They still have right recipe after 25 years

The year 1991 is well remembered by supporters of Motherwell Football Club who have been celebrating the 25th anniversary of their Scottish Cup victory.
Arthur, left, and Irene Goff with son-in-law Greig Mitchell.Arthur, left, and Irene Goff with son-in-law Greig Mitchell.
Arthur, left, and Irene Goff with son-in-law Greig Mitchell.

It also marked the arrival of a new venture in the town – and one that continues to thrive.

Da Claudio Italian restaurant opened its doors on November 5 that year and quickly established itself as one of the top eateries in Lanarkshire.

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Owner Claudio Biagiotti and restaurant manager Arthur Goff were new to the town but they soon became well known.

In economic terms, it was a grim period for Motherwell and there was a devastating blow in 1992 when Ravenscraig steelworks closed.

Arthur admitted: “Some people said Motherwell wasn’t the best place to be opening because of the demise of the steelworks and growing unemployment.

“But we were confident that this was an area where a top restaurant could fill a gap and, thankfully, that has proven to be the case.

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“I’ve been very fortunate with the staff in the restaurant and in the kitchen as some of them have been here for a long time, and that allows consistency.

“It’s special for me now to see the silver anniversary of the restaurant and many of our first customers – even their children and grandchildren – still coming to dine with us.”

Arthur took over as owner from Claudio in 2004 and the Brandon Street restaurant has grown into a full family business.

Irene, his wife, is also his business partner, while son-in-law Greig Mitchell joined in 2014 as administration manager and director.

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Daughter Aillish, now a teacher, worked in the restaurant as a teenager and Irene’s dad, Tom, is no stranger in the kitchen.

Arthur and his winning team will be raising a glass to celebrate their silver anniversary this week. Weekend diners can look forward to a retro menu with a list of dishes on offer from the original choices in 1991- at 2016 prices, though!