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The
biggest curry house in Glasgow is set to open on the site of a
derelict hotel.
Entrepreneur
Archie Sharif will launch the mammoth Indian restaurant as part of a
£9million redevelopment of the landmark Kelvin Park Lorne Hotel.
The
39-year-old, who also owns Modern Indian on West Regent Street,
bought the hotel in March last year and planned to finish the
development by the end of 2007.
But he
decided to turn the A-listed building into a four-star boutique hotel
while pursuing his dream of building the city's - and possibly even
Scotland's - biggest Indian restaurant. The curry house, which opens
in October, brings to an end years of uncertainty over the future of
the hotel which closed seven years ago.
Archie said: "Part
of the hold up of the development was getting the interior design right.
"Originally
the plan was to refurbish the hotel to a three-star standard but we
decided instead to aim for four stars, which has led to the delay."
"The
restaurant is in the extension to the building and we have spent a
fortune on buying reclaimed stone that will carry the look of the
original building.
"I
think we are building Scotland's biggest curry house.
"We
will have up to 300 covers in a completely new restaurant."
Originally
plans were lodged by an English firm to turn the site into a hostel
for asylum seekers.
But
permission for a change of use was turned down after protests from residents.
Then in 2003
developers wanted to turn the site into flats but that plan was also
dropped and the hotel has lain empty for years. The Lorne revamp will
be a boost for the Kelvingrove part of Sauchiehall Street - an area
caught between the city centre and the West End.
In recent
months a number of new venues have opened nearby including fish
restaurant Blas and Big Slope, formerly Cafe Organic.
Archie said: "We
will be good for the area and the location is a benefit.
"Once
open we will be able to compete with the city centre and West End hotels."
Martin
Lawrence, formerly of the Dakota, One Devonshire Gardens and
Malmaison, has been appointed manager.
Archie has
also hired outfitters New Concept, which won the contract for the
Dome in London, to help design the bars and restaurant. Oran Mor
designer Surface will create the bedrooms.
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