This is the hip, new Italian restaurant which has opened its doors on Buchanan Street after months of anticipation.

Vapiano is now resident in the fully refurbished, iconic former George Hotel building, once a bolthole for Hollywood stars including Cary Grant and Joan Crawford.

The launch has created 55 jobs and follows the recent opening of the Edinburgh branch, the firm’s first outlet in Scotland.

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Images taken in the restaurant show a wide staircase which leads up to a 293-seated capacity restaurant, complete with restored Victorian stained-glass windows.

The long oak tables each have their own herb garden where guests can pick their own fresh herbs to garnish the dishes.

The two-floor premises also includes a laid-back bar area.

There’s even a nod to Turin, Europe’s other style capital twinned with Glasgow, through a wall length art installation detailing the Italian city’s skyline.

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Vapiano’s menu is made up of classic favourites as well as some new takes on the traditional, including pizzas, pastas, antipasti and salads made in an open kitchen and in front of diners.

Phil Sermon, managing director at Vapiano, described Glasgow as the “ideal” location for such an eatery.

He added: “Its vibrant, social scene provides the perfect backdrop for Vapiano and we’re thrilled to have finally opened those doors.

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“Vapiano’s great central location on Buchanan Street in a building with such a deep history is ideal for post-work and weekend entertaining, even a quick lunch.

“We know Glaswegians like to have a good time with friends, so we’re looking forward to welcome Glaswegians into the restaurant.”

Vapiano has 205 branches in 35 countries across five continents. The opening of the Glasgow branch is the second in Scotland and the fifth in the UK, following London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.