IN CELEBRATION of National Vegetarian Week, the co-owner of one of the city’s most celebrated meat-free eateries has weighed in on what the Glasgow veggie scene has to offer.
Just shy of its first birthday, Sylvan on Woodlands Road is a relative newcomer but has already made its mark described by a reviewer as the restaurant that “could break veggie and vegan into the mainstream".
Speaking of their inspiration, Colin Campbell said: “Glasgow has an amazing number of vegan restaurants that do really well at recreating that kind of ‘fast food’ style.
“There’s a real strong connection with the music scene at places like Stereo or the 13th note that makes for a sort bar experience which is great.
“But our idea for Sylvan was to open a space that was very much a restaurant.
“That’s not to say that our food is strictly healthy, there will be cream or cheese used in dishes that call for it.
“My business partner Jake is the chef, and he has been vegetarian all his life so he really knows what he is doing and is passionate about it.”
Between them, Colin and Jake Martell have a wealth of experience with previous projects including Asian-influenced spot the Hug and Pint and the Hen of The Woods catering brand which ran for years at the Glad Cafe.
This expertise shines through at Sylan in an ever-evolving menu that showcases fresh, local produce with small plates like green beans with tomato and herbs and roast pears with fried bread and stilton custard.
It’s no surprise then that the eatery has fast become a hit with both veggies and carnivores alike.
Colin said: “If we had opened the restaurant even a few years ago I don’t think we would have had the same success.
“I’d say it’s 50/50 of people who come to us because they’re vegetarian themselves and people who are just looking to go out for a meal regardless of if meat is served.
“It’s really common for us to have one person at the table who is vegetarian, and others that have come along with them because of that, but also really enjoyed their food.
“That’s the great thing about vegetarian or vegan food, no one gets left out.
“I think a lot of people who don’t eat meat have had that experience of not being able to have anything at an event or dinner.
“We’ve really enjoyed our first year here.
“There are still a few empty units on our street, it would be great to see some places doing the same kind of things that we are moving in.”
Sylvan is located at 20 Woodlands Road.
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