On Thursday night (September 23) over 250 nurses, admin staff, midwives and doctors were given free rein to choose whatever they wanted to eat when COSMO opened their doors to NHS staff and their family.
The all-you-can eat world buffet restaurant, which held the event all across the country, is located at the Silverburn Shopping Centre with another due to open in St Enoch's next year.
But this isn't the first time they have helped the NHS. Having originally opened its doors to the public back in 2014 and then remaining shut for the last 18 months, its staff prepared still came in and prepared 50 free hot meals a day for doctors and nurses in the critical care departments at Leverndale Hospital located on Crookston Road in the city.
It was the first time that the popular restaurant, which serves dishes from a range of countries including Thailand, India, China as well as Europe, had invited diners in following the coronavirus pandemic and followed an ambitious half a million pound refurbishment.
It will officially open for business on Monday – with staff expecting a busy night – but wanted to make up for lost time by treating NHS staff to a free meal out with their families.
The 8,800 sq-ft restaurant has had a brand-new lighting system and Italian marble counters, with new leather booth seating, wall murals and dark oak shelving which section off areas for privacy.
Among those taking up the offer was Dale Paterson, from Motherwell, who works as a staff nurse and was dining with his wife, Leona, and mother-in-law Veronica Winters both of whom also work in the NHS.
Dale’s father-in-law, Tom, completed their party.
Dale said: “Working on the frontline during the pandemic has been very difficult. At one stage we had to wear full PPE and the guidance we were getting changed every day and although those early days are now behind us, it’s still very difficult because everyone is burned out.
“That’s why something like this is so welcome, because it reminds us that all our hard work is still being appreciated. It’s also nice to be able to come back, I’ve been here a few times and it’s really looking food after its refurb.”
Veronica, a midwife also from Motherwell, added: “So many people clapped for us and gave us treats at the start of lockdown but, 18 months on, we are even more in need of gestures like this because everyone we work with is exhausted.
“I know that to most people it feels like life is going back to normal, but we are all extremely busy and we’re worn out, so being invited for a meal here at COSMO is a nice treat and very welcome.”
Another NHS worker enjoying a trip to COSMO was Kelly Giff, a community nurse, who brought her husband, Jonathan, son Dylan and four-year-old daughter Georgia.
She said: “I spent the lockdown visiting patients who were housebound but couldn’t be in hospital and, as a result, were very isolated. They couldn’t go anywhere and no-one could visit them, so we were the only people they saw all day.
“There has been a good reaction from people during the pandemic towards people working in the NHS and we’ve had some treats, like pizzas being delivered and a tour around Hampden Park. It’s very nice to be invited for a thank-you meal and we’ve enjoyed ourselves.”
Elaine Brogan works as a receptionist in the accident and emergency department at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley and was visiting COSMO with her husband, Gerry.
She said: “It’s been great to have been invited. We had quite a few nice gestures during the pandemic, like pizzas and Chinese takeaways being delivered and it was really nice in the early days when people were clapping for us. I even joined in when I wasn’t working.
“I hadn’t been here before, but my friends had and we will be coming back.”
COSMO spokesman Kan Koo said: “We’re delighted that so many NHS staff took up our invitation and joined us for a well-earned meal. We have really enjoyed serving them and hearing about their experiences, and it has helped our staff to prepare for opening up for real on Monday.
“I think everybody realises how much we all owe the NHS staff for their hard work over the past 18 months. The pandemic has been tough on everyone, including our own industry, and we’re so happy to be opening COSMO Glasgow once again with a fresh, brand new look.”
Oh, and if you ever want to chat to the chef, you're more than welcome to because COSMO's executive chef, William Anderson came up to have a chat with Glasgow Live and told us about what its like being a chef both on land and at sea with many great stories about his life.
He also told us all about the opening of their St Enoch branch, the NHS event and so much more.
So if you spot him - give him a wave as he's always more than happy to have a chat and help anyone out.
COSMO Silverburn reopens to the public on Monday (September 27). Take a look at our gallery for more pics.
