Staff at three Glasgow restaurants are 'over the moon' after finding out they will be given Christmas bonuses worth up to £2,000.

Workers at Wagamama's outlets across Glasgow were told on Tuesday that they would be given bonuses after the company was bought over earlier this year.

Around 4,000 staff across the UK will share in a £4 million bonus pot as part of a payout ordered by outgoing chief executive Jane Holbrook and Wagamama’s former private equity owner, Duke Street.

Speaking on Thursday, staff at the Glasgow Fort restaurant told how they were taken by surprise by the announcement.

Trainee junior manager Ryan McAnenay, 23, said none of the staff had seen it coming.

He added: "We hadn't heard any whispers or anything.

"It took us all totally by surprise.

"Now we all just have a big smile on our face. There were people going aside to call their partners the news and everything. It is very exciting."

As well as the Fort, Wagamama also has a presence in Silverburn and on West George Street.

Head chefs and managers will bank £2,000 each, while waiting staff will pocket £1,000,

However, only those who have worked at the company for more than a year will be eligible for the payout.

In total, it is understood that around 100 staff in Glasgow will benefit.

Restaurant manager Guillerme Boer said: "As a manager I was told a few days in advance of the staff.

"People are very happy. In the Fort alone there are more than 30 people who will get some money.

"It's lovely, people are using it as an extra this Christmas, or putting it aside."

It is understood the bonus is meant as a token of appreciation from Ms Holbrook and Duke Street, which will receive a massive windfall from Wagamama’s sale.

Duke Street acquired Wagamama in 2011 for £215 million and last month sold the chain to Frankie & Benny’s owner, The Restaurant Group, in a £559 million deal.

Workers are now encouraging other businesses to follow the chain's lead and reward staff for their work throughout the year.

Mr McAnenay added: "I have been here for three and a half years, since we opened, and Christmas is always the busiest time for us.

"This year you notice a real boost within the staff. Everyone has a spring in their step at work.

"Everyone knows that Christmas is stressful but other companies could really learn from this as staff have reacted so well."