As ever, there are lots of new places springing into life all over the Central Belt.
We hear that the G1 Group plans to double the size of its estate to around a hundred outlets over the next five to ten years and Franklin and Sloane, a new pub kitchen in Kilmarnock is part of that expansion.
Launched last month in the old Trading Standards building on London Road, the venture is named after William Sloane who emigrated to the States and set up a furnishings company which provided fittings for The Waldorf Astoria and the White House.
Open from 10am to midnight, they serve brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, Sunday roasts and evening meals. Wednesdays are steak nights when you can sit down to two dry-aged, 8oz rump steaks and a carafe of red wine for £30.
The main menu ranges widely and covers everything from a Rannoch smoked meat platter to pumpkin tortellini.
Caffe Parma
Over in Glasgow’s West End, Paperino’s closed about a fortnight ago with owner Stefano Giavanazzi focusing his attention on the soon to be launched Caffè Parma which is taking shape at the Western Tennis Club on Hyndland Road.
As well as classic Italian dishes, the new venture’s attractions will include a large outdoor seating area overlooking the tennis courts.
Fingers crossed for an Indian summer.
La Lanterna revamp
Sticking with Italian restaurants in Glasgow, La Lanterna on Hope Street has just had a £250k revamp.
As well as a new reception and larger bar area, the restaurant’s capacity was increased from 60 to 84 covers.
Much like this 5pm Dining blog scribe, La Lanterna was founded in 1970. Unlike La Lanterna, we fear it might take rather more than a quarter of a million to rejuvenate our rapidly fading looks.
La Lanterna is currently offering two courses from the pre-theatre for a very tasty £13.99 when you book through 5pm.