EVENING Times readers are being given an exclusive first look inside Glasgow’s newest boutique pub as the city’s food and drink scene continues to go from strength to strength.

Public House by Nico finally threw its doors open to the public yesterday after months of anticipation.

The new eatery, which has taken over the former Mallard unit on Great Western Road, aims to bring modern, British gastropub cuisine to the city’s West End, all under the direction of innovative head chef Nico Simeone.

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Following in the success of his award-winning sister restaurant in Finnieston and Edinburgh, Six by Nico - which introduces a new menu concept every six weeks - Public House by Nico will offer a broad selection of small plates and larger dishes.

A big emphasis will be placed on weekend breakfast and brunch and also a Sunday roast offering.

The restaurant’s interior exposes the unit’s harsh, industrial features which are overlaid with soft, quality finishes.

A marble countertop takes prime position as bosses say the design is “a play between rough and beautiful and feminine and masculine.”

Glasgow Times:
Public House by Nico (Michael Hunter/BLK 29 Studios)

A slice of cosy countryside in the heart of Glasgow, Chef Nico, who also has the award-winning 111 by Nico restaurant in nearby Kelvinside, explained: “The venue offers a rawness and honesty guests will be familiar with.

“The visible kitchen is front and centre and helps create a pub environment that is fun and welcoming, offering top comfort food.”

Describing how he believes the boutique pub is making a comeback, he added: “We wanted to introduce the trend to Glasgow.

“Public House is charmingly old-fashioned and a place guests can enjoy exceptional food and wines. It’s local with a menu specifically designed to be value for money.”

The modern gastropub, which has a 60-seat capacity and a small dedicated bar area, has been on Nico’s radar to open “for some time.”

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He continued: “The goal of the restaurant is to make the dining experience fun with the sense of playfulness the Scottish are known for.

“Public House by Nico is the ideal location and perfect for what we want to achieve. It’s a real neighbourhood restaurant.

“There are some top operators already doing great things in Glasgow and we’re looking forward to bringing something totally different to the city.”

Born in Glasgow to Italian parents, Nico was raised in a family of Mediterranean foodies.

The former Bearsden Academy pupil first revolutionised the food scene in Glasgow when he opened 111 by Nico in 2015. As chef patron of the restaurant, his philosophy was to create a unique fine-dining experience, while simultaneously launching an apprenticeship programme.

The programme offered young people who have faced challenges in life the opportunity to share Nico’s passion for cooking, and gave them the drive and tools needed to become top chefs themselves.

Glasgow Times:
Public House by Nico (Michael Hunter/BLK 29 Studios)

The academy recruited 10 new chefs in its first year, of which two went on to successfully secure further full-time employment in established restaurants across the country.

Nico’s business goals and work ethic aimed towards challenging his skills as both a chef and restaurant operator are what led him and his eager team to embark on his next project.

Six by Nico on Argyle Street opened last year after 111 by Nico proved so popular. Nico opened another Six by Nico in Edinburgh New Town this April.

The eatery continues to win rave reviews as it completely changes its menu concept every six week, with themes including “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” “Sicily” and “the 1970s.”

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On Tuesday, Six by Nico unveiled its festive season concept as “Childhood 2.0.”

Featuring his take on cherished staples from the humble Pot Noodle to the sweet milk created by diners’ favourite cereal from when they were little, Nico said of the concept: “Reliving those fond childhood memories is exactly what we aim to do for all our guests over the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“Almost everyone has childhood memories of family meals, ranging from holiday gatherings to the ordinary breakfasts, lunches, and dinners - we aim to help recreate that with our six-course tasting menu.”

And it looks like the chef is not stopping with his creative ideas.

We reported last month how Supper Club by Nico is underway in the South Side of the city.

Public House by Nico is now open. Visit publichousebynico.co.uk for more booking and menu information.