Glasgow restaurateur chooses Maryhill to launch new site

Tomkins and business partner Calum Lawson will launch the bar and restaurant on 12 September, following an extensive £200,000 renovation of The Strathmore on the riverfront.

They hope that the restaurant will kick off a “sea change” in the district, attracting customers from the West End to the area.

The Botany will serve a menu inspired by world cuisine, from chef John Paul Lappin, whose experience includes roles at the city’s Gamba seafood restaurant, and Urban Bar & Brasserie.

Dishes, which will be made with locally-sourced ingredients, will include the likes of smoked venison loin; and Sri Lankan monkfish curry. Accompanying drinks will include wines; botanical cocktails; gins; and whiskies. Sundays will see a special brunch menu.

The restaurant’s design is inspired by the waterfront venues in Amsterdam, and features a conservatory and a terrace.

Its name pays homage to the stories of prisoners who started their journey to Botany Bay from the nearby Clyde Canal.

“This a very exciting time for Glasgow,” says Tomkins.

“Having worked in hospitality for as long as I can remember, I’ve seen the city change and develop its attitudes towards food and drink. Options used to be very limited. Now, Glasgow’s a haven for foodies."

Tomkins, formerly a board director for Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, has launched several successful Glasgow venues including Urban Bar & Brasserie; Vroni’s Wine Bar; and Blue Dog.