This Glasgow restaurant has suddenly closed, but its history spans over 140 years

This Glasgow restaurant closed very suddenly, but the place’s history goes back over 140 years.

The building at 7 George Square is facing a period of emptiness after its previous occupant, Italian restaurant Doppio Malto, suddenly closed on Tuesday.

Since opening in August 2021, the chain has been offering Glasgow a choice of classic Italian dishes in a stunning setting, with polished Corinthian pillars welcoming diners as they walk through the door.

READ MORE: Glasgow restaurant closes ‘unexpectedly’ after three years

As we wonder what could possibly replace the restaurant to do justice to such an important location in the city center, let’s find out more about the building’s history.

(Image: Christian Cooskey, Newsquest Media Group)

The landscape itself has changed considerably over the centuries. George Square has gone from being a common pasture to being home to some of Glasgow’s most important buildings, such as the City Chambers.

When George Square was built, the site was considered ideal for a residential square set around private gardens, as the land was too marshy to be used for agriculture or leisure.

Named after the king at the time, George III, the square was opened in 1787.

(Image: Archive image. Newsquest.)

With the City Chambers, the Millennium Hotel – and let’s not forget Wetherspoons – standing out as some of the square’s main attractions, its neighbours can sometimes be overlooked.

On the east side of the square are numbers 1 to 7, measuring around half an acre, and the original building was designed by architect Robert Mathieson and built in the 1870s. Around two decades later, it was extensively remodelled to incorporate the more elaborate features that can still be seen today.

From the polished pink granite Corinthian columns to the round-arched doorways, from the balustraded balcony to the parapet, the building was designed in keeping with the luxury of the grand residences it adjoined.

Why was it built? There were regular complaints about the lack of adequate postal facilities in Glasgow, and so the building became the General Post Office when it opened in 1878. It was a power move that reflected Glasgow’s growing commercial status, and being located on George Square only further cemented the area as the city centre.

General Post Office, 1977 (Image: Herald and Times archive)

Although inspired by classical Greek and Roman structures, the building incorporated many modern developments of the time, such as full electricity.

It was altered and expanded several times over the years before ceasing to be used as a post office in 1995.

The following year, plans were proposed to convert the building into a National Gallery of Scottish Art and Design, but this was abandoned due to funding problems.

From 1991 to 2005 the building was owned by the G1 group, who sold it to Hamilton-based company HFD Developments for over £11 million.

The space was used for various offices and businesses, and in 2010, number 7 became the home of Jamie’s Italian, a restaurant owned by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Jamie Oliver (Image: Archive image. Newsquest.)

Unfortunately, the restaurant and brand were unable to survive and in May 2019, the business filed for bankruptcy, resulting in the closure of its restaurants across the country.

With the large unit out of use again, Italian restaurant Doppio Malto has stepped in with big plans to serve pasta and pizza to Glasgow residents.

When it opened in August 2021, it was the UK’s first Doppio Malto (which means ‘double malt’ in Italian). The team made the most of the building’s striking features and incorporated a stunning ceiling installation with 55 parasols, an open ‘cucina’ kitchen and a basement bar with stunning glass ceilings and traditional Terrazzo flooring.

Double Malt (Image: Archive image. Newsquest.)

Now, it leaves a gap in the city’s food and drink scene, as well as a literal gap in the prime location that is George Square.

What would you like to see replace the restaurant?