Babette, the latest venture from the team behind The Drouthy Cobbler in Elgin and Bonnie Beastie in Forres, will open in Inverness on Friday November 7th.
This new restaurant and cocktail bar from Tony Pollock and Kevin Smith’s Heron House Group intends to offer an all-day brasserie experience ‘inspired by the classic dining rooms of New York’, creating over 25 local jobs.
Kevin Smith, co-founder and director of Heron House Group said: “After the success we’ve had with The Drouthy Cobbler and Bonnie Beastie, we knew our next project had to be in Inverness, we just needed the perfect spot.”
They found that spot within the city’s vacant Rose Street Foundry building, on Academy St.
“Babette is that dream realised. Tony and I were inspired by our travels to create a place that feels simultaneously stylish and like a comfortable second home, all while putting Scotland’s amazing produce centre stage.
“Mark your calendars – we’re ready to welcome everyone starting November 7th.”
Guests have been told to expect “an eclectic menu showcasing the best of Scottish produce; from artisan sandwiches and seafood classics to indulgent dishes such as lobster frites.”
The culinary team at Babette is led by head chef Darren Prideaux, who has over 30 years of Michelin-starred experience, and sous chef Daniel MacDonald, an Inverness native trained at Rocpool and under Paul Tamburrini in Edinburgh.
The kitchen is overseen by executive chef Kris McKie, who has worked alongside co-founder Kevin Smith for over a decade.
The venue’s 50-seat bar will offer wines, local beers, and cocktails, and will host live DJ sets every Friday and Saturday night.
While the team was initially set to launch the restaurant and cocktail bar name ‘Betty’s’, inspired by Smith’s mother, trademark issues with a York cafe led them to adopt Babette, the French diminutive of Elizabeth.
Smith continued: “The name Babette is deeply personal to me, named after my wonderful mother – who will undoubtedly be on hand to give her seal of approval, we hope!
“While we weren’t able to fulfil our original plan to open ‘Betty’s’, this new name feels even more fitting; it honours her lively personality while perfectly capturing the warmth, creativity, and character we want guests to feel the moment they walk through our doors.”
Looking ahead, Heron House Group plans to unveil a dedicated event space within Babette in early 2026.
