We recently spent some time with Anna and Dean, the lovely couple behind Celetano’s, who have brought the restaurant to its new home within the Arthouse Hotel. Having already built a following in Glasgow at their previous location, this marks an exciting next chapter for the pair. We caught up with them to hear a bit more about the move, the thinking behind the restaurant and what they have planned for the future.
For anyone who hasn't visited yet, can you tell us a little about Celetano's and how the idea came about?
Celentano’s was an idea that started on our honeymoon (2 weeks around Italy). Dean had briefly worked in Italy before and had helped open an Italian restaurant in London. We knew we wanted to do something based on Italian food, Italian culture, the way an Italian menu flows – but put our own identity on that. We are by no means “traditional Italian” (however you choose to take that!) as Dean’s cooking has strong influences from Asia, South Africa and we use local produce as much as we possibly can.
The Arthouse is such an interesting building, with plenty of history. What was it about the space that made you want to be part of it?
When we were approached, it felt like a bit of a fever dream. We knew Cathedral house was being sold, but didn’t know when and didn’t know if we wanted to stay in the building or move on. Eventually we felt like it was the right decision to move on and Arthouse felt like the perfect move. A more central location but keeping with the city's history. The owners of the building were so passionate about preserving the history, and restoring as much as they could. It just felt like a very exciting project to be part of. As soon as we stepped into it, it just felt like the right space for a new chapter of Celentano’s.
How would you describe the atmosphere you're hoping to create? Is there a particular feeling you want people to leave with?
Within the restaurant we try to create a welcoming dining space – our team knows the menu inside out, but we have friendly approachable service and encourage their team to show their personality. We put so much care into both the food and drinks, make as much as we can in house from pasta, bread to vermouth and other liqueurs. We want customers to feel relaxed – we don’t want a fussy meal, but we want customers to feel the passion we have for our food and drinks through our team. The team we have are really a joy to work with, and very good at what they do.
What has been the most enjoyable part of bringing Celetano's to life so far, and has anything surprised you along the way?
Every day is a surprise!! We are over 5 years in, and that in itself is amazing to me. Dean and I really felt so passionate about bringing Celentano’s to life all those years ago, and have a real vision of what we wanted it to be but we didn’t expect to be where we are now… in a central location on Bath Street, and having received so many amazing reviews. It is really tough in hospitality at the moment, especially when you are the business owners and also working service in the restaurant as well, but we really do feel very lucky to be where we are today with Celentano’s and our team
Away from the restaurant, where do you both like to spend your time in Glasgow? Any favourite spots you find yourselves returning to?
We don’t have a massive amount of spare time to be honest between our 3 year old and running the restaurant, but I run as much as I can/ whenever I can fit it in and Dean is obsessed with kite surfing…again squeezes it in whenever he can, mostly at sunrise! Our favourite spots in Glasgow for food & drink are Kaf for coffee/ pastries, Gloriosa, Big Counter, Bar Dani, Eleven Fifty Five…and I’m desperate to go to Fallachan and Brett since they have had their revamp!
