Polish Bistro Cafe in Bathgate to open on 19 November, with haggis pierogi on the menu

A Polish Bistro Cafe is being set up in Bathgate, West Lothian. Its creator, Patrycja Małecka, says it will open on 19 November 2026. The venue at 31A North Bridge Street drew attention online before its launch.

From greengrocer's to bistro

For years Małecka ran a greengrocer's in Bathgate called "Siema Ziomek". The idea for an eatery was born there. At first the aim was to avoid wasting stock left over in the shop, so she planned to serve one home-cooked lunch a day.

Later the shop burned down. She returned to work, but the thought of having her own venue would not leave her. "After nine years of running my own business, I couldn't stop this business hunger," she told Polish Express.

The road to opening was not easy. Problems with the builders, financial losses and delays meant the launch had to be postponed. According to the account, Małecka worked as much as 65 hours a week in two jobs, and helped with the renovation in the evenings.

Pierogi Show and a Scottish twist

The whole building is about 350 m², and the bistro will take up a large part of it. Plans include more than 20 tables, a large kitchen and an open area where guests can watch pierogi being made by hand. This "Pierogi Show" is meant to be one of the venue's signature features.

The menu will include pierogi with meat, ruskie (potato and cheese), and with cabbage and wild mushrooms. There will also be pierogi with haggis and whisky sauce, gołąbki (stuffed cabbage rolls) and schabowy (breaded pork cutlet), which the owner calls the king of her bistro. The menu is to change with the seasons.

The team and further plans

Chef Damian is in charge of the kitchen. Ania will prepare the home-cooked lunches, Wiola will make the pierogi during the Pierogi Show, and Sylwia will look after the dining room and guests. The same building will also house a patisserie-café, Sugar & Bliss, run by Ania. Next year a private room for special occasions is due to open. Małecka is not yet revealing details of a third room.

A place for all residents

The owner stresses that she is not opening a restaurant but a place for a home-cooked lunch, a coffee or something sweet. She wants it to bring together Bathgate residents of any nationality. In December, plans include decorating a Christmas tree together, St Nicholas Day events and carol concerts by highlanders from Istebna, Małecka's home area.

What this means for you

People living in West Lothian and nearby will gain a new place serving Polish food and holding festive events. The venue is open to everyone. The information comes from the owner, and the renovation is still under way, so the opening date could still change.