An iconic Mexican restaurant was introduced in June, in the heart of the lively and bustling city centre of Glasgow.
Topolabamba offers all customers an authentic taste of Mexico’s classic dishes with a laid-back dining experience, however within a chic setting allowing the customers a taste of luxury. The venue was first opened at the time of the Commonwealth Games and so attracted a number of visitors coming to the city.
The new restaurant has been inspired by four main regions of Mexico; Topolabampo, Oaxaca, Chiapas and Chihuahua. Hand painted murals are in place to greet guests, fascinating lighting and leather Chesterfield booths so customers can enjoy their visit in comfort. A private dining area is in place for those who wish to celebrate in more of an exclusive environment, ideal for birthday or graduation celebrations.
The venue is a mix between a Restaurant bar and Cocktail bar and boasts culture, lively atmosphere and a mixture of fun with an added touch of plush in there. With a happily affordable budget, the restaurant has the facilities to provide the ideal night for celebrations, meal between family and friends, a work’s get together or just a few casual drinks.
The menu ‘Topo’ has a selection of mouth-watering street foods including favourites such as char grilled steak tacos, whilst classic regional dishes are also available including Coca Cola Mexican short stack ribs. Topolabamba have successfully brought the taste of Mexico to Glasgow by importing products directly from Mexico and conducting extensive research on the country’s heritage and culture. The menu also provides appetising options for a variety of dietary requirements.
Customers can choose from several nibbles/sides which include hand made guacamole with tortilla chips, salt and chilli pepper fries or Mexican green rice, which are all vegetarian. Street food options are made for sharing and consist of tacos with Barbacoa beef or crispy fried fish of the day, quesadillas with smoked chicken and poblano pepper or tostadas with a choice of fillings such as shredded beef, Spanish onions and chipotle aioli with crumbly cheese. A range of classic dishes include smokey stuffed pepper, chicken mole enchilada and char grilled flat iron steak with peanut mole.
The Mexican bar boasts imported wines, spirits, beers and 30 different tequilas and mescals. Also available is a wide range of classic cocktails, including the Topolabamba margaritas which are an in-house favourite. The dark chocolate margarita and tamaya pear are just two of the delicious flavours on offer.
The selection of tequilas includes the Mexican classic Jose Cuervo Tradicional, El Jimador, Don Julio and Maestro Dobel. For those tequila connoisseurs this menu would be a great treat. Topolabamba’s drinks menu also integrates several tequila based cocktails, reinforcing the classic Mexican theme. A few to try include El Diablo, Paloma 55 and Tequila Sunrise.
The bar is welcome to diners as well as non-diners. Whether it’s a drink with a meal or a few drinks with friends to enjoy the exciting and bustling Mexican atmosphere, this bar diner is perfect for everybody. For those who are visiting for a few drinks at the bar and end up feeling peckish, there are Topolabamba’s warm tortilla chips and salsas on hand which are arranged in a fun and creative traffic light system so that customers know how spicy they are.
The interior of Topolabamba is mainly imported from Mexico, designed to appear just as authentic as the food they offer. Bright walls and embellished furnishings have been integrated to liven the place up and create an exciting atmosphere for customers.
Topolabamba ingeniously offer the chance to purchase gift vouchers on their website, the perfect gift for a family member or friend’s birthday so they celebrate with their partner or friends. Vouchers are available in values of £25, £50, £75 and £100.
For guests who wish book in prior to arrival, parties must be of five people or more. Booking in is recommended especially as the restaurant can become quite busy and fill up fast. Tables of eight and more are subject to a 10% service charge. For parties under five guests, Topolabamba recommend going straight to the restaurant without pre-booking and promise to seat those guests as soon as possible.
The Mexican restaurant prides itself on being possibly the most varied gluten-free and vegetarian friendly restaurant in Glasgow. With a restaurant capacity of 120 seated, there is room for everybody to join in the Mexican themed fun.
Daily opening hours are 11.30am until midnight all week. Food is served 11.30am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 11.30am until 10.30pm Friday and Saturday.
Ballantyne & Dunn Ltd
Ballantyne & Dunn specialise in the installation of gas, plumbing and heating. The company has been operating for six years now and within this time has added numerous projects to its portfolio; building on its skills set.
Working on the Mexican restaurant, Topolabamba, Ballantyne & Dunn successfully fitted all of the heating, hot water, bathrooms and kitchen areas. In fact all aspects of gas and heating were installed by the company.
Premier Hospitality caught up with Managing Director of Ballantyne & Dunn Ltd, Stephen Dunn, to ask a few questions on the project and company itself. He said:
“Topolabamba was an important project as it was a really nice showcase restaurant to work on, and being in the centre of the town was a bonus as it meant more customers and therefore more publicity for our work.”
When questioned what the establishment prides itself in, Stephen replied:
“Our company prides itself in the high quality service and product that we deliver. We strive to ensure that our standards are always at a high level and our prices are competitive.”
Logotech Display Solutions Ltd
Logotech Display Solutions Ltd is a company specialising in manufacturing signs, neon lights, LED lighting and built up letters. Situated in Cramlington, Northumberland, the establishment has positively impacted on its repertoire on a number of diverse projects since its inception in 2002.
Working on the Mexican restaurant Topolabamba set in Glasgow, once the architects had provided the design drawings the firm was able to start work and supply the hanging signs, window signs and neon displays. Also Logotech successfully manufactured the entire internal and external neon lighting.
Speaking to Director of Logotech Display Solutions, Mark Brown, Premier Hospitality wanted to find out a little more. Mark said:
“It was important for us to be involved with the Topolabamba developments, as it meant producing what we specialise in, and performing to high standards to please the client and also boost our portfolio. The project was an enjoyable one to work on.”
When asked what the company prides itself in, Mark replied:
“We pride ourselves in manufacturing quality products and striving to keep clients completely satisfied. Meeting deadlines whilst not compromising on high standards is very important to us.”
Other developments that Logotech have worked on include the sign for Buchanan Bus Station and aluminium letters with exposed ruby red neon for Frankie & Bennys. Additionally, a sign of powder coated aluminium letters with blue neon was created for Stanners.
