How Glasgow’s Ubiquitous Chip showcases the best of Scotland

Showcasing Scotland’s raw materials

Of course, now the world’s foodies are familiar with the quality and variety of ingredients sourced in Scotland, but in the 1970s, this was trailblazing stuff. And the Ubiquitous Chip has continued to hold its own on the culinary landscape. It’s often the first restaurant recommended to visitors seeking to sample some of the city’s best food. And it’s dearly loved by an army of loyal locals. Over the years the kitchen has developed many house offerings, notably its Caledonian Ice Cream blended with oat milk and whisky. It also leads the way in visual creations (we love the silvery squid ink crackers) and many successful experimentations with foraged ingredients.

A quirky space

But it’s not just the food that sets it apart. The space itself is most intriguing, with nooks and crannies and internal greenery that brings the outdoors in. There’s an industrial edge to the architecture, contrasting the tropical flora and fauna, along with an abundance of fairy lights (which never fail to bring in the cosy vibe) and a huge glass-roofed ceiling, creating an atrium effect. The building retains many original elements, like beams and exposed stone walls, cleverly painted to bring it into the 21st century. And reclaimed items have been used prolifically – including a mortuary slab as a bar and a ceiling crafted from tin in The Corner Bar.

Abstract, modern art, metro tiles and feature lighting add to the atmosphere. It’s split into several sections, comprising bars, dining areas and a covered outdoor rooftop terrace (because Ashton Lane is the place to be for some summer drinking).

Enjoy a wee bevvie, or a big bevvie

To the rear of the restaurant is The Wee Whisky Bar, which claims to hold more drams per square foot anywhere in Scotland (we haven’t counted, so this remains unsubstantiated). And the wine list is also huge, with 350 bins on offer, from eclectic vintages to new world varieties, as well as the Chip’s own Du L’Alleé wines. All of which come in 35 ml measures.

The Corner Bar is great to coorie in with a beer from the tap, while the Upstairs Bar’s Art Deco elegance serves as the ideal spot for some of the venue’s signature cocktails. Take a seat on a red leather banquette and sip on one of a kind drinks like It Was a Good Day (Porters Gin, Aperol and banana Vermouth); Hypnotise (Hendrick’s, Rose Vermouth, watermelon consomme and soda); or a Rob Roy (discarded Vermouth crafted from husks of coffee beans known as Cascara and Chivas blended malt. And if you’re off the booze, you can still order something exotic. Try a non-alcoholic Heather Kombucha, made with Seedlip Grove, Scottish Heather Honey, and locally made kombucha.

On the menus…

The Restaurant is the original incarnation of the Ubiquitous Chip. Here you can order a la carte dishes like Chip’s famous venison haggis with turnip and potato pureé; Loch Melfort sea trout with baked potato, fennel and shellfish; and grilled purple sprouting broccoli with egg yolk puree, Ajo Blanco and Roscoff onion. Or try some organically reared Laurencekirk chicken with asparagus, morels and truffles; truffled Tunworth brioche; and Yorkshire rhubarb cardamom sponge with hibiscus on the tasting menu (a completely veggie tasting menu is available).

The Mezzanine and Brasserie areas offer a lighter menu of small plates, big plates, sides and nibbles. These include scallop taramasalata, fennel seed crackers, cucumber and radish;
charred squid, mussels, tomato, fennel and chilli; mushroom arancini and oregano emulsion; soups and open sandwiches made with Glasgow-based Freedom Bakery Bread. Having built a rapport with independent fishers (from which the restaurant has been sourcing seafood directly for over five decades), some items are specially curated for The Chip, ensuring menus that are unlike any others.

For every occasion

Expect special events on high days and holidays. There are often live music sessions, one-off menus to celebrate significant occasions and the gorgeous venue frequently plays host to couples’ nuptials — it is, after all, one of the most Instagrammable venues in town.

In receipt of two AA Rosettes and a Good Food Guide rating of five, the Ubiquitous Chip promises high quality food and service in unique surroundings. So if you haven’t yet paid a visit, make a booking and see for yourself exactly what all the fuss is about.