After a £1.2 million refurbishment, Collage restaurant in the Radisson Blu has re-opened as The Grahamston restaurant and bar.

Previously, the ground floor restaurant in the Argyle Street hotel took inspiration from the 26 pop art pieces by Sir Peter Blake which decorated the walls.

In its new guise, the restaurant's name and decor draws on local history. Back in the 18th century, Grahamston was a village that sat just outside Glasgow's city boundaries.

As the city grew, the village was swallowed up and, eventually, the original streets were built over.

Central station sits on top of what remains of Grahamston. Some of the old streets can be seen on the hugely popular behind-the-scenes tour which the railway station runs.

A large mural above the bar shows some of Grahamston's most prominent landmarks and people.

Spectacular bar

The centre piece of The Grahamston is the 82 metre square, rectangular island bar and its gently glowing canopy. Combined with the soaring glass walls looking onto Argyle Street, it makes for a striking space.

Developed by Executive Chef Stephen MacNiven, the menu serves 'traditional Scottish food with an artisan twist'. Think along the lines of cock-a-leekie terrine and a twice baked soufflé made with Isle of Mull Cheddar.

Scottish produce is the star of the menu with Highland lamb, scallops, beef and monkfish all to the fore on the à la carte menu.

As well as breakfast and lunch menus, there is also a set seasonal menu.

On the drinks front, there are cocktails, wines, sparklers, some forty or so whiskies, a decent gin selection and plenty of beers including the bars own Grahamston Ale on draught.

Welcoming guests, locals and visitors

Radisson Blu’s new General Manager, Hina Rubbani, said: 'The Grahamston is perfect for anything from a working lunch to an evening cocktail, and provides the ideal place for our guests, locals and visitors to the city to come and discover more about one of Glasgow’s best kept secrets.

 The Grahamston kitchen will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner menus all day to those that live and work in the city, as well as those staying at the hotel, celebrating local produce and bringing to life the history that literally lies beneath the very ground they stand on.' 

If you want to find out more about Grahamston, the village, then you need to read Norrie Gilliland's book.  

Radisson Blu worked closely with local historian Norrie Gilliland on the project, author of the only book written on the history of Grahamston: Glasgow’s Forgotten Village.

He commented: 'The story of Grahamston is undoubtedly a microcosm of Glasgow’s growth into a diverse, multi-cultural and internationally renowned city of the 21st century. Grahamston was first noted on maps of Glasgow around 1680 and grew over the next two hundred years from a row of thatched cottages to a commercial and industrial hub right at the heart of Victorian Glasgow.

'Sadly, the village vanished beneath the foundations of Glasgow Central Station well over a century ago. No records of it exist in city archives and only a small glimpse of the mysterious pathways and tunnels can be seen from Hope Street. Now, the story of Grahamston has been brought to life, and I hope that locals and visitors to the city enjoy discovering more about this fascinating local legend.'

You can book into The Grahamston with 5pm.