A talented young chef who is taking over the 111 by Nico reign has announced that his debut restaurant, 111 by Modu, will open in the West End next month.

Modou came to Glasgow at the age of 19 with only £200 in his pocket to look for an opportunity in life.

Now 26, Modou Diagne is marking his next chapter in life by taking over the reins of the Cleveden Road fine dining restaurant and transforming it into his own. 

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111 by Modou was originally due to open in March, however plans were put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The bombshell brought on by the pandemic only inspired Chef Modou to open his first restaurant project as soon as possible to showcase his stylish and experimental food offerings. 

Modou, originally from Senegal, said: ""Having moved here in 2013, I would never have dreamed that I would be in this position 7 years later. I am more than ready for this next chapter at 111 and I look forward to showing everyone in the industry what I can do here at 111 by Modou."

Modou quickly climbed up the ranks from Kitchen Porter to Head Chef at 111 by Nico and in March, Chef Nico offering him the opportunity to make his mark in the industry under his own restaurant brand.

Modou added: "Throughout lockdown I was busy helping my mate Nico cook and prepare the 'Home by Nico' kits and had the chance to give something back to the community who helped and supported me from the moment I arrived in Glasgow.

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"This city and the people who live here have welcomed me with open arms and I am forever grateful. It's an exciting time in my life and I can't wait to have the doors to 111 by Modou open". 

As the coronavirus pandemic unfolded in the UK, Modou helped provide emergency food and support to some of the most vulnerable people in his community locked in poverty, by cooking weekly meals for St Gregory's Church in Maryhill, Glasgow.

He also helped friend Nico and his team successfully pivoted their business by launching, ‘Home by Nico’ which served over 100,000 people and kept the Six by Nico spirit alive during this challenging period.

The 46-cover restaurant will open with a reduced capacity of 28 and features will include an open kitchen and stylish, contemporary artwork. 

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