YO! GLASGOW CENTRAL FLAGSHIP STORE WILL PLEASE EVERYONE INCLUDING BOOST SCOTTISH FISHERMAN

JAPANESE food lovers will be in their element with the brand new flagship YO! restaurant in Glsgow City Centre - and Scottish salmon suppliers will be thrilled to bits too.
With 72-covers in a historic listed building at 85 West George Street the Yo! Glasgow Central restaurant will serve a perfect mix of YO! classics and newly curated dishes including hot favourites Katsu Curry, Ramen & Miso, Yakisoba, Chahan, Teriyaki, Gyoza and Tempura, and delicious hand made cold Nigiri, Temaki, Sashimi, Rolls and Fresh Salads.
The restaurant which has just opened its doors this week also serves up a brilliant 16 vegan and 33 vegetarian dishes.

Theshowbizlion.com has always loved a bit of the exotic and we will be first in line to try the amazing range of grub on offer.

Is it just us who gets excited at watching the endless conveyor belt of food? We feel like we're playing a game we always win when we eat at YO!
We'll let you know how we get on with the latest dishes shortly.  We've always loved the salmon sushi dishes but can't wait to try out some of the new hot food on offer.
 To demonstrate its commitment to Scotland, the restaurant is working with Scottish suppliers to source the best quality salmon fresh from the country’s shores.
In fact from July 2017 only Scottish salmon will be served in YO!’s 78 restaurants across the UK.
YO! is one of the only high street restaurants that freshly prepares its dishes on site, and this year is celebrating twenty years of being in business.
 Set within a prominent historic listed building, the new Yo! retains, and indeed showcases, much of the original cast iron frames, both internally and externally.
A striking new glass facade will overlook the bustling hub of Nelson Mandela Place along with a further glass impression running the length of the building on the West George Street adjacency, and leading to a bright welcoming main entrance.
We managed to spot some of the original signage for the place while it was being refurbished.

Inside, YO!’s legendary Kaiten belt will frame the central theatre kitchen and snake around the entire restaurant, allowing customers to grab the fresh dishes from every seat.
Elsewhere, standout design features carrying distinct Japanese references include a stunning Origami-inspired ceiling as well as ‘Shoji’ screen-inspired cladding to the internally illuminated belt.
A new To Go menu will also be available across both hot and cold dishes.
YO! CEO, Robin Rowland OBE said: “We are thrilled to confirm YO! is returning to Glasgow city centre. YO! fans can expect to enjoy exciting new food offerings, as well as all their popular favourites, enjoyed off YO!’s legendary signature conveyor belt, and set against a cutting-edge restaurant interior.
“YO! Glasgow Central will be a fitting statement for a city we have a fantastic history with.

THE KNIVES WERE OUT FOR GLOW'S BRIAN MATTHEWS AT ZIPPOS CIRCUS

CHEATING Glow star Brian Matthews was left literally teetering on a knife edge after his on off girlfriend Victoria Obahor got her revenge on his wicked ways with a horrific circus stunt.

Unwitting Brian had been invited down to Zippos circus tent at Glasgows Victoria Park by his fed up missus who suggested he might like to try out some clowning for the day.

But Brian's fun day out soon turned into his scariest experience yet when Victoria admitted she'd arranged for the love rat to have burning knives thrown at him.

The former footballer and Kavalii nightclub owner didn't want to appear like a coward so went through with the daring stunt while knife thrower Toni Novotony happily took some pot shots at him on her behalf.

Before he took to the wheel Victoria gave him a 'last kiss' as a woeful looking Brian said: "Mum, dad, I love you all."

Asked if he had any final confessions he wanted to make he added: "No I don't have long enough."

Toni from the Czech Republic and his wife Nikol spun a sick looking Brian round on a wheel while a giggling Victoria watched on.

After the nerve wracking stunt, womaniser Brian who was pictured in bed with lottery winner Jane Park just two months ago vowed he'd think twice about cheating on Victoria.

The normally suave lothario was decidedly flustered as he was helped down from the wheel. He said : "I'm dizzy. That was scary. I don't know how you can do that every night. Those burning. knives were close, a bit too close. I felt every knife. I don't know if I was sweating or if it was the heat from them. I need to sit down. You definitely got your own back with that. I'm shaking. I'll never be a lad again now."

Victoria who has previously shaved off Brian's treasured beard after his indiscretions, said: "I've got my own back now for all the stuff you've done to me. I think were quits now. Sorry."

Knife thrower Toni who used his grandfathers knives for the stunt admitted he had been nervous afterwards. He said: "Brian was really nervous. I could feel it. I was also nervous because it was a different person than my wife. He was taller too."

In an added twist Victoria caught the eye of one of the Lucius Troupe who perform inside the Globe of Death on motorbikes.

Feeling guilty for what she did to Brian she agreed to go inside the globe while two riders whizzed around inside it. She said afterwards: "I set Brian up but was roped into the Globe of Death too. It was a near death experience too but thankfully we have both survived."

Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Scottish Sun.

From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

THE SPORTING VERSION OF JEREMY KYLE COMES TO SCOTLAND WITH WHYTE AND MACKAY

EVER fancied taking a lie detector test? 

Whyte & Mackay have set up a portable Lion or Lyin' detector test in Scotland in conjunction with rugby fans to prove they’re smooth enough to support the British & Irish Lions as the squad heads towards their first clash with the All Blacks in New Zealand this weekend.

While the showbizlion.com doesn't know that much about the sport, we were only too happy to try out the technologically impressive equipment along with a dram or two of the blended stuff from the distillery. 

Normally rivals, the Lions squad have put their differences aside for the duration of the tour every four years. 

As official suppliers to the team, Whyte & Mackay are challenging all fans to do the same by passing the Lion Detector test in the world’s smallest travelling rugby stadium that will roar to life this weekend.

After we tried on a special scrumcap which was linked to a computer, award winning comedians Link and Lorne tried to delve into our thoughts. They asked questions about our attitude towards England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

Sex never came up, not once...which probably made everyone on our live feed sigh with relief. 

Without giving too much away, our answers got us a 100 per cent pass which meant we received a free voucher for a malt whisky.

Award winning Sports stars Michael Jamieson and Gemma Gibbons also passed the test and now you can try it too. 

The Lion Detector will visit partner bars, The Old Schoolhouse in Glasgow and The Merlin Roadhouse in Edinburgh over the next three weekends and fans will also have a chance to win an exclusive official signed team jersey1 and receive a complimentary dram2 of award-winning Whyte & Mackay.

Link and Lorne said: "The best things come in pairs. Link and Lorne. Whyte and Mackay. The British and Irish. Don’t make us yellow card you. Show us you’re our mane man! Mon the Lions!”

 Head for a dram at the Lion Detector at:

 

The Old School House, 287-315 Woodlands Road, Glasgow, G3 6NG

Friday 23rd June 4pm – 8pm

Saturday 24th June 2pm – 7pm

Thursday 6th July 6pm – 9pm

Friday 7th July 4pm – 8pm

Saturday 8th July 2pm – 7pm

 

The Merlin Roadhouse, 168 Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4PU

Thursday 29th June 6pm – 9pm

Friday 30th June 4pm – 8pm

Saturday 1st July 2pm – 7pm

KIRSTEN WIIG AND STEVE CARELL TALK SCOTS ANDY MURRAY AND SCOTT BROWN.

 

HOLLYWOOD superstars Steve Carell and Kirsten Wiig reckon Scotland Captain Scott Brown could be a distant relative of Despicable Me 3 star Gru.

But both stars admitted kindly that he was much better looking.

In a hilarious interview with STV2 Late Show Host Ewen Cameron aired last night at 10:30pm, the two stars who appear in the new movie admitted there were definite similarities between the two public figures. 

After seeing a picture that Brown had posted online of himself looking like the cartoon star of Despicable Me 3, Steve Carell, who voices the character in the movie which comes out next week said: "There's a little bit of something Gru there. He's a very handsome version of Gru. They could be distantly related. He's the good looking Gru."

An impressed Kirsten Wiig added: "It looks clear to me they share some DNA." 

Steve also sent Scott a good luck message for the World Cup adding: "Hi Scott I hope you make it to the World Cup. I think you are being a little hard on yourself. You are a very good looking individual. You might share some similarities like an inner warmth in your heart, a kindness and generosity and that's what you're seeing in Gru. Good luck and hope it works out." 

Ewen said afterwards: "Steve didn't know who Scott Brown was and didn't watch Scottish football, but I told him he was one of the most famous people in Scotland."

During the broadcast Kirsten Wiig also did a mean impression of tennis champ Andy Murray. 

Ewen said: "She was doing an impression of Andy Murray and it turned into the voice of an old Scottish granny. She wished him well and her big bit of advice for in was to get the ball over the net as much as he can."

From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

TRIBUTES FLOOD IN FOR BRAVE CROOKSTON SCHOOLBOY SPARKY

TRIBUTES have flooded in for the late Celtic mad thirteen year old who won the heart of NDubz Dappy and countless other celebrities.

Brave Crookston lad Mark Sparky Gallagher passed away from brain tumour Craniopharyngioma on Saturday.
The terminally ill schoolboy was diagnosed with the condition six and a half years ago and his mum Michelle, 31, and seven year old brother Che were told at the start of the year by doctors there was nothing more they could do following thirty eight operations.
Friends and family, with help from the Les Hoey MBE Dreammaker Foundation, Glasgows Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Robin House did their utmost to make his short life as memorable as they could.
During his illness Sparky was sent messages of support from everyone including Shameless star Jody Latham, View guitarist Kieren Webster and Geordie Shore's Jay Gardner.
He featured in the Dreammaker Christmas song, sang with Susan Boyle, met most of the Celtic team including Scott Brown and Callum McGregor and was thrilled to have close contact with NDubz rapper Dappy. Family friend Lindsay Coyle said at the time: "Sparky is Dappy’s number one fan and even loves him more than his beloved Celtic."
The two met initially in 2012 at a London recording studio organised by children’s charity Rays of Sunshine.
In January, Sparky's birthday month, they were reunited when Dappy met up with him after two Scots gigs.
Amongst those who have paid tribute to Sparky's passing were Celtic legend Bertie Auld who visited Sparky just last week in Robin House.
He sent a private message to Sparky's mum within hours of hearing the news.
BAFTA award winning actress Kathleen McDermott also said: "My heart is breaking - fly high little man. Love you and will miss u sooo much!!"
Les Hoey and Angela Jamieson Cook from the Dreammaker Foundation said: "He was a remarkably strong wee boy who always gave people a high five no matter how ill he was. He was such a cheeky chap and was even twerking to music on Friday in Robin House."
Posted with Love in Scotland from theshowbizlion.com
Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Evening Times and Daily Record

BOYZLIFE AND NICHOLAS MCDONALD COLLABORATE AT GLASGOW CHARITY BASH

BOYZLIFE singers Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy surprised partygoers by inviting Scots singer Nicholas McDonald on stage to perform at a Scots fundraising ball.


The Irish heartthrobs from Westlife and Boyzone were secret guests at the Donna Mortimer Ballantyner Trust ball and had already told punters and sporting celebs including Jamie Walker, Walter Smith and Scott Allan: "This isn't a job. This is f***ing great" as they performed hits including Picture of You, Mandy and Uptown Girl."

Nicholas who was in the audience with fellow X factor talent Caitlyn Van Beck who had earlier performed in memory of Donna who passed away from cancer couldn't wait to get up on stage.
He jumped up for a rendition of Westlife cover Swear It Again.

Keith said:"He was gagging to get up there. I couldn't turn him down."
The Boyzlife stars commented on the hundreds of mobile phones that were recording them, quipping: "We used to write some nice handwritten notes to one another."

Following the event which raised over a hundred thousand pounds for the charity at Glasgow's Doubletree Hilton, Keith sat in the bar downing tequila shots.
 Brian stayed up in his room after bringing his PE teacher girlfriend Danielle with him to Glasgow.

Posted with love from Scotland - theshowbizlion.com

Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Glasgow Evening Times

GET THE MOËT ON ICE IN GLASGOW

 
IT'S that time of the year again as Moët & Chandon invites you to the 2nd edition of the Moët Party Day, a 24 hour international celebration of life’s most memorable moments.
 Last year theshowbizlion.com put on our glad rags for an all white party in honour of the Maison's first Moët Party Day which was celebrated in no less than forty five countries.
This year the celebrations get bigger with eighty countries around the world seizing the moment at the most prestigious and exciting occasions.
In Glasgow you can seize your #moetmoment as the celebrations arrive in full effect today (June 17)  1pm – 5pm at The Social on Glasgow’s Royal Exchange Square with a Moët Ice Imperial White Party.
This summer’s must-try champagne, Moët Ice Impérial, also known as ‘La Piscine’ – champagne served on the rocks – will once again guarantee to bring Moët Party Day to Glasgow in style.
Fresh, vibrant and served over ice, this first-of-its-kind champagne has been conceived for sharing over good vibes with friends, from beachfronts and pool sides to roof tops.
As well as the refreshing Moët Ice Imperial, there are summer-inspired platters of culinary pleasures including Smoked Salmon & Lemon Cream Cheese Rotolo, Sun-blushed Tomato Arancini, Mini Chicken Caesars, Goats Cheese & Pomegranate Crostini, Chocolate Mousse & Raspberry Sherbet, Strawberry Candy Floss and Vanilla Cupcakes with Toffee Butter Icing.
A summer soundtrack, and surprise giveaway complete the iced up picture.
Tickets to Moët Party Day at The Social, Glasgow cost £20 each and include a glass of Moët Ice Imperial and sharing platter. For tickets call 0141 222 2321.

HIGH TEA WITH GLASGOW IN THE SKY

I'm not big on rollercoasters as anyone who witnessed my recent trip to Blackpool will tell you.
 So the idea of eating my lunch a hundred feet up in the air, hovering above the pigeons and other wild life in Glasgow's George Square, was not one I relished.
However, I'm a great believer in trying anything once (don't quote that back to me) so when Murray Thomson the lovely manager at The Blythswood Square  hotel invited me to be his guest at this once in a lifetime attraction I jumped at the chance. At least at that point my feet were on the ground.
As I waited to go up on the twenty two seater dining attraction I had two things on my mind.
One was sheer anxiety, and the second was that I needed the loo. Luckily they have portaloos in George Square so a few seconds later that was one less thing to worry about.
 If you do need to go up in the air I'm afraid you'll have to wait till you descend- or face the consequences!
Having been strapped into my seat just like a sturdy fairground ride we made our slow and steady ascent.
It's almost like a cruise ship pulling away from the dock in that you don't immediately realise you are moving. Before you know it you are dangling above the Robert Burns monument and at eye level with the Statue of Liberty on the city chambers.
There are foot rests for your feet so you don't feel like you're defying gravity but you can swivel round your chair should you wish to be a daredevil.
My seat was sandwiched between two other brace diners so I didn't have the uncomfortable corner seat which holds no protection on one side.
I expected it to be cold up there, but it wasn't particularly. It began to spit at one point but there is a Perspex roof above too.
It was however slightly breezy and we were advised to tuck our napkins into our seatbelts. I  had been so concerned about not dropping anything below me ( there is no safety net) that I hadn't even noticed my napkin was still under my plate.
 If you drop your phone or fork it will fall the full way but there is an exclusion zone so no one will be hit by it!
With phone in one hand (yes, the selfie generation has taken over) and fork in the other I persevered with my meal.
 Murray looked the picture of calm and his coiffed hair stayed in place while my hair was doing as many summersaults as my tummy.
The other diners tucked in as if this was just a leisurely Sunday brunch. I didn't speak to many of them, and the wind factor made it slightly difficult to shout across the table.
During my flight, Blythswood Square chefs were taking over and my food of tender scallops and buttered asparagus followed by medallions of yummy lamb and mash with strips of cabbage and peas was delicious and my gastronomic dessert finished things off nicely.
Normally I would go into much more detail on the food front but I have to say, on this occasion, I didn't analyse it as much as I normally would. I scoffed it down and it was delicious.
The service too was impeccable but your time in the air is limited so before I could even thank everyone properly it was time to go back down to earth - thankfully not with a thud.
Glasgow In The Sky is in the city until Tuesday and is hosting a whole host of meals from breakfast through dinner and cocktails at night with a variety of restaurants including Cafe Gandolfi, Nardinis, Chaophraya and the Blythswood.
Prices start around £50 to £150.

LIAM GALLAGHER AND KYLE FALCONER PARTY ON IN GLASGOW

Exclusive                                                  
 LIAM Gallagher partied through the night with sidekick Bonehead and View singer Kyle Falconer at a Scots hotel following his Barrowlands gig.                                          
 The Oasis star and outspoken brother of Noel, performed a sweltering solo set at the legendary Glasgow venue, and stuck around until shortly before two am before before heading back to his city centre hotel for more drinks with his posse.                                            
 And Same Jeans hitmaker Kyle joined a merry Liam and Bonehead to have a singalong in a cordoned off area at the swish Blytheswood hotel while most punters were sleeping.                          Dundonian Kyle who had earlier been presented with Bonehead's guitar backstage at the venue proudly strummed the instrument while he and Liam chatted about their forthcoming solo albums.                     
Bonehead had earlier joked with pals: "It's about time he got a decent guitar."                               Kyle's View band mates mingled with Bonehead and others until the wee small hours at the secret bash.                                      
Liam had earlier got the crowd rocking during his first solo gig at Barrowlands.                      
Kicking off with Rock ‘n’ Roll Star and Morning Glory, he also played single Wall of Glass along with Greedy Soul, Bold and Paper Crown.
The Live Forever star told his crowd: “Even if you don’t like them, pretend you do till we get out of the building, alright?”
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

SHARLEEN SPITERI AND MCCARTNEY TALK DRESSES AND MERINGUES...

TEXAS singer Sharleen Spiteri reckons says she could sort her wedding in two minutes after Paul McCartney's daughters Stella and Mary offered to help her out.
And the Scots born star who is performing for BBC Music Day with the Scottish Symphony Orchestra at Glasgow's Barrowlands tonight made it clear she would not be wearing a flouncy 'meringue' style dress to her for forthcoming nuptials with celebrity chef Bryn Williams.
Sharleen who reckons now is 'exactly the right time and the right man for me' said: "We're going to get married and people keep saying have you put a date in? The best laugh is that my mates have put a date in. My girlfriends have decided. They say 'we've put a date in for your wedding, and I say, 'Go and tell Bryn that. He'll be happy.'
She added: "The great thing about being married at this age is that literally you're so connected. Everybody is saying they'll do different parts of the wedding. Literally, one of my mates is the best florist in the world and I've got Stella ( McCartney) saying 'I'm doing you a dress.' She's in on that. Mary (McCartney) is taking photographs and I should be ok for sorting out entertainment and Bryan can do the catering.
"We've got the total midlife set of getting married at this age so I'd advise people this is a good time to get married when everybody has got all big jobs where they can pull every favour in book. I could literally sort this in two minutes. As long as I'm there with all my friends and family and have a good old day with good food, good wine and some great company, that's all you need."
Asked if she would be wearing converses under her dress or opt for a meringue like number she laughed: "I do have heels. When you see me in a dress have I ever done a meringue? It's not my bag and Stella doesn't make meringues. Meringues to eat maybe."
Sharleen also talked of her love of the Barrowlands venue where she has orated over the years.
She said: "It still has that magic. I always remember seeing this area backstage because of the history of the bands that have stood and sat here, sitting having a drink chatting away. Buildings hold history and I feel really special here. I put Barrowlands up there with Abbey Road for great gigs and records there.
She said: "Whenever I see musicians speaking politics I think what a w***er. I feel it's not my position to push it onto everyone else."
Sharleen also said she's miffed she'll miss the Scotland England game because it clashes with her performance at aisle of Whyte,.
She said: "I'll be on stage exactly at that f***ing point. I thought is this a p*** take? We're doing Isle of White on Saturday and the kick off is at five pm and we are on stage at five thirty so it's a sick joke. Seriously, either play before it or we're F***d if we play after it because if Scotland win we'll be happy and they won't be and if Scotland loses we won't be. It's one of those ones.

Excerpts from this article have since appeared in The Daily Mail, The Daily Record and the Daily Express.

From Scotland with Love from Theshowbizlion.com

JILTED BRIDE INTERRUPTS GLASGOW WEDDING COUPLE'S FIRST DANCE

HERE'S the hilarious moment Scots newlyweds Michael Grimshaw and David Clark's first dance was interrupted by a jilted bride.
https://www.facebook.com/lees.alorraine9715/posts/1593769350657168
Guests at the couples wedding reception in Giffnock were left in stitches after 'upset' Anne Marie interrupted their romantic first dance with the protest number 'It Should Have Been Me'.
International drag artist Michael from Bishopbriggs married sound and lighting man David from Baillieston at a quiet ceremony in May and their friends threw them a surprise reception this weekend in the Redhurst hotel.
The two lovebirds were happily dancing to Endless Love when the twist in events took place.
David said: "We were still in shock after our friends put on a surprise party at an evening we originally thought was going to be a dance night.
"They even brought our dog down in her pink bridesmaid's tutu. They suggested we dance to Endless Love for our first dance and unbeknown to us David's dance partner Anne Marie Young decided to crash the wedding as a jilted bride. It was so funny. David normally performs the jilted bride number as part of his child friendly drag act so Anne Marie had learned it through time and bought a second hand bridal dress from a charity shop. Everyone loved it."

Excerpts from this article have since appeared in The Evening Times
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

CELTIC PLAYERS AND FANS HIT THE STATES

CELTIC players Bobby Peta, Tosh McKinlay, and Joe Miller are amongst the former Hoops stars headed to Vegas this week.
The event is being organised by the North American Federation of Celtic Supporters Clubs in Vegas and takes place until June 11.
Bobby who flew out this morning following his charity match for the Les Hoey MBE Dreammaker Foundation in Wishaw is keen to Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions out there and said: "It's a Celtic convention so it's going to be busy. Every couple of years they organise it for the fans and with it being the fiftieth anniversary of the Lisbon Lions it will be great. It's my first time there. Joe Miller Tosh McKinlay, some of the Lisbon Lions will be going. It will be like a green and white spring break in Vegas. I'm looking forward to it. We are out there for a week so will go to a dinner and films and other things. We won't be playing but a lot of them will be drunk at the pool while I will be exploring the place and getting to know it. It's a great chance for everyone to catch up with each other."

Excerpts from this article have since appeared in The Scottish Sun.
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

CHAKA KHAN GETS THE DISCO BALL ROLLING IN GLASGOW

AIN'T nobody does it better than Chaka Khan and the veteran disco queen proved it in more ways than one with a disco balling set at Kelvingrove bandstand.
As the crowds over spilled onto the streets of Kelvin Way, a determined Chaka was on fire as she performed a greatest hits set of her hottest anthems from over the years.
The crowd were always going to be in the palm of this icon's hands on this perfect summer evening which saw Jazzie B warm up the sun blessed crowds with a rhythmical DJ set before Chaka herself took over,
And as she took to the stage with a historic back catalogue the ten time Grammy award winner was a real powerhouse as she effortlessly belted through her hits.
The sound was a mix of disco infused soul and funk which saw Chaka free flow her notes from high to low.
Starting with the funky and smooth Do You Love What You Feel it was only a matter of time before Chaka sprang into hits You Got The Love, and I'm Every Woman, Chaka's original hit in 1978 which was later covered as a huge dance track by the late great Whitney Houston.
 Ain't Nobody, complete with lunging dance moves, was rolled out for the witching hour with the audience singing and bopping along to every word.
Us Glasgolians, as Chaka so eloquently called us, knew we were in the presence of greatness as the 64 year old showed us how to do things according to the Queen of Funk.
We didn't want the party to end as we left the West End amphitheatre so we didn't stop. A street sound system gave us the beats as we partied on for an impromptu street fest showing the world that love prevails over evil at a time when terrorist factions are trying to stifle us.