Way back in the mists of time, towards the end of February, we told you about some new Glasgow restaurants which were in the pipeline.

Well, as it turns out, both The Smokin’ Fox and Mezze have recently launched.

The Smokin’ Fox replaced The Hope on Waterloo Street.

The new venture is billed as a pub and scullery with a ‘Victorian look’ and a ‘sense of calm modernity’.

Not entirely sure what that means, to be honest.

Modern bar food

We can tell you that it looks like a proper, old school pub with natty contemporary touches like copper piping design features and that filament lighting which is everywhere at the moment.

We like it.

The food fits in with the decor in that there are lots of modern pub grub dishes which have a fashionable flourish.

So the Shetland mussels steamed with cider and smoked bacon come with artisan bread. The mushrooms on toast are, of course, wild and the toast is made with brioche.

Meanwhile, the Fraserburgh fish supper features haddock with a Joker IPA batter and on-trend charred lemon.

The new venture is owned by Signature Pubs which, along with many others, also runs Badger and Co, The Basement Bar and The Huxley in Edinburgh plus The Raven in Glasgow.

New Glasgow Restaurants: Mezze

Over on Tunnel Street, by The Hydro and SEC, Mezze is a new Mediterranean place which has already featured in a new Glasgow restaurants report.

After their official launch last week, we have more gen.

Set on the top floor of the Rotunda complex, the split-level restaurant has spectacular views out across the River Clyde.

Led by head chefs, Alex Lioly and Ridi Mukja, Mezze showcases diverse Mediterranean cuisines with Greek, Cypriot, Ionian islands and Turkish influences.

The dishes – a combination of small and big plates have been designed to share.

Sharing specialties include whole char grilled sea bream; slow-cooked kleftiko lamb shoulder; slow cooked chicken tava stews and seafood saganaki stews.

Fancy tea in Thessaloniki?

Created by CM Design Consultants, the 60-seater restaurant boasts postcard blue walls and white washed tables and chairs. The aim is for customers to be transported to the port of Thessaloniki while dining.

For drinkers, a relaxing bar area is set under a spectacular Santorini-inspired blue dome feature ceiling.

Mezze is the latest project from restaurateurs Kevin Campbell and Toni Carbajosa. They also Greek-run Cypriot restaurant Halloumi and Rioja tapas and cocktail bar in Finnieston.

Campbell says: ‘Modern Greek and Mediterranean cuisine are making waves at the moment and we wanted to create a dining space that pays homage to our chefs’ heritage. Ridi and Alex have created dishes that reinvent what they ate growing up… the result is modern and fresh.’

Check the 5pm Dining blog tomorrow for more new Glasgow restaurants.