Shock as popular Glasgow restaurant announces closure less than a year after opening

So L.A. in Glasgow's city centre has been shut for maintenance, but has recently announced that this closure will be for good.

Published 21st Aug 2019
Updated 9 th Aug 2023

Posting on the restaurant's Facebook page, the So L.A. team wrote: "After having to close the doors for essential maintenance earlier this week, we’ve been reflecting on So. LA’s future and it’s with sadness that we’ve made the hard decision to remain closed until further notice.

"Our mission has always been to create incredible spaces that bring everyone together over amazing food and drink.

"When we opened So. LA. we took the opportunity to bring something new and unique to Glasgow, and while we’ve grown a loyal following, the reality is that our concept is not working.

"As always, our customers are the main priority and all gift certificates, and bookings will be honoured across our Rusk and Rusk portfolio, where you’ll also find our dedicated So. LA. team.

"We will always continue to create new experiences for our guests, and we will never stop trying to bring you innovative and exciting new ways of dining and drinking in the city.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has dined or raised a glass with us in So. LA., and for your loyal, continued support. We will be making a decision on the future of the venue this week."

So L.A. closure

The company behind The Butchershop Bar & Grill, Hutchesons City Grill, and The Spanish Butcher opened So L.A., their fourth venture in late 2018.

The California-themed venue is situated on 43 Mitchell Street and is inspired by the “vibrancy and diversity of the West coast drinking and dining scene”.

The interior reflected that easy living style, and had a mix concrete urban finishes with lush foliage and wooden textures to create a vibrant cocktail bar and dining space.

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Beneath the bar and restaurant was The White Box – a bespoke space designed for private functions.

Speaking before opening the restaurant, Louise Rusk, co-owner of RUSK & RUSK, said: “We are incredibly excited to open the doors to So L.A. and cannot wait to welcome the first of our guests over the coming days.

“At RUSK & RUSK, we are deeply committed to bringing the best, progressive cuisine and cutting-edge spaces to Scotland – and we believe, So L.A. delivers on both of these things in a big way.”

Earlier this year Lewis Capaldi delighted fans by showing up at the bar to claim his free Bathgate to L.A cocktail.

But despite its popularity and celebrity visits, the restaurant will remain closed with details of what will happen next expected soon.

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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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