Miguel Ángel Mayor named head chef at Glasgow's Rioja

Miguel Ángel Major has been named head chef at the Rioja restaurant in Glasgow.

The Spanish chef headed up the kitchen at Sucede in Valencia when it won a Michelin star in 2017 and was a research and development collaborator at Ferran Adrià's El Bulli foundation until 2015.

He joins Rioja ahead of the restaurant’s reopening in June, when it will relaunch with an expanded 60 covers and a new dining concept. It will keep its focus on tapas but offer a constantly evolving menu blending casual and fine dining, overseen by Mayor.

This is the chef’s first position in the UK and he plans to cook with a mix of Scottish and Ibérian produce.

Mayor said: ”Our food will constantly evolve and have no borders – a one-of-a-kind celebration of produce, with flavours that showcase innovative techniques while maintaining respect. I simply can't wait to get started.”

Rioja first opened in 2017 and is part of Glasgow’s C&C Restaurant Group.

Toni Carbajosa, owner of C&C, said: “[With] the appointment of Miguel, we believe that we can challenge the preconceived ideas of fine dining, offer a lively casual dining tapas restaurant and re-establish Rioja as one of Glasgow's most innovative food and drink destinations.”