Glasgow's 'biggest beer garden' opens as lockdown restrictions ease further

Glasgow’s ‘biggest beer garden’ has opened its door to thirsty punters seeking their first pub pint in almost four months.

The Cranside Kitchen, which is based next to the iconic Rotunda in the Finnieston area of the city, is a free-to-enter outdoor beer garden and restaurant that can seat more than 200 guests at the one time.

Pubgoers will be able to order from a menu containing a full range of cocktails, wines, spirits and draught drinks, such as beers and ciders.

Food will also be on offer from five of Glasgow’s most renowned restaurants - Rioja, Halloumi, Pickled Ginger, Kilmurry & Co and La Rotunda.

The family and dog friendly restaurant will abide by strict social distancing rules. Staff will be equipped with safety masks and gloves, while the number of customers allowed on site will be limited.

Contact surfaces such as table, chairs, trays, glasses and card machines will all be wiped down and disinfected every two hours.

All customers will have to book tables in advance.

Bosses behind the new project have advised customers to wear clothes that are appropriate to the weather during their visit.

Toni Carbajosa, the restauranteur behind the Cranside Kitchen, said: “Launching a new business in these times really adds the pressure on but we’ve been heartened to see so many Glaswegians supporting our outdoor restaurant venture.

"We are adaptable and nimble enough as a company to make sure that our plans can quickly change according to any government restrictions that might be passed in the future.

"We really hope that customers behave and respect everyone around them while eating and drinking at Cranside Kitchen but most of all enjoy their experience with us. Our team is excited to get back to business and the site is looking brilliant  - I can't wait to see what reaction it gets from everyone who joins us."

The Cranside Kitchen is one of many places that has opened its doors to pubgoers in line with the latest in Scottish Government easing of lockdown restrictions.

All outdoor hospitality can reopen from Monday, July 6 as part of phase two of the route map out of lockdown.

Thousands of Scots have flocked to bars across the country for the first time in almost four months to get their hands on a pint today.

Indoor pubs and restaurants will still remain closed until at least July 15.