Owners of beloved West Lothian family-run Italian retire as new chapter teased
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
A well-loved West Lothian Italian is set to close its doors after 13 years serving the Bathgate community.
Liberta opened in January 2012 with the restaurant becoming a favourite of local punters in the town.
The Liberta family took to social media to make their announcement while they thanked their customers for creating many fantastic memories. They also praised diners for their "support and kindness."
In a statement on Facebook, they said: "Dear Friends, Loyal Customers, and Our Wonderful Community,
"After over 13 incredible years of serving you, Liberta Restaurant in Bathgate will be closing its doors permanently. Since January 29th, 2012, we've proudly operated as a family-run restaurant, pouring our hearts into every lasagna, calabrese, and garlic bread that made its way to your table.
Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages.
"This decision hasn't come easy, but as a family, we've chosen to retire and begin a new chapter in our lives. It's time for some well-earned rest, and to reflect on the wonderful journey we've had.
"We know many of you will miss the comfort of our legendary dishes and the warm, welcoming atmosphere we built together. We'll miss it too — the laughs, the milestones shared, and the friendships formed over the years have meant the world to us.
"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your unwavering support, kindness, and for being part of our Liberta family.
"The premises has now been leased to a new owner, and something exciting is on the way — so stay tuned for what's next!
"With love and gratitude, The Liberta Family"
Gutted customers flocked to the comments section of the post to their share their thoughts on the announcement.
One person said: "So many special nights my family and I have spent at Liberta for all sorts of occasions...and sometimes just because we NEEDED some of your minestrone, or the lasagne!!!
"This is a great loss to Bathgate. Enjoy retirement, it's very much deserved."
Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
While another added: "Gutted will defo miss you all, best Italian ever, and beautiful family and always the best service and food. All the very best in your retirement hope you's make wonderful memories in your next chapter."
Someone else commented: "Devastated. I'll miss sitting out in the sun with a beer and pizza/tagliatelli papalina. If you could send me the recipe for that I'll be forever grateful. All the best to the family in your next venture."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd submit final Bryan Mbeumo transfer offer as Viktor Gyokeres drops hint
Manchester United are pushing to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, who they want to lead the line next season for Ruben Amorim alongside £62.5million arrival Matheus Cunha Manchester United are beginning to gather momentum in the summer transfer window - and are wasting no time in trying to get deals done. The club knows the importance of their business this off-season, after a dreadful debut campaign for Ruben Amorim, and are determined to get it right this time. United finished 15th in the Premier League and will not play in the Champions League next season after losing the Europa League final against Tottenham. They are recruiting from a position of weakness, which makes their decisions even more important, amid the financial difficulties spelled out by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Red Devils have made a positive start to the window by agreeing a deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves. United will pay his full £62.5million release clause - and hope that his addition will encourage others to follow suit. In the meantime, they are negotiating the departures of some first-team players, knowing that offloading unwanted players will be just as important as recruiting new ones. Everyone in the squad is considered fair game, meaning there will be lots of incomings and outgoings this summer. Here are the latest pieces of news involving United. Final Mbeumo bid sumitted Manchester United have made one last attempt to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. An initial bid of £55m, comprised of £45m up front and £10m in add-ons, was rejected by the Bees, so United have upped their offer. They have now offered £55m plus £5m in add-ons for the Cameroon international, who banged in 20 Premier League goals last season. The offer appears to match Brentford's stated £60m valuation for Mbeumo. It would appear the final stumbling block in the move, given that the 25-year-old forward is keen to move to Old Trafford and has already agreed personal terms of around £200,000-a-week over a five-year contract with an option for an extra year. Gyokeres drops transfer hint Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Manchester United, due to his relationship with his old Sporting boss Amorim, and he has now ruled out on summer transfer. When asked about moving back to Sweden, the 27-year-old striker told Swedish Vogue: 'After living in a warm country, it would be difficult." Gyokeres is understood to be available for £60m from Sporting this summer, but Arsenal are considered to be front-runners, because they can offer Champions League football. However, the Gunners are still considering RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, so Gyokeres' move to north London is far from certain. Hojlund's future on hold Inter Milan are waiting to get their new manager in place before deciding on a potential move for Rasmus Hojlund. Inter boss Simone Inzaghi left the Italian giants to join Al-Hilal after their defeat in the Champions League final and his replacement isn't through the door yet. Cristian Chivu is poised to leave Parma to take over from Inzaghi and he will be given a say over a potential move for Hojlund. The Danish international has a good reputation in Serie A following his spell at Atalanta and could be offered a way out of Old Trafford. Inter will need new attackers, with Joaquin Correa and Marko Arnautovic set to depart. And Hojlund could fit the bill for Chivu, although there are suggestions he could prefer Parma star Ange-Yoan Bonny instead.
The Courier
12 hours ago
- The Courier
First look inside new Dunfermline world buffet restaurant Booffi
A new world buffet restaurant has opened in Dunfermline. Booffi has taken over the former Kinema building on Carnegie Drive. The restaurant is a fourth venture for the Glasgow-based firm, which also has venues in Clydebank, Forge Retail Park and Glasgow Fort. The buffet offers a variety of dishes from different cultures around the world, including Italian, Indian and Chinese. The Kinema, a former dance hall and nightclub, first became a world buffet restaurant in 2018. However, it was forced to close during the Covid lockdowns. The Courier was given a look around the new restaurant before it opened to the public on Friday.
Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Ange Postecoglou SACKED by Tottenham despite finally ending Spurs' 17-year trophy drought with Europa League triumph
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ANGE POSTECOGLOU has been sacked by Tottenham despite ending the club's 17-year trophy drought, it's understood. Spurs beat Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao to lift the Europa League last month - sparking incredible scenes, both at San Mames and back home at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Ange Postecoglou lifts the Europa League trophy Credit: GETTY 8 Postecoglou hugs chairman Daniel Levy following the Europa League final Credit: GETTY 8 The Aussie remained popular with several players in his squad Credit: GETTY Postecoglou, 59, vowed after the match that he wanted to stay at Spurs, insisting his work was not "complete". Nevertheless, chairman Daniel Levy has decided to end the Aussie's reign, with the club's dire Premier League form costing Postecoglou his job. Tottenham finished the season with a 4-1 home defeat by Brighton that left them 17th in the table with 38 points - their worst in Prem history. They fell six points short of their previous worst points tally of 44 in 1997-98. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL FIRST XI How Premier League could boast 11 teams in Europe with SEVEN in Champions League Postecoglou's record in two years at Spurs reads 47 wins from 101 games, with a win percentage of 47 per cent. As SunSport reported Fabio Paratici is to return to Tottenham as managing director and will play a key role in finding the club's next manager. The Italian, 52, was the club's managing director of football between 2021 and 2023, before being forced to resign in April 2023 after being hit with a two-and-a-half-year worldwide ban by Fifa due to financial malpractice at previous club Juventus. Paratici is thought to be a fan of former Ajax boss Francesco Farioli. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 8 Postecoglou delivered on his silverware promise Credit: GETTY Marco Silva, Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner are all thought to be in the frame. Postecoglou's reign began amid a wave of optimism in North London. Tottenham fans PARTY through the night in Bilbao after Europa League triumph He arrived at Tottenham in June 2023, having been poached from Celtic where he won back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles. Postecoglou had initially appeared to be a breath of fresh air following the miserable reigns of Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte. His tenure began in style as Tottenham made the club's best-ever start to a Premier League season. 8 Postecoglou celebrates with his jubilant players in Bilbao Credit: SHUTTERSTOCK 8 The Aussie, 59, claps the travelling Tottenham supporters Credit: GETTY 8 Spurs won eight and drew two of their first ten Premier League games despite the exit of club icon and record scorer Harry Kane on the eve of Postecoglou's first match in charge. They were top of the table until a crazy 4-1 home defeat by Chelsea and a slew of injuries in late October triggered a steady decline in form. Tottenham finished fifth following a dismal end to the campaign, but many fans still felt optimistic about Postecoglou's tenure. However, Spurs struggled with a long list of injuries this season and despite a landmark 4-0 win over champions Man City at the Etihad in November, they were frustratingly fragile domestically. Following the City thrashing, Spurs won just one Premier League game in the next 71 days - and that was against Southampton - before eventually ending their barren run at Brentford in January. 'QUE SERA, SERA' Postecoglou pleaded for patience amid a heavy injury crisis across the winter months. And with his first choice defence and front line restored, he was able to guide Spurs to Europa League glory. Following the final, Postecoglou said: "I would be disappointed if we don't continue on this path. "It is difficult to buy into one person's vision. I have been a serial winner. I know people dismiss what I have won because it didn't happen here, but they were hard earned. "There is huge relief. You carry the weight of responsibility and 150 times I have been a spokesman for this club. "There are no planned meetings. I'll go back to my hotel room with friends and family, open up a nice bottle of scotch, a massive parade on Friday, game on Sunday against Brighton and then holiday. Then que sera, sera." Postecoglou added: "I know our league form has been unacceptable, but coming third was not going to change this football club, winning a trophy would, that was my ambition and I was prepared to wear it if it did not happen. "People kept reminding me of it because we were getting closer but I'm happy with that."
