Owners of beloved West Lothian family-run Italian retire as new chapter teased
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
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd transfer news: Gianluigi Donnarumma talks underway as Jadon Sancho issue emerges
Manchester United have less than two weeks to tie up their transfer business with incoming activity and outgoing deals to resolve as Ruben Amorim attempts to ensure a stronger season The transfer window is entering its final throes and Manchester United have work to do. The club still have ambitions over a number of deals to complete before the summer is done. The Red Devils have made big moves to land a new frontline in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. But Ruben Amorim is noted to want a new midfielder this summer, though Carlos Baleba does not look to be available at a suitable price. There has been no shortage of talk over goalkeepers either. Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir have both seen their future speculated upon, while the club have been linked to Gianluigi Donnarumma and Emiliano Martinez. There are exits to secure too. United hope to see Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Rasmus Hojlund all depart in the coming days. Donnarumma talks Manchester United may have to move quickly if they want to sign Gianlugii Donnarumma with Manchester City said to have opened talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a move. The French club are looking to move on the Italian after signing Lucas Chevalier, with Donnarumma in the final year of his contract. City have already added James Trafford this summer and he started against Wolves in Ederson's absence. The Brazilian was suffering from illness as reports of a move to Galatasaray gather pace. City are unwilling to meet PSG's £40m asking price, per Football Italia, but the Ligue 1 champions could be persuaded to lower the fee given Donnarumma's significant salary. Sancho roadblock Jadon Sancho's agents are posing a problem in the Manchester United star finding a new club, according to reports in Italy. Gazzetta, per Sport Witness, claim the commission they require has caused a stumbling block for Roma's progress in a move with Juventus and Atletico Madrid said to have been dismayed already this summer. Roma are said to be happy to provide an offer near Sancho's £7.7m-per-season wage demands and have an agreement in principle with United over terms for an initial loan deal. But Sancho's representatives are claimed to be more attracted by offers from Besiktas and Saudi Arabia. The Serie A side will now rely on the player to bring his agents 'back to their senses' it is said. Sancho has previously been said to be waiting on other offers. Collyer plan West Brom boss Ryan Mason has spoken glowingly about Manchester United loanee Toby Collyer and expects the midfielder to improve a great deal this season. The ex-Spurs coach revealed the youngster had been a target for weeks and could not speak highly enough of his desire to improve the player this season. "Toby's a young player, but we know we're going to need him and he's going to help us," Mason said. "I've wanted Toby for a few weeks now. He's someone that I really believe in, which is important and I have that belief in all of my players. "But when you go on loan to somewhere, I think you need to feel like you're wanted from the club and the manager and he certainly is that. Hopefully we can help him because if we help him improve and grow as a player, then it's certainly going to be beneficial to us. "I think there's loads of room and loads of growth to develop. That's certainly going to happen on the training pitch. The reality is the game is the best teacher. The more game exposure you can get, the better, especially at a young age. I'm sure and I expect that Toby knows that I believe in him, which for me is super important. "I'm going to put a lot of energy, the same amount of energy that I've put into him as every other one of my players, to help them grow and improve."
Edinburgh Live
14 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
Beloved Edinburgh cafe pens heartfelt closure note to heartbroken customers
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 The Village Bistro in Davidson Mains has made an emotional address to their customers as they announce their decision to sell the business. Edinburgh Live had previously reported how the cosy cafe had been listed online with owner Paula looking to sell up. The space has become a hub for the local area, serving home comfort food and delicious rolls, with produce sourced from local suppliers. Paula thanked her customers for their support and announced it had been a difficult decision but they have decided after three years it is time to move on. She said she will be looking to travel and spend more time with her family while also taking a well earned rest. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. The shared on their Facebook page: "To our amazing community, "After three incredible years, we've made the difficult decision to sell our beloved bistro. It has been a true honour and privilege serving you - our neighbours, friends and the many visitors from around the world who have chosen to walk through our doors. "We will forever cherish the memories we have made here. "We are stepping away to enjoy extended travel, more family time and a bit of rest!! "Thank you all for being part of my journey, and I hope to keep in touch with many who I now class as friends. "We hope you will continue to support the new owners when they take over. "Much love, Paula and the team" Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Customers of the Bistro commented below the post, with many gutted yet understanding. One person wrote: "Paula you should be very proud of what you achieved with the The Village Bistro you will be missed." While another added: "Best of luck. I am sure going to miss my salmon. Thank you for making everyone feel so welcome and the way you were with the kids, they loved going there. Best wishes for the future." Someone else shared: "Wishing you a wonderful peaceful 'retirement ' Thank you for all your community efforts ! You made a difference."
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool and Man City stars in world class £343m XI available for FREE next summer
There's just under two weeks left of the current transfer market but some Premier League clubs could potentially be starting plans for next year with a host of stars available on free transfers With the transfer window entering the final stretches, Premier League clubs have not been afraid to splash the cash. Champions Liverpool could potentially move take their summer spend beyond the £400m mark with a British-record swoop for Alexander Isak. Their top-flight rivals have also spent heavily too, with Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United having all spent huge amounts. Given their vast outlays already, some teams may now be tempted to look for a few bargains before the window 'slams' shut. A number of free agents such as Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Jamie Vardy and Kurt Zouma all remain without clubs. But the opportunity to land top talents without dipping into their summer budget, could be even more tantalising in 2026 with a host of top talents primed to be out of contract. In fact, an XI of nearly £350m worth of talent are available for nothing in just 12 months' time according to Sportingpedia. And clubs only have to wait a few months to engage in talks with those players. With that being said, take a look a look at some of the best players who could be on the move completely for free this time next year: Starting in goal, we have a player who could actually be on the move over the final couple of weeks of the window. Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma - who is valued at £34.5m - has just one year remaining on his Paris Saint-Germain deal. But he has been told he can leave the club this summer amid interest from Manchester City. Moving into defence, there are a few Premier League stars who could be on the move. Everton's Vitalii Mykolenko has just one year remaining on his contract, which would see the Toffees lose out on an estimated £24m. Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi also has less than a year remaining on his deal. He is another who could move this summer amid interest from Liverpool. And they could get a bargain given his £38.8m valuation. Ironically, Guehi could potentially replace another star in this XI. Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate - who is worth around £51m - is out of contract in a year's time and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. Dayot Upamecano - rated at £43m - could also join his compatriot in being on the move sooner rather than later. He has just a season remaining on his contract with current employers Bayern Munich. Real Madrid starlet Raúl Asencio claims the right side, with his value sitting at £34.5m. The midfield is also stacked with plenty of talent. Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong - who has constantly been linked with Manchester United - is valued at £38.8m but could be available for nothing very soon. Meanwhile, Premier League duo Rodrigo Bentancur and Bernardo Silva could potentially be leaving Tottenham and Man City respectively on frees next summer. The pair hold a joint value of around £58.7m. Moving to the frontline, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has less than a year on his contract in Turin. Given he was signed for £66m and is now valued at just £30.2m, that would represent a huge loss for the Italian giants. Brentford forward Yoane Wissa is the final inclusion in the out-of-contract XI but he could also move on well before then. He is valued at £27.6m, albeit the Bees are demanding considerably more than that this summer amid interest from Newcastle as they attempt to find a replacement for Alexander Isak. Out of contract XI: Donnarumma; Asencio, Guehi, Konate, Upamecano, Mykolenko; De Jong, Silva, Bentancur; Wissa, Vlahovic. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
