Work is officially underway to rebuild Trattoria Guidi, affectionately known as Guidi’s, a much-loved Italian institution in Airdrie for over 30 years, following its destruction by fire in 2021.
Glasgow-based Thomas Johnstone Ltd (TJL) has been appointed as the main contractor to lead the reinstatement project, working in close partnership with the Guidi family and wider project team: Inkdesign Architecture, Doig & Smith, McColm Civil & Structural Engineers and Butler Consulting.
The reinstatement project will see a brand-new Guidi’s restaurant built on its original site on Deedes Street, featuring a fresh Mediterranean-inspired design that reflects the warmth and hospitality the restaurant is known for.
The new venue will include a welcoming restaurant and bar area, supported by a fully equipped kitchen and dedicated food preparation areas. The interiors will combine exposed brickwork and timber ceiling beams, terrazzo-style counters, and warm wood furnishings, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
Thomas Johnstone Ltd’s in-house building, fit-out, decorating, and manufactured joinery teams will deliver the project, combining craftsmanship and attention to detail at every stage. TJL’s 30,000 sq. ft. manufactured joinery workshop will complement the core construction work by creating bespoke joinery items, including a new bar and deli counter, hanging glass display units, a manager and server station, fixed seating and separating screens, alongside traditional items such as architraves and wall panelling.
Campbell Ross, Regional Construction Director at Thomas Johnstone Ltd, said: “Guidi’s holds a special place in the town’s history, and we are honoured to be entrusted with its reinstatement. Delivering excellence is at the heart of everything we do at Thomas Johnstone Ltd, and we are excited to apply our expertise across building, specialist fit-out and manufactured joinery to create a venue that will once again be a cornerstone of the Lanarkshire community.”
Ricardo Guidi commented; “We are thrilled to see work commence on the site after months of hard work behind the scenes. The vision of the new Guidi’s has been well planned and we are excited to see it become a reality. I am grateful to everyone who has worked on the project to this point, still lot’s of hard work in front of us, however works this week mark a really important milestone in the journey back to the heart of the local community.”
In addition to the restaurant, the new Guidi’s will feature a Capocci Man gelateria and deli. Incorpoating The Capocci Man brings together Airdrie’s two iconic Italian institutions, a collaboration that is sure to excite locals and visitors.
Ernest Capocci added; “Ensuring the Capocci brand continues to be enjoyed by future generations of local people is deeply important to me, I am therefore excited to see the plans for the new development. The timing is particularly special as it will come to life in 2026 when The Capocci Man celebrates 100 years of serving the Lanarkshire community. I can’t wait to see it all coming together.”
Construction will continue over the coming months, with Guidi’s aiming to welcome guests back through their doors in 2026.
