A new creative space to support emerging and established artists from across Scotland is gearing up to open its doors later this month, with the launch of Osteria BauBau on St John’s Place, Perth.
The food and drink venue, events space and gallery aims to support the local contemporary art scene and marks the next step for founders Francesca Tata and Neil McCulloch, who met while studying at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, five years ago.
Francesca and Neil have already made a mark on the creative scene, running a sell-out weekly life drawing class hosted at Craft Beer Bottle Shop for the past year. Now, with their own space, the pair hope to expand their workshops to include other styles of art and crafts, as well as hosting a range of exhibitions and language classes.
To help with set-up costs, the couple recently received a combined £25,000 in loans from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme. The Bank has supported more than 200 entrepreneurs in Perth and Kinross since the programme began in 2012, delivering more than £2 million of funding to help new business owners.
Italian-born Francesca determined the vision for the café, replicating a classic Mediterranean look and feel. An osteria is a typical Venetian-style restaurant that serves wine and simple food, often at shared tables and from a limited menu.
The venue is located opposite Perth Museum, which reopened to the public in March 2024 following a £27 million redevelopment project, bringing increased footfall to the city centre.
Francesca Tata said: “What started as a life drawing course soon became an idea for a pop-up exhibition, but after looking at spaces to rent, we came across the perfect place to set up the osteria and gallery and decided to go for it. We want the space to become a hub for creatives in Perth to socialise, enjoy art and learn new skills – as well as enjoy tasty Italian food and drink. We’ll be offering a menu of alcoholic spritzes and specially selected wines, plus coffees, cakes and more.
“Neil and I are well connected in the arts community and will be tapping into that network when it comes to shaping the events and exhibition programme to offer a wide variety. The support we have received so far from DSL Business Finance and Start Up Loans has been a significant boost in terms of getting the idea off the ground.
Already during the renovation process, we have had several people popping in to ask questions and show an interest in what we’re doing. The location is a large part of that and being so close to the new-look museum is ideal for helping to bring in customers.”
Barry McCulloch, Senior Manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, added: “Leisure, culture and tourism are important pillars of Perth’s local economy, supporting small businesses and creating jobs.
“Capitalising on the redevelopment of the museum, Francesca and Neil’s idea for an arts space and Italian café is a great fit and we look forward to seeing the osteria grow in popularity. The Start Up Loans programme is proud to support new ventures and entrepreneurs across the country to turn ideas into reality.”
Rekha Welsh, Loan Officer, DSL Business Finance said: “It has been a pleasure working with Francesca and Neil on their journey to bring Osteria BauBau to life. Their vision of creating a vibrant space that seamlessly blends art, culture, and the welcoming charm of Italian dining is truly inspiring.
“The location, paired with their passion and creativity, is sure to make a positive impact on Perth’s community and its cultural scene. At DSL Business Finance, we’re committed to supporting ambitious entrepreneurs like Francesca and Neil, and it’s rewarding to see their innovative idea take shape with the help of the Start Up Loans programme.”
