Shawlands locals can prepare for an entirely new type of dining experience this weekend as The Olive Boardz on Kilmarnock Road prepares to open its doors.
This unique eatery sees diners served with long wooden boards filled with grazing favourites from artisanal cheeses to raw honeycomb and charcuterie meats.
Pictured: Owner and Founder of The Olive Boardz Matthew Poole
It’s a bold concept and the first of its kind in Scotland, but the style and flair needed for such an undertaking came naturally to owner and founder Matthew Poole.
He said: “I’ve always loved having people around for dinner parties and designing food.
“Even when we were having a roast dinner, I wanted them to be extravagant.
“Initially when I started the business, I knew that no one else had ever done this before so saw a niche in the market which could also lead to something I had always wanted to do.
“It’s all about having good quality food, colourful designs and making sure that people are really going to be wowed.”
Pictured: Even the smallest details are considered at the new restaurant
After relocating from London to Glasgow this year and starting his business on a home delivery basis, Matthew has found the perfect space to make his dreams a reality.
Launching in the former unit of the popular Pink Inc Café, the interior has undergone a total transformation at the hands of its new owners.
Leafy green décor and plenty of natural light provide the perfect setting for the informal and relaxed atmosphere that the team have strived to create.
Pictured: The Olive Boardz team have totally transformed the space
Matthew said: “There were a lot more pros to opening in Glasgow rather than London in terms of progressing The Olive Boardz towards what we want it to be.
“Shawlands is the perfect location for us, as an independent business it’s a great place to start and I think people here will appreciate what we’re offering.
“We always wanted to create a really cool and fun environment for people to come and enjoy great food.
“You won’t be paying extortionate amounts either because we work as a bring your own booze. We wanted it that way because it means you can bring whatever you like.
“So, if you’re having a special occasion, you could bring along some cocktails, we’ll provide the food, sit down to enjoy and share everything.”
Pictured: The Olive Boardz unit was formerly home to the Pink Inc Cafe
The nature of the menu at The Olive Boardz means that diners are encouraged to book in advance due to the prep time and attention to detail needed to create each bespoke board of snacks.
With ingredients sourced from local retailers like George Mews Cheese and Freedom Bakery, we think it’s safe to assume that seats will be snapped up fast.
Matthew said: “Our idea is to keep things small, because of the type of food that we do.
“We do encourage people to pre-book, and then when they arrive, we have a two-hour time slot.
“We make sure that we’re prepping for the next seating ahead of their arrival because we don’t want them waiting half an hour for food then not having the time to enjoy it.
“It’s not like a normal meal, we want people to graze and enjoy it.
“I think what makes us unique and defines us as The Olive Boardz, we’ll always offer that.”
For more information or to book your table now, click here.
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