Stefano Azzaro, the man behind Glasgow southside venue The Old Fish Bar, has revealed why he has decided to sell his business just as it's thriving.
Sean Murphy What's On Editor
16:21, 15 Jan 2026Updated 16:21, 15 Jan 2026
The owner of a cocktail bar and restaurant in the Southside has revealed why he is looking to find a new owner for his thriving business.
Stefano Azzaro, who introduced his new cocktails and small plates concept to Shawlands in the spring of 2024, is hoping someone will now be interested in taking over as he prepares to step away from hospitality.
He's put The Old Fish Bar – a cocktail, wine and small plates bar on Coustonholm Road – on the market, but wants to assure fans that he's hoping to find the right person.
The cosy venue, which features a crisp black-and-white-themed interior (including white leather chairs and white marble tables) and a wall of spirits, is much loved thanks to its innovative menu of both seafood dishes and drinks.
A Shawlands native and originally from Sicily, Stefano said: "I've been a bartender for over 15 years, in my career I've worked in some of the most important cocktail bars in the world and collaborated with many brands. In 2019 I moved to Glasgow for a short adventure, but in the end, I stayed here to try to open a cocktail bar."
However, after two successful years, he says he's taking a much-needed break. He added: "I'm retiring from hospitality for a while, I want to have a holiday. I've been reflecting on my personal priorities."
Adding that he's made a lot of sacrifices to make his restaurant work, a recent injury to his leg which left him hospitalised confirmed to him he needs to step back. Stefano said: "I tried to give my best despite the pain and fatigue, 6 hours after leaving the hospital, I was already at work in the kitchen, but I realised that I was exhausted.
"Now, I need some rest and physiotherapy to get my leg functioning perfectly again, and maybe make a stop at home in Sicily, where I haven't been for two years now to see my mother and the rest of my family."
He has said that he will happily pass on the brand, licenses and leasing to help the next person. "I don't want too much change for fans of the Old Fish Bar," Stefano added. "I know there are many, and I really wouldn't want to leave them. According to reviews, we have always been considered one of the most welcoming places, with very high-quality food.
"I've always kept prices as accessible as I can and have loved developing the menu, we have even recently added a vegan menu to satisfy the requests of our customers, but I need a break."
Once he's found someone to take over the reins and taken a break from the business, he confirmed he'll be back doing what he does best – making people happy with food, drink and great music.
"I already know that I won't be able to stay too far away from those who know me, I plan to return later but not with a new restaurant.
"Instead, I'll be running a program of pop up events, in Italian style around the central belt. A kind of extravagant pasta party, with Italo-style music, 80s-90s Italian style clothing.
"Let's say I want to change the style a bit, and create a bit of fun out and about without a fixed place, I'm looking for collaborations on locations where I can start planning events
"I'd like to start with Malborough, a location that I really like... I have to talk to Michele to organize something..."
And when it comes to the OFB, he added: "I just hope to find a buyer who cares for OFB like I did, because I want to leave my clients in excellent hands and who knows, maybe when I come back they could also host me for one of my events. The selling price is truly a bargain for those who decide to venture with OFB."