to keep the city moving. Investment like this adds to their efforts and gives us another positive story to tell.
One opening will not resolve every challenge the city faces. But we should be able to acknowledge those challenges and still celebrate people choosing to build a future here.
Glasgow needed this kind of good news. It needed another reason for people to feel excited about coming into the city, and another reminder of what these extraordinary buildings can offer.
I would highly recommend discovering The Ivy and The Ivy Asia’s new Glasgow home. I came away pleased to have been invited and encouraged by what this investment says about the city.
Thank you to Story Shop and the whole team at The Ivy for the invitation and warm welcome. Huge congratulations to everyone involved.
The Ivy Glasgow Brasserie and The Ivy Asia Glasgow open on Tuesday 20 October 2026 at 30 to 40 St Vincent Place.
