A £500,000 extension plan for the award-winning Mercat Grill in Whitecraig has been lodged with East Lothian Council.
Owner Graham Blaikie, 39, from Penicuik, who took over the village pub about three years ago, has a five-year vision which will see the conservatory restaurant double in size and accommodation for visitors provided.
“We have outgrown what we have got. The place is coming on leaps and bounds. It’s quite exciting,” said Mr Blaikie.
He added: “I always knew the place from years gone by and am getting new customers in every day. They have either been recommended or they used to come when it was the Dolphin Inn years ago, so they can relate to it.”
If planning permission is granted, work on the conservatory could be carried out in time for Christmas.
Mr Blaikie is also hoping to build new accommodation for residents in the shape of seven bedrooms in the longer term.
The Mercat Grill has won awards including: 2015 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award; winner of East Lothian’s No.1 Customer Service Award 2015; and winner of East Lothian’s Best Pub Food Award 2015.
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