Inverness’s new restaurant and bar in the former Rose Street Foundry announces opening date; Babette, in the Highland capital’s former Rose Street Foundry, will open on November 7; it is run by Moray business Heron House Group - which also operates Drouthy Cobbler in Elgin and Bonnie Beastie in Forres
A brand new restaurant and cocktail bar will open in Inverness city centre next week.
Babette - which was originally going to be called Betty’s before a trademark issue sparked the change - will open its doors inside the former Rose Street Foundry on Friday, November 7.
It is the brainchild of the Heron House Group - the hospitality team behind The Drouthy Cobbler in Elgin and Bonnie Beastie in Forres - and has created more than 25 new jobs.
The new eatery will offer an all-day brasserie experience which will take its inspiration from what the team called “the classic dining rooms of New York” boasting “luxury and accessibility in a relaxed yet elegant setting”.
Reservations are now live for the venue, and guests can expect what Babette calls “an eclectic menu showcasing the best of Scottish produce; from artisan sandwiches and seafood classics to indulgent dishes such as lobster frites”.
The venue includes a 50-seat bar, which will feature a range of wines, local beers, and cocktails.
The venue will also feature live DJ sets every Friday and Saturday night, , and the venue says that interest for Christmas celebrations at the restaurant are “already high”, with limited availability remaining.
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. 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 7.”
The name Babette carries a story rooted in the original inspiration from owner Kevin’s mother. While the team was initially set to launch the restaurant and cocktail bar named ‘Betty’s’, trademark issues with a York café led them to adopt Babette, the French diminutive of Elizabeth instead.
Kevin 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.”
The culinary team at Babette is led by head chef Darren Prideaux, who has more than 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 more than a decade.
Looking ahead, Heron House Group plans to unveil dedicated event space within Babette in early 2026, as it looks to further cement its presence in the Highland capital.
For more information about Heron House Group and upcoming vacancies at Babette, visit thebabette.com. Reservations can be made at www.dishcult.com/restaurant/babette1.