This week’s local business feature is dragon-i situated in Glasgow’s City Centre. Amid the wonderful aromas of its Pan-Asian dishes, operations director Raymond Mann explains why this is the perfect location.
So where did it all begin?
Well, dragon-i opened here in Hope Street in 2003 and our goal was to create the best possible dining experience. We aimed to provide amazing, unobtrusive service and the most creative Pan-Asian cuisine – with influences of Thai, Malay and Chinese cooking, all fused with a genuine Scottish twist.
Our most requested menu item and signature dish is Stornoway Black Pudding Spring Rolls topped with Thai Chilli Dressing.
My role is to maintain this vision and inspire a belief in my team that they’re creating something special.
I always tell them, our goal is to have all of our customers leave dragon-i feeling in a better place – in mind, body and soul.
What makes this central part of Glasgow such a great place for the mind, body and soul?
I believe we’re in the centre of a cultural hub, surrounded by art and innovation. We have the Theatre Royal directly across from dragon-i and Royal Conservatoire behind us. We are also a stone’s throw from The Glasgow School of Art, The National Piping Centre, The Royal Concert Hall, the Glasgow Film Theatre and Cineworld.
As we push on innovation within our cuisine, the area offers great opportunities to engage with a diverse local community that’s always looking for something different.
Are there any peculiar characteristics about this area?
We’re in the very heart of a vibrant city centre, yet just slightly off the beaten track. We get the wonderful city vibe but slightly less chaotic. Anyone wishing to buy or rent here will soon find they can enjoy all of the city’s amenities, but in a quieter part of town.
Where do you like to visit nearby when you’re not too busy?
During the day I enjoy walking around this area towards Buchanan Street, where I can soak up Glasgow’s energy and just let my imagination run and see what ideas, experiences and opportunities show up in front of me.
What do you think makes this part of Glasgow so attractive to live in?
I often speak to the neighbours and they always say this part of the city is quieter and more relaxed. Yet, we have the benefits of being only a five minutes walk from the retail and leisure hub of Buchanan Street.
And finally, what’s next for dragon-i?
I believe the eating culture in Scotland is changing. We’re in a new era, one where speed and timing are so important – but it’s also about feeling relaxed in a more casual environment. To provide something for both audiences, we are launching a new Street Food section within dragon-i.
I’m lucky enough to have travelled and experienced some of the most amazing places around the world. With London and Hong Kong fresh in my mind – this has led me to create this new dimension to the dragon-i dining experience, right here in the heart of Glasgow.
If you’re thinking about enjoying your own brand new experience in this part of Glasgow, why not check out the apartments and townhouses available for sale and rent right now at s1homes?
And remember, if you get hungry after viewing our top properties, you can enjoy food you’ll never forget at dragon-i.
