Hugh Dougherty finds that

Glasgow's latest bistro

can boast an unusual patron

MARCO Giannasi, the man behind the rebirth of Glasgow's Battlefield

Rest as a continental bistro, is one head waiter who has kept the head.

For although his #160,000 virtual rebuilding of the city's most famous

tram shelter has demanded a cool business head, he has also kept ahead

in other ways.

''It's all over the head of St Mungo,'' he says, examining a sculpted

version of the city's patron saint's head.

''The Rest used to have a Glasgow Corporation crest on its gable wall,

with St Mungo, in full bishop's vestments, looking down on what are now

our kitchens.

''Sadly, the saint's head was broken before I took over the building,

but I'm now having a complete replica made of the whole corporation

crest and we'll be celebrating when St Mungo is complete once again.''

Marco reckons that making sure St Mungo keeps the head should be good

for business.

''Along with many diners who have come to us since we opened, there

has been a steady stream of tram fans and admirers of good

architecture,'' he says.

''Putting St Mungo back together again will attract even more

nostalgia seekers.

''And what better way to pray for the success of your business, than

to have the patron saint of the city looking down on it?''