The Gardener is a chilled out, family-run dining spot in Ashton Lane in the heart of the West End. The restaurant’s overall philosophy is – keep it simple and do what you love. So beyond the greenery covered exterior, you will find an airy space run by a team that prides itself on good food, botanically inspired cocktails and fresh artisan coffee.
Soulful beats, bold artworks and draping foliage all add to the overall ambience. This would be a great place to stop for lunch while browsing the West End shops or to enjoy a relaxed meal with friends before hitting a Byres Road bar.
The Gardener specialises in tasty light bites, small plates and sharing dishes, plus botanical cocktails and artisan cakes.
There is also a regularly changing set menu, and sample starters might include the Buffalo cauliflower bites with blue cheese dip, the gnocchi bites with pesto sour cream, and the chicken satay with crunchy peanut sauce and pickled veg salad.
Mains might feature the beetroot torteloni with roast pimentos, pesto and pine nuts, the baked coley with braised fennel and tabbouleh & kale salad, or the beef burger with Swiss cheese, gherkin & burger sauce and fries.
Desserts might include the cheesecake of the week, the Raspberry frangipane tart, and the chocolate fondant, berry compote & choc sauce.
Bar snacks with a difference, such as steamed buns, are also served, as well as a varied brunch menu. The cocktail list celebrates fresh seasonal flavours and might include ingredients like orange peel, thyme sprig and cardamon.
The Gardener is on Ashton Lane, just around the corner from Hillhead Underground, next door to the Grosvenor Cinema. It is around a twenty minute drive from Glasgow city centre and nearby paid parking can be found at Lilybank Gardens, a short walk away.