Meet Gamba Girl Laura Wilson

Laura Wilson of Gamba, Glasgow

Laura Wilson is our full-time front-of-house extraordinaire. She’s been with us for coming up to a year.  Laura’s pictured holding our wine of the month, Constantia Uitsig Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa.

'Finely structured with lean lime acidity and a creamy peach character, this is a versatile wine which pairs with simple fish dishes but also copes well with richer mains and mild spice.'

View our Wine & Cocktail list here

Let’s put you in the picture about Laura….

The Gamba style factor

You’ve probably seen Laura behind the bar as well as on the floor and she loves Gamba’s style factor and being part of the Gamba family.

Says Laura: “Gamba is like stepping into another world. Derek and Gregor both have excellent style, and it shows everywhere in the restaurant.  From the decor to the fresh flowers and fishy trinkets, it’s all just lovely.”

“I also want to say that all the staff are well looked after. We get staff dinners and lunches which we eat together, and you’d be lucky to get even a break let alone food in some of the places I’ve worked. Derek making sure we’re nourished goes a long way. I never dread coming to work because I’m a Gamba girl and they’re all like family.

“Derek also very kindly bought me perfume at Christmas, and I was so touched because I’d only started in the September and was part-time then.”

Gamba guests come from all over the world

Speaking to customers from across the globe comes naturally to Laura who’s worked in bars and restaurants at home and aboard. She particularly enjoys how our guests make such an effort when dining with us.

“Gamba attracts people from all over the world which I love. Lots of tourists come back time and again also which shows how respected Derek is and they are very impressed when Gregor can clearly remember their favourite seat, drinks, and food order on each visit.

“I’m into my accessories and jewellery and seeing guests dressing up for lunch and dinner is wonderful.

“I recently commented on a lady’s brooch and a week or two later there was a parcel from the couple waiting for me when I came into work. It contained a similar brooch they’d found and sent me as a gift because I’d complimented the lady! How nice is that?

“You don't get that in an office job.”

Favourite Gamba starter, main course, dessert and cocktail

“It’s an incredibly tough one to call but my favourite starter is Tartare of Yellowfin Tuna. Oh my goodness, it’s a flavour explosion. For the main course, it must be Lemon Sole, simply grilled with Gamba chips of course, while my favourite dessert at the moment is Frozen Chocolate Cake with ginger ice cream.

“I’m torn on the cocktail front. I love both our Rose Negroni because the addition of rose syrup makes it slightly sweeter and even easier to drink, but I also love our Spicy Margarita which has a tremendous kick. If something says spicy, I like it to not be shy and this certainly packs a punch.”

Where did Laura’s hospitality career begin?

Laura’s always worked in independently owned establishments where she can bring her skills and personality to the role.

“My first time behind the bar was in a local social club near Balloch.  The plan was to get some experience under my belt before heading to Rhodes and the party resort Faliraki aged 19. My dad showed me how to pour pints and change a keg and from that very first shift, I loved hospitality and knew this was the career for me.

“I did three years in Faliraki, working in a bar and then a nightclub. By the age of 21 I was in charge of the busiest floor of Q club in Rhodes. A far cry from the winter job in Vronis wine bar in Glasgow that I was also doing at the time.

“I’m originally from Alexandria in West Dunbartonshire.  Having lived more time in Glasgow though, and particularly the Southside, I consider it home. After lockdown my husband and I bought a house in Barrhead to get more space and our own garden...but I’m yet to find my green fingers.”

What are Laura’s hobbies?

“I don't really have any. But I love scouring charity shops for vintage clothes and nick-nacks. I often think I was born in the wrong era, and gamba with its beautiful elegance reminds me of bygone days.”