Indian restaurant owner takes on historic Prestonpans pub
In January, the licensees of "the Goth", on the town's High Street, announced the "tough decision" to close.
After a public meeting, a "unanimous" decision was made to keep the premises, which dates back to 1908, "for eating out locally and for family and social events".
And it has now been confirmed that the team behind the Bombay Lounge in Dalkeith will be opening an Indian restaurant at the Goth.
Bombay Lounge opened 15 years ago and has received many awards, including at the Scottish Curry Awards in April.
Michael Singh, 52, owner of Bombay Lounge has enjoyed 35 years of experience in the hospitality trade.
He told the East Lothian Courier that the new restaurant at the Goth would be named Bombay Bar & Grill.
An Indian restaurant is set to open at the Prestoungrange Gothenburg (Image: NQ Staff)
Singh said: "We are bringing a multi-award-winning team to the Bombay Bar & Grill in Prestonpans and we are very excited for it.
"Prestonpans is a good platform for us because East Lothian is a great catchment area, but we just want to make sure that East Lothian is ready for us because people may have already experienced our first restaurant in Dalkeith.
"We are hoping to be open end of June or start of July and we are working hard on the menu, which will consist of a lot of modern Indian grill food with the addition of takeaway as well."
When open, the restaurant is expected to have about 20 members of staff, with jobs such as kitchen porters, delivery drivers and bar staff anticipated to be advertised soon.
Rahat Hasan Chowdhury and Qazi Yousef Sumon, both from Bangladesh and co-managers of Bombay Lounge for five years, will continue their roles in the new Prestonpans venture.
Rahat, 22, said: "I am excited.
"The team at Bombay Lounge will be same team in Prestonpans and that means there will be some familiar faces.
"It is the same job but will be challenging as a new business and I am looking forward to it."
The restaurant will be open six days a week, Tuesday to Sunday, 3-10pm.
At these times, the bar, restaurant and upstairs lounge will be open, with a takeaway service available in addition.
Gordon Prestoungrange, for the Baron Courts, owners of the Gothenburg, said: 'It's a big challenge for them both to honour the heritage of the Gothenburg and to offer excellent service for the community in their own distinctive Indian style.
"Those who have visited their award-winning restaurant in Dalkeith will know just how successful they have been there for many years and their enthusiasm at their arrival in the Pans is infectious.
'They are keen to learn from Panners how they can honour all the Gothenburg has meant and still means after nearly 120 years on our High Street.
"Suggestions and ideas before and after they open the doors again will always be welcomed.
"One readily apparent celebration all can join on August 15 will be VJ Day – remembering that World War II, in which all the Indian subcontinent was engaged, continued well after VE Day here in Europe.
"And never forget that India has great heritage with the pipes and tartan, and a not-inconsiderable Scottish diaspora.'
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