The owner of one of the West End’s newest venues has spoken about the building’s heritage and the latest chapter in its long history.
The Marigold Cafe has opened at 144 Park Road, positioned between nearby institutions Eusebi’s Deli and The Doublet bar.
Brothers Rahul and Bubbles (Pravesh) Randev of the hospitality chain R Group bought the building back in 1995, since which time the premises has had many guises.
Pub-goers may remember it as The Richmond, Bar Bola or Blythswood Cottage among others over the years.
'Heritage'
The latest venture brings the bar back into use for the first time since before the pandemic when it last closed.
Bubbles said the company, which owns venues including Milngavie’s Garvie & Co and the Crescent in Finnieston, had traded many units over the years but they had been keen to keep hold of 144 Park Road.
“There is something about the heritage of the building that we love.
“There has been a bar here for many years, and some people might still remember it as the Blythswood Cottage.
“The bar has a great feel inside and a lovely view out of the back across the River Kelvin.
“It’s also in a great part of the West End, next to some fantastic restaurants and businesses.
There is something about the heritage of the building that we love. There has been a bar here for many years, and some people might still remember it as the Blythswood Cottage.
Bubbles Randev
“We are sure it has many stories to tell.
“We have enjoyed keeping the licensed tradition alive here, and we hope The Marigold Cafe can keep its heritage going for many years to come.”
The Blythswood Cottage had been on Park Road 1862, according to bar bible Old Glasgow Pubs, and was still trading when the Randev brothers bought the premises.
The Marigold Cafe mixes restaurant and cocktail venue with Indian-influenced food and drink menus.
A chic interior has been created with touches of gold and muted leather upholstery and bold tiled floors.
The menu combines authentic Indian cooking with a unique fusion of various international influences, according to R Group.
The brunch menu includes ‘loaded breakfast naan’ - a ‘full Scottish’ packed inside of a freshly stone baked naan bread topped with chilli jam.
For those with a sweeter tooth, the chai spiced croissant or the warm waffles with pistachio yogurt, cardamom and fresh fruit are not to be missed.
In the evening, the kitchen offers up sharing plates such as Prawn Biryani Bon Bons and the MFC (Marigold Fried Chicken).
A newly-fitted bar is at the heart of The Marigold Cafe, serving cocktails such as The Chaitini (with Walla Liqueur, Ketel One, Espresso and Sugar) or a twist on a classic, Patola Paloma (Olmeca Silver, Green Tabasco, pink grapefruit, rose lemonade, fresh lime and sugar).
'Special'
Rahul Randev said: “We have always had a desire to open a stylish cocktail and wine bar in the West End that also offers exceptional plates of food in beautiful surroundings.
“We think by marrying all of these elements together we have created something quite special with The Marigold Cafe and so far the feedback has been extremely encouraging.”
The Marigold Cafe is open till late 7 days a week and can be located at 144 Park Road.
