New opening: Gary Townsend announces opening date of first restaurant, Elements in Bearsden
After much anticipation, chef Gary Townsend is set to open his first solo dining venture. Elements, a local, fine dining restaurant in Glasgow's Bearsden will launch on the 11th of July.
Article Source: Elements
Last Updated: 25 June 2024 11:23
Gary, formerly head chef at Glasgow’s prestigious 3 AA Rosette One Devonshire Gardens, brings a wealth of experience from renowned UK kitchens such as L’Enclume, Restaurant Sat Bains, Hibiscus and The Kitchin.
The menu at Elements showcases Gary’s passion for sourcing produce from Scotland and around the UK and focuses on using the best local ingredients. A seasoned forager, Gary will be incorporating handpicked ingredients from the surrounding area of Loch Lomond and the Trossach in his menus. Highlight dishes on the opening tasting menu are set to include: North Sea cod loin poached in butter and served with cockles, white asparagus, courgette, cod dumpling buttermilk and miso; Scottish Lamb Saddle featuring shoulder, sweetbread, BBQ gem lettuce, smoked aubergine, and chimichurri; and Amalfi Lemon & Yuzu paired with Perthshire strawberries, preserved elderflower and basil.
Gary's passion for sustainability is also evident throughout the seasonal beverage offering. The cocktail menu features some local producers and draws inspiration from the four elements, reflecting the restaurant’s namesake. Earth utilises classic Scottish gin, Downpour, blended with yuzu, lemon, lime and basil. Air includes Devaux Cuvée with red verjus, brambles and honey. Fire showcases Storywood tequila with mango, habanero and hibiscus and Water incorporates Auchentoshan 12-year-old whisky, Chartreuse Jaune, ginger and lime. Other highlights on the drinks menu include the house Champagne, Devaux, rich, full-bodied from the Côte des Bar region, Champagne, France
Gary Townsend, chef owner, said: “I'm thrilled to be preparing for our official opening. We have had a few setbacks in the renovation process, but that’s given me and my team additional time to ensure everything is just right. From sourcing bespoke, hand-thrown ceramics to collaborating with artisan craftspeople for the finishing touches, we are focused on every detail. I’ve spent a lot of time working on the dishes and testing exciting flavour combinations, and of course, getting out and about meeting some excellent local suppliers. I can't wait to share all of our stories with our guests soon.”
The 36-cover restaurant has been through a significant refurbishment, with an investment of around £400,000. The interior design takes inspiration from Elements’ brand colours, featuring a palette of dark blues, lighter teal shades and burnt orange tones to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The space boasts smoked oak timber flooring and unique granite tops for the chef’s counter. Darker colours on the walls and oversized mirrors amplify the space and reflect warm lighting throughout. Seating is crafted with open brass frames and illuminated with warm white lighting, all upholstered in luxurious velvet fabrics.
Elements will be open from Wednesday evening through to Sunday with a 7-course tasting menu. Alternatively, there will be a more traditional 3-course à la carte menu on offer. For lunch, there is the addition of a smaller, 4-course lunch menu. Additionally, guests have the option to book the Chef's Counter experience, tailored for one to five guests, providing an immersive dining opportunity to observe Gary and his team's craftsmanship up close. Each dining experience can be complemented by a carefully curated paired wine experience.
Bookings are now open and can be made on the website: www.elementsgla.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
16.5 million visits make 2025 best year yet for Silverburn
Silverburn has welcomed a record 16.5 million visits over the past year, marking 2025 as its busiest year to date and underlining its status as Scotland's leading shopping and leisure destination.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble spotlights future string stars with Musical Encounters
Scottish Ensemble begins an exciting 2026 with the return of their Young Artist programme, helping to develop the next generation of Scotland's young string players.
READ MORE
Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!
READ MORE
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival 2026 to open with UK Premiere of Everybody To Kenmure Street
A documentary about one of Scotland's most spontaneous and successful acts of civil resistance in recent memory will open Glasgow Film Festival's 22nd edition on 25th February!
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Calling all Gingers!
The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a bonus ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 11th January!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Full casting announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical
Full casting has been announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical which will have its Scottish premiere at The King's Theatre Glasgow in April!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Silverburn expands leisure offering with new Pilates studio
Silverburn guests can kick-start their 2026 wellness journey with the arrival of the first Haus of Pilates studio.
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Christmas has come early! Glasgow youngster wins the entire DreamToys list in national competition
One very lucky youngster from Glasgow has been crowned the winner of an incredible festive giveaway – taking home all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands
One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!
READ MORE
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong crashes into the Kings Theatre Glasgow
Multi-award winning company Mischief return to the King's Theatre Glasgow with their new stage show – Christmas Carol Goes Wrong!
READ MORE
Christmas drawing by 11 year old Glasgow schoolgirl lights up the city
An 11-year-old Glasgow schoolgirl has seen her Christmas drawing light up the city after it was transformed into a glowing display as part of this year’s festive light trail.
READ MORE
Scottish Doctor Who actor to lead The Woman in Black at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
PW Productions is delighted to announce casting for Susan Hill's The Woman in Black, as it returns to the Theatre Royal Glasgow.
READ MORE
Scottish dancer to appear in The Red Shoes in first tour stop in Glasgow
The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to reveal the full cast and tour dates for Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes.
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas
Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!
READ MORE
Solasta Residence supports Beatson Cancer Charity through festive giving tree initiative
Solasta Residence in Glasgow has launched its first Giving Tree in support of Beatson Cancer Charity.
READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow unveils exciting new programme for 2026
The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow is set to light up 2026 with a thrilling year of music, theatre and comedy.
READ MORE
Wingstop UKI opens its doors at Silverburn
Leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has turned up the heat on its dining line-up with the official opening of Wingstop UKI, bringing even more flavour and choice to guests.
READ MORE
90s pop icon joins the cast of Mean Girls
Faye Tozer to star alongside Kiara Dario as Gretchen Wieners in the award-winning musical Mean Girls, coming to the King's Theatre in Glasgow from Monday 29th June!
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with new book Elephant
Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with Beatson Cancer Charity this month.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links