Café Gandolfi has issued a defiant statement rejecting it is closing down. It comes after publicly available records show a liquidator has been appointed to the Glasgow restaurant.
Established in 1979, the restaurant is now a beloved Merchant City staple that has become known for its cosy interior and innovative use of Scottish produce. It has even counted a few famous faces as visitors over the years.
However, on July 28, the Daily Record reported that Murray Stewart Fraser Limited had been named liquidator for the restaurant. Now the business has come out with a statement on Facebook advising this does not mean it will be closing down.
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The full statement read: “Thanks everyone for your lovely messages of concern and support for Café Gandolfi. Please be reassured that the reporting of our closure is incorrect and we are working our way through this. We are open as normal and look forward to seeing you soon. Seumas and team x.”
It comes after public records on the London Gazette show that a petition to ‘wind up’ the business was presented to Glasgow Sheriff Court on April 13, 2026. This was followed by the appointment of Colin Murdoch of Murray Stewart Fraser Limited as liquidator on July 6, 2026.
View 2 ImagesThe statement comes after a petition was filed to ‘wind up’ the business(Image: Facebook/Café Gandolfi)
Further information on the Companies House website also confirms the registered address has changed from the original 64 Albion Street, Glasgow, G1 1NY. Café Gandolfi is now registered to the liquidators’ address at 2.2, 2 Lyle Buildings, Lochwinnoch Road Kilmacolm, PA13 4LE, with the change taking place on May 13, 2026.
While not commenting on an individual business, a HMRC spokesperson said: “We take a supportive approach to dealing with customers who have tax debts and only file winding-up petitions once we’ve exhausted all other options, in order to protect taxpayers’ money.”
Café Gandolfi has long been a popular city haunt. Originally founded by Iain MacKenzie, it is housed in the empty offices of the city’s old cheese market, adding to its retro appeal.
Now a renowned Scottish institution, it’s interior décor boasts a cosy bistro-style that is complete with high ceilings and an “old world vibe”. According to its website, it offers “the best Scottish produce” that cover comforting classics including Stornoway black pudding and Cullen skink.
Since it was founded 47 years ago, the café has gone on to become a hit with a few famous faces. According to owner Seamas McInnes, two legends that once “[stood] in a queue to come in” were Annie Lennox and Billy Connolly.
It has also become hugely popular with local diners. Many have reacted to the Facebook statement rejecting closure, expressing their relief it will continue to trade despite the appointment of a liquidator.
One foodie wrote: “Thank goodness for that! Great news, and a reason, not that one’s ever needed, to pop back in soon.”
A second added: “Phew!! That is a relief…x.”
And another fan of the restaurant wrote: “So relieved to hear this. Great news.”
It comes as the hospitality sector across the UK has been hit with higher costs, with pub chain Beefeater confirming that it would be closing down its remaining 106 restaurants nationwide, with five in Scotland affected.
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The move comes as part of a major five-year restructuring plan that was initially announced back in April. This will see owner Whitbread PLC exit the food and drink business entirely, with Brewers Fayre and Beef & Block brands also closing down.
Many of these outlets are then set to be turned into additional Premier Inn rooms, while others will be sold off. While the business aims to redeploy many staff members affected, it will still see almost 4,000 jobs axed.