Let's get the show on the road with not one but possibly two new Turkish restaurants in Glasgow.

At the corner of the High Street and Gallowgate, there seems to be a new Turkish restaurant called Ada taking shape.

We suspect there may be links to Eda in Kirkcaldy and Ada in Edinburgh. The latter was named ‘Best Turkish Restaurant of the Year’ at The Scottish Asian Food Awards 2018.

Back in the heart of the Merchant City, on Candleriggs, the long-running City Merchant restaurant has been closed for about a month for renovations.

Their Facebook page explains, 'We have a lot of exciting plans. We will update you with our opening date and the launch of a new menu which incorporates innovative unique dishes'.

If the posters in the window are anything to go by then it may re-open as a Turkish restaurant.

New Mexican and Spanish restaurants

Rather more speculatively, we are hearing whispers that one of Glasgow's multiple operators is planning to open a Spanish restaurant on St Vincent street and a Mexican on Hope Street. 

We will bring you more details as we firm up the facts.

Lychee Oriental gets new look

Finally, the award-winning, Cantonese restaurant, Lychee Oriental on Mitchell Street has had a makeover.

The new look, pictured above and below, has been inspired by the restaurants and coffee houses of Chongqing, an area which is apparently known as China's hot pot region.

Jimmy Lee, Head Chef at Lychee Oriental, said: 

'We didn’t want to radically change the fabric of the restaurant or the spirit of Lychee's dining experience. Instead, we wanted to enhance the lively atmosphere and energy that our space has become known for... we hope that all of our guests, both regulars and first-timers love our transformation.'

Traditional flavours & modern techniques  

The 70-cover restaurant has also introduced some new dishes to a menu that combines traditional flavours with modern cooking techniques.

The food has Hong Kong influences with excursions to neighbouring cuisines - Vietnamese king prawn rolls, Thai red curry, Japanese chicken katsu and Singapore noodles.

The restaurant prides itself on using traditional Chinese cooking techniques and natural, fresh ingredients, especially Scottish game and fish.    

Discount when booking with 5pm

Chef Jimmy Lee, the owner and Head Chef of  Lychee Oriental, has a burgeoning media career, appearing on the BBC’s Great British Menu, Channel 4’s My Kitchen Rules and presenting cookery segments on popular ITV programmes.

He started work in his dad’s takeaway when he was 16 years old and has seldom been far from a kitchen since.

Of course, you can book into Lychee Oriental using 5pm Dining. Look out for the 20% discount on the a la carte menu which is often on offer when booking via 5pm.