Glasgow Spanish restaurant boss leaves early to watch heroes face England in Euro final

The head chef of a Glasgow-based Spanish restaurant has said he will leave early to watch his country play England in tonight’s EURO 2024 final.

Jamie Gonzalez-Bradley, who co-owns Spanish restaurant Málaga Tapas with his brother Antonio, is hoping to see three-time European champions Spain deny England the prestigious trophy.

The 37-year-old, who is dad to two-year-old Santiago, said: “We were raised in Spain and Scotland and we describe ourselves as 50/50.

“I support the Spanish national football team and I am very nervous. Spain have been by far the best team in the tournament, while England have been more than lucky.

“I think Spain had a tough tournament, while England had an earlier start.

“I hope we see Spain beat England 2-0.”

Jamie’s Glasgow-born Spanish father Christobal and Scottish mother Susan moved the family to live in Malaga when he was just six weeks old.

The family spent years living in both countries before settling back in Scotland and opening their first restaurant, Malaga Tapas, in Pollokshields in October 2011.

Brothers Jamie and Antonio, 27, who opened Málaga Tapas restaurants in Clarkston and Bearsden, wore their Spanish shirts to work during the thrilling tournament in which Spain beat France 2-1 to progress to the final.

Now, despite a busy night with clients scheduled to sample some traditional Spanish cuisine, Jamie has vowed to end the day with a beer at what he hopes will be a final in which Spain beat England 2-0.

Jamie added: “My wife Julie is from Glasgow and she is very supportive of our son Santiago wearing his Spain shirt. We were on holiday during some of the Spain games and Santiago had taken his Spain and Scotland shirts but got to wear the Spain shirt more.

“During the tournament, my brother and I also wore our Spanish football shirts in the restaurant, along with all the staff who wore their shirts in the kitchen and on the floor. Coach Luke also wore a Scotland shirt.

“We’ve had some friendly banter with the punters. Some have been saying Spain better win or they won’t be coming back to the restaurant.

“Who will win has been the topic of conversation in restaurants ever since England reached the final.

“Customers have been brilliant and it seems like we’re really busy on Sunday. I think there are a lot of Scots who have decided to book in to eat Spanish food while watching the game.

“But no matter what happens, I’ll finish my shift at 7:45pm and sit down with my first beer and maybe watch Spain win.”

Meanwhile, football fans hoping to see England crowned EURO 2024 champions will be watching the thrilling final today.

Glasgow’s Union Bar manager Donna Dorrall said fans wanting to watch the England v Spain match would be welcome.

Patrons will also be keen to get the celebrations off to a good start with the Union Bar’s end of year party, which will be in full swing before the match kicks off at 8pm.

Donna said: “The England v Spain game is going ahead and we hope England win.

“It was quite a tournament and they are both good teams.

“There will be a great atmosphere and we are looking forward to a great game.”

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