Dennistoun will have a new restaurant this week when Bilson Eleven opens in an imposing Victorian townhouse on Annfield Place, off Duke Street. They are setting out to offer a modern take on classic Scottish dishes. The building has been restored by head chef Nick Rietz and his family. They will be ready for their first customers on Wednesday.
The restaurant features glorious Rennie Mackintosh-inspired stained glass windows and a sweeping mahogany staircase. Meanwhile, in the kitchen Nick will be displaying the culinary skills he gained from his time as head chef at Two Fat Ladies, after a stint at Michelin-starred Hof van Cleve in Belgium, considered one of the best restaurants in the world.
Nick told Glasgowist: “Bilson Eleven is intimate, informal dining, where our focus is always on quality rather than quantity. Our aim is to give exceptional food and service to a smaller-scale customer base – we want to make sure that every person who dines here is given a totally unique experience.”
With Bilson Eleven, Nick has sought to take classic Scottish dishes and bring them into the modern age.
Cullen Skink for instance – that familiar creamy soup made from haddock, potatoes and onions – has been given a spicy makeover in the form of a ‘Curried Skink’ dish.
There will be an abundance of locally sourced ingredients and a seasonal menu, with other signature dishes currently including scallops with celeriac puree, roe crisps and lemon jam; haggis with neep puree, roast parsnips and redcurrants; and whisky pannacotta with smoked apple, malt foam and a barley sauce.
Working alongside Nick on the food and wine is Chef de Partie Luche Robel and Sommelier Mark Keating. Assistant Manager and history buff Tommy Denholm is also on-hand to chat castles and medieval weaponry with customers, over a cheeky valpolicella ripasso.
For tables of up to 4 people, you can book online, for larger bookings call 0141 554 6259 or email info@bilsoneleven.co.uk.
Opening hours:
Wednesday – Saturday: 4pm-10pm
Sunday: 12pm-6pm
Monday and Tuesday: closed
Getting there:
Bilson Eleven, 10 Annfield Place, Dennistoun, Glasgow, G31 2XQ
Parking: On-street (metred) parking available on Duke Street, free after 6pm
Nearest train station: Bellgrove
Nearest bus stations: Duke Street and Alexander Parade
Walking (scenic route): 15-minute walk from City Centre, taking you past Drygate and Tennent’s Brewery