Hunky Dory Group is bringing its first Chinese to Glasgow

A Scottish hospitality group has revealed plans for a new high-end restaurant offering contemporary Chinese dining in Glasgow city centre. 

Zhima – which means 'sesame' in Mandarin – will open at the former site of Prezzo on St Vincent Place next month, creating more than 60 new jobs. 

Scheduled to open on Friday, 17 April, the interior has been transformed following a £1m investment fit-out.

Zhima is the latest concept from Hunky Dory Group, owners of popular city centre spots Chaakoo Bombay Café, Panang and Topolabamba. The new restaurant will be the group's ninth launch, established in partnership with Scottish restaurateurs Mario Gizzi and Tony Connetta of Di Maggio's Restaurant Group.

An 'elevated' dining experience

Paul Sloan, co-founder of Hunky Dory Group, comments: "We're so excited to bring Zhima to Glasgow city centre, where it will add something new to a burgeoning dining destination. The concept has been in development for close to four years but finding the right site was the key.

"We've had plans in place with partners Mario and Tony to transform St Vincent Place, and this is the next stage. It's right next to Buchanan Street and a prime location for a new venue. As soon as we heard the site on St Vincent Place was becoming available, we knew it was the home for Zhima. 

"There aren't many places in the city centre where diners can go and get properly dressed up and that's the point of difference we're bringing to this part of Glasgow. It's all about elevating customer experiences and providing a late-night venue with a bit of glam and sophistication."

The restaurant will offer a business lunch, pre-theatre and evening menu, with intimate private dining available for up to 12 guests. Cantonese, Hunan and Sichuan influences will underpin brand's the small plate dining style. 

"Chinese food is a big part of Glasgow's culture and the Zhima concept champions this," adds Sloan. "We've recruited chefs with more than 20 years' experience working in Asian fusion restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and hope to bring to Glasgow what Hakkasan does to London and Tattu does to Edinburgh – an elegant, adventurous dining destination." 

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