Phoenix rises as a restaurant

The listed Phoenix Assurance Company building in Glasgow is to rise from the ashes of its last in-carnation, as a branch of the BCCI bank, to become a restaurant.

Interior design for the new restaurant is by CM Design Consultants. Graphics, including the identity and uniforms, are by Westpoint Design Consultants.

The 100-cover French-style restaurant is to be called Char-tiers, after the Parisian chain of art nouveau eateries first run by the Chartier brothers at the turn of the century.

The listing of both the St Vincent Street building’s interiors and exterior has created a challenge of coupling restoration with enhancement, says CM director Mark Brunjes.

“A feature of the restaurant will be the use of local artists and craftsmen to recreate the period style,” he says.

Glasgow School of Art students are contributing a wall mural “in a French salon style”, adds Brunjes.

The project is expected to go on site this month, with an opening scheduled for May.