Scottish beer firm Innis & Gunn has secured permission for a new Glasgow venue on the site of the former Bill’s restaurant.
The Edinburgh-based company is planning to open a second taproom in the city after taking over the premises on West Nile Street. Glasgow City Council has now granted planning permission for the development, which is set to create 50 jobs.
Innis & Gunn, which also runs a taproom on Ashton Lane, said the venue will “contribute positively to this part of the city centre”. A separate restaurant is set to be created in the basement.
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Bill’s restaurant has been closed since the start of the covid pandemic in March 2020 and has surrendered its lease for the premises, the plans stated.
“Implementation of the proposals will enable a sizeable investment, generating jobs and footfall, all to the benefit of the wider city centre’s vitality and viability,” Innis & Gunn’s application claim.
As part of the plans, the beer company will sub-divide the basement of the West Nile Street property to provide a separate restaurant. It will be sub-leased by Innis & Gunn to a “quality restaurant operator”.
The application added: “A new glazed access is proposed on the front elevation to serve the newly created unit. These proposals seek to reinstate a historic basement restaurant in this location.”
Innis & Gunn announced the taproom plans in January, revealing its second location in Glasgow would have 21 craft beer taps as well as guest beers from a range of breweries. It will also host Brew Schools to give visitors a chance to brew their own beer.
At the time, founder Dougal Sharp said: “I am really pleased that we are in the process of creating our fifth Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom.
“The location in Glasgow city centre is vibrant and we will be well aligned and in great company with a fantastic mix of local and national operators.
“We know some people travel from all over to visit our Brewery Taprooms, so this new central location responds to consumer demand and will be a great addition to both our own retail estate portfolio and to Glasgow city centre itself.”
The company, founded in 2003, specialises in beers matured in oak casks, previously used for maturing spirits. It also has taprooms in Edinburgh and Dundee.
