New data has revealed a surprise increase in the number of restaurants in Glasgow despite concerns about rising costs.
According to Savills, 2025 was another record year for the food & drink sector, with 38 openings in the city centre totalling 87,000 sq ft of restaurant accommodation. This is the highest volume since 2018, and 10% more than 2024’s figure.
A number of national operators with prime sites put Glasgow in the top 10% of their UK bar and restaurant portfolios, measured by both turnover and profit margin. Savills has even seen some successful brands report turnover in excess of 40% above pre-Covid levels.
The figures comes against a string of warnings from operators and business groups that surge in employment and energy costs are threatening the viability of businesses.
However, the biggest talking point remains the forthcoming business rates revaluation, which could see bills rise by as much as 900%.
There has also been general concern that the relief announced as part of the Scottish budget will not be enough to avoid eroding profitability.
Despite these challenges, Savills says it has enquiries from 15 operators looking to open in Glasgow city centre, which will give landlords optimism that well located properties will continue to attract tenants.
The biggest change last year was a sharp increase in the number of transactions to national or international F&B brands. The figures show that 25% of these were for larger operators compared with 10% in 2024 where the market was dominated by independent brand openings.
The new operators included Danish company Sticks’n’Sushi which located on George Square, and the Indian restaurant chain Dishoom which opened on Nelson Mandela Place.
MyTraffic reports that Buchanan Street now has an annual footfall of 17 million people, making the neighbouring thoroughfares highly sought after locations for food and drink firms.
This, along with its significant student population and high hotel occupancy, has made it a popular choice with operators targeting a range of customer groups.
John Menzies, director in the Scottish retail team at Savills, comments: “Overall, occupier demand for the very best F&B [food and beverage] sites in Glasgow will continue to be strong in 2026, but we are unlikely to see the same level of rental growth.”
He said rents in the sector increased by approximately 15% in 2025 to £50 per sq ft, but Savills does not expect to see this continue as operators look to absorb the increasing tax burden on this year’s rating revaluation.
“On a more positive note, we expect to see public realm improvements make a difference to occupier decision making.
‘This includes the unveiling later this year of the newly renovated George Square which we anticipate will attract more F&B brands to the district, and an improving picture on Sauchiehall Street where the growth of student residential development is resulting in renewed interest from quick service restaurant and leisure operators.”
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