Glasgow restaurant set to reopen with Scotland's first female exec head chef

One of Glasgow’s most popular city centre hotels has announced that it is set to open its brand-new restaurant and bar under the culinary guidance of the first female 5-star hotel executive head chef in Scotland.

Published 22nd Apr 2019
Updated 9 th Aug 2023

The Blythswood Square Hotel's Gillian Matthews, who originally started as the hotel’s pastry chef and has worked her way up to be promoted to executive head chef, will take charge of Bo & Birdy ahead of its opening next month, after more than £1m was invested to create the new 146-cover restaurant.

The firm behind the hotel say the venue has been designed to be a stylish new destination for diners across Scotland and beyond and will feature a “relaxed yet luxurious brasserie feel”.

Bo & Birdy will open on 15th May, just three months after the Blythswood’s much-loved restaurant was closed following purchase of the hotel by IHG.

The executive head chef, Gillian Matthews, who has worked at the hotel for nearly ten years, said: “I’m delighted to welcome clients old and new to join myself and the team at the new Bo & Birdy restaurant.

“Our distinctive menu has been created to present the best of Scottish produce in what I believe will be a truly modern twist on favourite and traditional recipes.
She added: “I’m sure our guests will also love the informed and personal attention they will receive from our team.”

Bo & Birdy

Picture: Gillian Matthews

The revamped bar space will serve classic cocktails and an extensive wine selection showcasing the best of Californian and French vineyards.

The much-loved red velvet interior features are set to be replaced with earthy tones to mirror the restaurant’s ‘farm to fabulous’ identity with ingredients from the Scottish larder at the fore of the menu.

The restaurant’s team say diners can look forward to seasonal flavours that celebrate Scotland’s vibrant culinary scene.

Glasgow first female exec chef

Picture: how the restaurant is going to look

Murray Thomson, general manager of the Blythswood Square Hotel said: “As Glasgow’s only 5-star lifestyle hotel, we are thrilled to introduce Bo & Birdy to Glasgow’s thriving dining scene.

“With our award-winning spa, Square Eyes Cinema Club, designer guest rooms and famous penthouse, Bo & Birdy will become an essential destination for lovers of Scottish food and drinks.

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“The glitz, glamour and 5-star service at Blythswood will remain.”

Murray added: “We look forward to welcoming our guests in the weeks and months ahead to enjoy the warm and lively surroundings of Bo & Birdy.”

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Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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