How nice it is to go back to a lovely restaurant that left you pertly of good memory 2 years later and find that nothing has changed?

This was exactly how I felt going back to the legendary west end Glasgow restaurant Ubiquitous Chip, tucked away in a little alley near the university campus.

The first time I visited it was in 2014 with my (then) fiancé Robert, who was in Glasgow for work. We spent a lovely Saturday night there and I could still remember the outstanding (and signature dish) venison haggis.

Two years later, I booked us in for Sunday lunch. I like going back to places that left good memories in my mind but I also wanted to have a slightly different experience – lunch rather than dinner.

After a long walk from the city centre, through Kelvingrove Park with a stop at the museum – BTW do not miss the Italian collection of paintings, featuring, among others, a superb Bellini’s Madonna and child – we arrived in Ashton Lane, definitely hungry and ready for a nice meal.

We were given a table by the fish pond, lovely spot in the sunshine (there is a glass roof) even if it was right by the entrance so we could see all the guests arriving for their Sunday lunch.

As we didn’t have much to do for the rest of the day, we decided to indulge – I ordered some Prosecco (DOC) and Robert opted for a gin and tonic, with a lovely gin called The Botanist whose flavour is really enhanced by thyme.

Soon the bread came to the table – lovely and fluffy, still warm and accompanied by an equally good butter (at least from what Robert said as I don’t like butter).

After the bread and while we were choosing the wine, we were served a lovely haddock appetiser.

Looking at the wine list, I was pleased to spot a nice red wine from Salento among the house reds – great quality, very fruity and light. Perfect for lunch and only at £21.95 a bottle.

Almost on my last sip of prosecco and the starter arrived – both Robert and I went for the venison haggis. Does it not look like a work of art? Very distinctive peppery flavoured meat complemented by neep cream, champit tatties and carrot crisp. Delightful.

As a main, I chose trout fillet with asparagus, saffron macaroni, radish and brown shrimp, while Robert ordered a traditional Sunday roast (Rib eye of beef, roast potatoes, heritage carrots, Yorkshire pudding and horseradish cream).

Both dishes were stunning and so delicious. Portions were just right since we already had a starter and we were also planning to have a dessert.


And so here is the dessert – mascarpone cheesecake with poached brambles and raspberry sorbet for Robert and selection of British cheeses (Tunworth, Ragstone and Anster) for me as I don’t have a sweet tooth. Robert, who has a very sweet tooth, absolutely enjoyed his dessert. My cheeses had interesting flavours and they were well paired with some caramelised onion chutney, oat biscuits and polenta crackers.

The bill came to £108 without service charge – very good value considering the quality of the food and the service (or maybe I am just used to London prices!).

This restaurant is definitely on my top 10 UK restaurants! If you are ever in Glasgow, you should try it.