A Portuguese-style bakery and deli is opening on Byres Road (Thursday August 11).
Pastéis Lisboa is the brainchild of Emma Airley and Sebastian Bacewicz.
The business says it will be unique in Scotland in selling Portuguese custard tarts, Pastel de Nata, made to an "an authentic, artisan recipe".
The couple have also developed a vegan version of the famous tarts in conjunction with a fifth generation Portuguese patisserie chef.
In recent days, free samples of Pastéis de Nata have been handed out to West End locals.
Handmade
Up to 1,200 tarts will be made from scratch at the premises every day.
The shop will also include an Iberian-themed deli along with craft sodas, fresh juices and small batch coffees.
Fresh bread from Freedom Bakery and handmade sandwiches made from Scottish ingredients will also be available.
Emma said: “What we’re launching is a unique concept to Scotland – in fact, there is nothing like it beyond London.
“While many people will have tried a Pastel de Nata before, they most likely won’t have had a fresh one made with fresh, high-quality ingredients to an authentic, traditional recipe.
“We specifically went to the people who made the best Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon and learned the art of making these delicious treats during frequent trips there over the last four years.
“Glaswegians are known for having a sweet tooth and we are absolutely convinced they will go down a storm – the tarts are already familiar to many people, yet new to Scotland at this level of quality.
While many people will have tried a Pastel de Nata before, they most likely won’t have had a fresh one made with fresh, high-quality ingredients to an authentic, traditional recipe.
Emma Airley
“Pastéis Lisboa will be the only place in the UK where you can try this authentic, artisan recipe.
“All the products we plan on selling will be unique, with really interesting background stories, and their provenance is incredibly important to us – we know all of our independent suppliers well.”
Pastéis Lisboa is Emma and Sebastian’s latest business venture.
In 2015, the couple also launched Ciora Scotland, an e-commerce supplier of handmade sheepskin and wool products, ranging from slippers and sock, to rugs, bedding and other homewares.
The couple have plans to open in Edinburgh next year, and also intend to offer catering services for offices and private events, and wholesale supply.
Emma, whose family have been in the hospitality industry since the 1950s, said: “With Ciora well established, we’re hugely excited to be realising a long-held dream of opening our own unique food business – we both have a passion for food and cooking.
“We started planning Pastéis Lisboa five years ago after being inspired by the new wave of modern Pastelarias in Lisbon, and seeing how successfully the model worked in other international markets.
'Perfect'
“We think it’s perfect for Glasgow and will fit really well into the market right now.”
The couple received a £40,000 loan from Transmit Start-Ups through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme to turn their business idea into reality.
Barry McCulloch, senior manager, UK Network – Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: “The Start Up Loans initiative was designed to enable entrepreneurs like Emma and Sebastian to access funding through alternative avenues, helping local businesses to thrive.
“Pastéis Lisboa is a great example of how an entrepreneurial couple’s great idea for something unique in their local area can become a reality with the right support, including a range of resources provided through our network of delivery partners to help with business plans, accounting, marketing and more.”
