By Scott Wright

A GLASGOW architect working on plans to convert the former C&A building on Sauchiehall Street into a hotel has completed a £1 million restaurant project in the city’s west end.

Mosaic Architecture + Design was responsible for the interior at Ka Pao on Vinicombe Street, which has been given a design influenced by South East Asia to match its menu. The 120-cover restaurant, based in the former Botanic Gardens Garage, is the second venture for the operator of the Ox and Finch in Finnieston, Scoop Restaurants. The Ka Pao name is derived from the Thai for holy basil.

Jonathan MacDonald, owner and chef, said: “There were various technical challenges that came with fitting out a new restaurant in the basement of the Botanic Gardens Garage. As the client, we had a clear vision of the vibe that we wanted to create in the space and how we wanted the restaurant to function operationally. Mosaic took on our brief and we’re delighted with how Ka Pao has turned out.”

Mosaic director Stephen Mallon said: “The former Arnold Clark Garage was and is a beautiful listed building and the insertion of Ka Pao has blended effortlessly well with the industrial aesthetic of the of the original interior. It was, once again, a pleasure working with Jonathan and his team and we look forward to continuing to do so on further exciting developments planned for this year.”