“It’s not if but when. I never give up.” Eusebi’s Babette Project Put on Hold Despite Fresh Planning Approval. EXCLUSIVE by Cate Devine.

Giovanna Eusebi has revealed that keenly-anticipated plans for expansion of her popular award-winning family-run Italian restaurant Eusebi’s Deli in Glasgow’s West End by taking over a derelict bank across the road in Gibson Street to create Babette, a new wine bar and restaurant, are on hold - just days after hearing she had been granted new planning permission after two difficult years. 

Speaking exclusively to Bite, patron Giovanna Eusebi, whose family has been operating in Glasgow’s East End and in the West End for over 70 years, said:

“It was news to us to finally get the planning after two years. We have put a huge amount into it to this point, but from when we started the project to now, the cost has increased by 20% for trades, raw materials (steel, etc), plus current unworkable margins in our sector. As result we are having to re-evaluate it and pause it in the meantime. I say this with a heavy heart.”

A Six‑Year Dream Deferred

Babette was planned for the former United Bank building in Gibson Street, which has been vacant for 10 years and has become an eyesore in the busy thoroughfare. A wine display and an open kitchen were to be features in the new venue, and the project would create 18 jobs.

The award-winning Italian restaurant

Babette would see a further extension of the Eusebi empire, which began when Giovanna’s grandparents arrived in Glasgow from Italy to open Le Rendezvous cafe in Partick where they served home-made ice-cream and mushy peas in vinegar. Giovanna’s parents opened a deli in Shettleston Road in the city’s East End where they prepared the food by hand with the help of an elderly aunt and an elderly Italian family friend. Giovanna took over 25 years ago before opening Eusebi Deli in the West End 10 years ago - after extensive renovations and long drawn-out planning permission. The Shettleston Road deli site remains as the production kitchen for Eusebi’s Deli.

Previous planning permission for Babette was granted in 2020 but the Covid-19 pandemic put paid to those plans and permission lapsed. So the dream that is Babette has actually actually been alive for six years, which makes the shelved plans all the more disappointing for Giovanna and her team, her family and her customers.

A Sector Under Pressure

Many in the hospitality sector are facing dramatic business rates increases from April following the UK Government budget but the General Rates Revaluation takes effect on 1 April 2026 to establish the new Rateable Values for all non-domestic properties across Scotland. Many in the sector are urging the Scottish Government to address the issue in next week’s Scottish Budget.

Could this change her immediate plans?

“Not if, but when”

Despite the setbacks Giovanna remains determined:

“I never give up, so it’s not if but when the time is right  [to proceed with Babette].”