Eusebi’s Babette Project Put on Hold Despite Fresh Planning Approval. EXCLUSIVE by Cate Devine.

Giovanna Eusebi has confirmed that long-awaited plans to expand her award-winning West End restaurant, Eusebi’s Deli, by transforming a derelict former bank on Gibson Street into Babette — a new wine bar and restaurant — are now on hold. The pause comes just days after she finally secured renewed planning permission following two difficult years of delays. Speaking exclusively to Bite Magazine, Eusebi said the decision was heartbreaking but unavoidable. “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 a result we are having to re-evaluate it and pause it in the meantime. I say this with a heavy heart.” Babette was planned for the former United Bank building on Gibson Street, vacant for a decade and now a prominent eyesore in the busy West End thoroughfare. The new venue was to feature an open kitchen, a dedicated wine display, and create 18 jobs. The project has been years in the making. Initial planning permission was granted in 2020, but the Covid-19 pandemic halted progress and the approval lapsed. With the dream of Babette now six years old, the latest setback is particularly painful for Eusebi, her team, and the restaurant’s loyal customers. The Eusebi story stretches back more than 70 years, beginning when Giovanna’s grandparents arrived in Glasgow from Italy and opened Le Rendezvous cafe in Partick, serving homemade ice-cream and mushy peas in vinegar. Her parents later established a deli on Shettleston Road, preparing everything by hand with the help of an elderly aunt and a family friend. Giovanna took the reins 25 years ago and opened Eusebi Deli in the West End a decade ago, following extensive renovations and a protracted planning process. The original Shettleston Road site continues to operate as the production kitchen for the business. The pause comes as many hospitality businesses brace for steep business-rates increases from April following the UK Government’s budget. The next General Rates Revaluation — which will set new Rateable Values for all non-domestic properties in Scotland — takes effect on 1 April 2026. Industry voices are urging the Scottish Government to intervene in the Scottish Budget. Despite the setback, Eusebi remains determined. “I never give up, so it’s not if but when the time is right [to proceed with Babette].”

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