Gary Townsend: 'Glasgow is definitely ready for a Michelin star'

Could Glasgow be set to earn its first Michelin Star?

In an interview with The Herald, chef Gary Townsend said he thinks the city - which counts 100,000 more people than Edinburgh, but no Michelin stars - is ready to receive the coveted accolade.

• Marc Veyrat tried to return his Michelin stars but was told they aren't his to give back
• Mark Poynton on losing a Michelin Star
• Brad Carter thinks Michelin restaurants shouldn't have to cater for fad diets

The head chef at One Devonshire Gardens by Hotel du Vin - where Andrew Fairlie, Gordon Ramsay and Paul Tamburini all held positions at some point in their career - joined the 3 AA-Rosette restaurant in December 2017, having previously worked at Cameron House, L’Enclume, Restaurant Sat Bains, Hibiscus and Midsummer House.

The chef introduced a new menu as well as a  tasting menu and told Glasgow Live that he planned on making it more adventurous over time. 

As is the ultimate goal for any chef, he said: "I’d love to get a Michelin star for Glasgow – and obviously for this restaurant." 

“If one happened to be awarded to One Devonshire, it would be amazing. Not just for me, but for everybody else who works here.

The chef, who worked at Martin Wishart's when it received a Michelin star, said that the experience is "second only to any major milestone in your life, such as getting married, or your first child being born."

Glasgow's restaurant scene has long been cast Edinburgh's shadow, which has four Michelin-starred restaurants (The Kitchin,  Restaurant Martin Wishart, Number One at The Balmoral and 21212)  but a handful of players have changed the game.

From The Gannet to Six by Nico and The Ox and Finch (the only place in the city with a Bib Gourmand) modern, forward-thinking chefs are driving a more modern approach - and diners' expectations have come a long way. 

In the chefs opinion, is an indication that the city is due a place in the guide.

“I remember when I first came up,  it wasn’t really renowned for food as such,” says Townsend. “But as times evolved and people’s outlook on food has evolved, I think Glasgow is definitely ready for a Michelin star now." 

What do you think chefs? Which Glasgow restaurant (if any) do you think deserves a star?