Here's how a court case will decide the future of Rogano - one of Glasgow's oldest restaurants

One of Glasgow’s oldest restaurants, it was known for its Art Deco interiors, which were installed by then owner Donald Grant, who, according to Lost Glasgow, was inspired by the Cunard liner the Queen Mary, which had just been built on the Clyde by John Brown & Co of Clydebank.

On the menu was the best of Scottish seafood and behind the bar, a classic menu of cocktails including the corpse reviver, kir royale and martini.

Rogano was also loved by celebrities, with, often multiple, visits from A-listers such as Elizabeth Taylor, Mick Jagger, Frank Sinatra, Kiera Knightley, Kylie Minogue, Rod Stewart and Sir Alex Ferguson.

When did Rogano close?

Along with all hospitality, Rogano closed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. But, unlike most other venues, it did not reopen during easing of restrictions and, in late 2020, it was rumoured that Rogano had shut down.

It was during this time that the interiors of Rogano had been damaged due to flooding, which took place between late 2020 and early 2021.

At this time, a statement was made on the restaurant’s social media saying they were hoping to reopen in 2021, but this never happened and the Rogano is listed as permanently closed on Google.

The restaurant now cuts a sad figure, with its boarded up windows - a distressing sight for many people who have enjoyed celebratory meals in the restaurant.

How will a court case decide Rogano’s future?

Owners of the restaurant - Forthwell Ltd - have been granted permission to have a compensation claim against their landlords - Pontegadea UK Ltd - heard in Scotland’s highest civil court, the Court of Session.

This is over the ‘substantial damage’ caused to the restaurant by the flooding. The lawyers for Forthwell Ltd have argued that damage caused by this caused an ‘insurance risk’ and that landlords Pontegadea UK Ltd breached its obligation to maintain Rogano and allow it to trade.

Lawyers for Forthwell Ltd want a judge at the Court of Session to order Pontegadea to provide repairs at the premises to allow it to re-open. If they can’t get this order, they said that Forthwell Ltd would require damages of £789,000. 

Lawyers for Pontegadea wanted the court to strike out Forthwell’s bid to recover £789,000. They told Lord Braid that it couldn’t seek damages in this respect as an insurance policy for the premises was in place. They argued that this meant Forthwell couldn’t sue. 

In a written judgement published by the court on Thursday, Lord Braid allowed the matter to proceed and the case will be heard in the Court of Session soon, meaning this may not be the end of the Rogano story.