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May 22, 2019

We may well return to some of these in more detail at a later date but here's a quick rundown of the latest news from Glasgow's food and drink scene.

First up, the long-standing City Merchant restaurant on Candleriggs has rebranded as the  City Merchant Turkiye. Main pic from Facebook page.

As the name implies, it is a Turkish restaurant with a charcoal grill at the heart of the menu. As well as feeling in the mood for a lamb beyti, we're also excited to see they do pide and lahmacun, Turkey's take on pizza.

While on the subject of pizza, Glasgow Live reports that Rockvilla Pizza is to open on Possil Road in early June.

According to their Facebook page, they will offer, 'Authentic sour dough pizza for the people'.

Apparently, Rockvilla will be cashless.

Indian innovation at Swadish

Swadish are adding a sophisticated polish to Pakistani and Indian dishes.

Swadish are adding a sophisticated polish to Pakistani and Indian dishes. Pic: Facebook.

Moving back to the Merchant City, Swadish Indian restaurant has announced that it is to launch on Ingram Street on Tuesday 28th May.

It promises authentic Indian and Pakistani dishes but with an innovative twist.

We have had a sneak peek at the menu and there are loads of dishes that we haven't seen before.

The charred honey and orange monkfish; the mango chicken and burrata butter chicken are all new to this scribbler.

They also offer a completely separate vegan menu and an Indian take on afternoon tea.

More info later.

Sashaying over to Finnieston, we note that Bloc of Bath Street have popped up a satellite branch in the former Nonya premises on Claremont Street.

Pasta, burgers, steaks and poutine plus plenty of veggie and vegan options will keep the munchies at bay.

On a less happy note, Ramen Dayo - the excellent noodle shop on Queen Street - has closed rather abruptly. There is a detailed Facebook post here.

The owners intend to focus on the second branch of Ramen Dayo which they opened on Ashton Lane late last year.

Manchester move for Six By Nico?

Last but by no means least, the industry newsletter Propel reports that Nico Simeone is to expand his Six By Nico concept to Manchester. There is even mention of a branch in London.

Featuring a new, six-course, themed tasting menu every six weeks, the Six By Nico restaurant has expanded from its original Glasgow base to launch in Edinburgh and Belfast.

Propel reports that the former Roc & Rye unit in Manchester’s Spring Gardens will be the venue for the new venture.