IF you drive along Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah in George Town, it’s hard to miss the striking white bungalow with transparent glass panels just before you turn right into Jalan Larut.
Called Glasshouse by Leyla, this stylish restaurant and event space is the realisation of a dream for 30-year-old Syazana Mohd Azruan, who has been in the food and beverage industry for six years.
“I have always been fascinated by glasshouses. There are many in Kuala Lumpur, but Penang has very few, aside from The Skye glasshouse at M Summit. I wanted to explore this concept here,” said Syazana, a Universiti Sains Malaysia graduate with a Master’s in Business.
The Glasshouse by Leyla will officially open its doors this Friday (Nov 29) from 6pm. It marks Syazana’s second venture, following her café, Double Knott, on Church Street in George Town.
She expressed gratitude to her husband, Rafique Mohd Abdul Kader, a goldsmith, for his unwavering support. The restaurant is named after their one-year-and-four-month-old daughter.
Strategically located, the venue will operate daily from 12 noon to 11pm, offering a cosy semi-fine dining experience. It also doubles as an event space, accommodating up to 100 guests for weddings and other celebrations.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the launch today, signing a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
“This outlet is in my Padang Kota constituency, and I want to support local entrepreneurs and hear their stories. These young entrepreneurs deserve encouragement,” Chow said.
“This is a small enterprise that also needs our support. I visit not just big MNCs (multinational corporations) but also smaller establishments involved in education, culture, and sports. This space adds to George Town’s vibrant F&B scene, catering to the growing number of tourists. Running a food business is challenging, and I wish them great success.”
Guests and members of the media were treated to a delightful tea set, followed by grilled chicken with mushroom sauce, and rounded off with aromatic masala tea.
Also present at the event were Rafique’s father, Mohd Abdul Kader; his uncle Datuk Amaluddin Mohamed Ismail, president of the Perak Goldsmith Merchants Association and owner of D.S. Jewellers; and other family members, including Mohd Fazir Yusoff and his wife, Dr Nazreenishah Mohamed Abdul Kader.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian