New restaurant for Hutchesons' Hall Glasgow after £1.3m refurb

Historic Glasgow building Hutchesons' Hall is to open as a new restaurant and bar following a £1.3m renovation by restaurateur James Rusk.

The restaurant will also have a private dining area for customers to book separately. Around 50 jobs are expected to be created ahead of the opening.

Despite its varied past, the National Trust-owned site had lain empty for over five years following water damage caused by storms in 2008.

Speaking of the new project, Glasgow Restaurant Association chairman James Rusk said: "The building is steeped in nostalgia. I had an overwhelming urge to clean down the cobwebs, pull off the dust sheets and invite Glasgow round for dinner to feel the energy of this incredible space.

"We've been working with the National Trust for Scotland in the background for the past two years trying to bring a new purpose to this unique, standalone building.

"When I stepped foot inside the grand hall, I instantly knew that I wanted to sympathetically transform this magnificent landmark into a distinctive dining experience for all to enjoy."

Designed by Glaswegian architect David Hamilton, Hutchensons' Hall was originally built in the 1800s as a hospital for elderly men and a school for poor boys, and was named after 17th century philanthropic lawyer, Thomas Hutcheson, and his brother George.

It has since housed a public library, bank, school and even shops.