A bright, gleaming, perfect new room. Every chair in exactly the right place. Every glass and plate arranged at the correct angle. Well, almost. We visit as builders are making the final adjustments. Bar staff are loading bottles to the huge drinks cabinet. Staff are huddled at the back learning menu items. All in preparation for tonight, when The Citizen bar and restaurant opened its doors to customers.
The name is a nod to the past by owners Di Maggio Restaurant Group. This impressive high-ceiling premises was once where copies of the Evening Citizen newspaper were prepared and printed. Design touches highlight this heritage in a way that marks out the restaurant with a Glasgow stamp.
There are pictures of local citizens by Charles Hamilton, a street photographer who specialises in portraits. There’s pop art by street artist Lowdown. It’s the little touches that elevate the look of a classic bar and bistro space.
The team behind The Citizen also spent months at The Mitchell Library archives singling out interesting headlines, stories, old adverts, and photographs to punctuate the walls in the building. Then, an appeal on Lost Glasgow, connected them with retired Evening Citizen photographer Stewart Fair, who happily donated original images and newspaper articles from his time at the paper.
He began his working life at The Citizen, in 1953, as a lift boy, before moving up the tree to darkroom duties. It was only when he returned from his National Service, with the RAF, in 1958, that the editor let him loose with a camera. His images in the restaurant include a snap of world famous ballet dancer Margot Fonteyn rehearsing at the King’s Theatre.
Looking around, one of the most obvious features in the main room is the Tennent’s Tank Beer system, the first time this way of delivering a pint has been used in Scotland since the 1980s. It offers a fresh take on the familiar.
Attention to detail. Local. Rooted in tradition. These are the themes that drive the project. Of course, on a more basic level this is a beautiful new location to enjoy food and have a few drinks.
Other first impressions: Best table? Probably the circular one on the mezzanine level with a view out over the bar. We must mention the Editor’s Lounge. Kitted out like a modern, plush members bar, this is a charming hidden hangout that we are sure will be in demand.
On The Menu: The Citizen
Oak smoked salmon and prawns, potted seafood, herb mousse, capers, citrus yoghurt, lemon and caraway crostini (£7.45)
Citizen sausage roll, house brown sauce (£5.95)
Pork and black pudding, soft yolk Scotch egg (£5.95)
Rich braised beef cheeks, rosemary and thyme, root vegetables, red wine and port, braised cabbage, mash (£13.95)
Chicken, leek and bacon pie with chips or mash (£10.95)
Tempura seabass and chips, red pepper and chilli jam (£12.45)
Check out the images below for a first look at The Citizen.
