A drop in demand for ‘vertical drinking’ has led to a former community pub being taken over by a new Indian restaurant, licensing board chiefs were told this week.
The Prestoungrange Gothenburgh, in Prestonpans, which was established following a traditional system aimed at benefiting locals, has changed tenants a number of times in recent years.
A meeting of East Lothian Licensing Board this week heard the latest lease has been taken up by award-winning restaurateur Michael Singh., who owns the successful Bombay Lounge, in Dalkeith.
And his agent told board members that a change in what people wanted from pubs had led to the change,
Alastair McDonald said: “The Gothenburg is a fairly large building inside and I have represented the last two licensees. There is not the same market now for vertical drinking, and drinking in general, and neither of them could make it work financially.
“It needed something to make it a destination and I am delighted to say it (now) has. There was a very positive response when people knew Michael was taking on Prestonpans.”
The board heard from Mr Singh that the pub side of the building was still operating with people still able to come in for a drink with the emphasis now on the restaurant.
And he said they aimed to continue the community aspect of the venue by bringing people together in what is a large building over three floors.
He said: “I’ve been looking for around six years to find an establishment in East Lothian. This is a large building and we want to create something, a nice atmosphere for people.
“We want to give them as much as possible, a nice bar as well as a downstairs which can be used for private functions, birthday parties and anniversaries and upstairs there are 150 seats.
“In total there are 250 seats so it is a big venue, just to get the community together as well. People get to know each other across tables and it is a nice building and a nice atmosphere.”
In his application to the board, Mr Singh asked for additional on sales hours,as well as changing the name and nature of operations at the venue.
One objection was lodged by a neighbour concerned at the plans to open until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights describing it as ‘extremely late’.
However board members welcomed the arrival of the restaurant and takeaway business to the town and unanimously approve the changes.
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency. It is funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector (in Edinburgh that is Reach plc (the publisher behind Edinburgh Live and The Daily Record) and used by many qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover news about top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
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