THE well-known former licensees of a popular Haddington pub are back behind the bar.

Paul and Ann Kinnoch have taken over the Tyneside Tavern for the second time, having left eight years ago.

Forty-seven-year-old Paul first visited the pub, on Haddington’s Poldrate, as a 19-year-old customer in 1988.

That was the start of a love of the building, where he worked for 18 years as a member of staff and then as licensee, before moving on to start his own business at the Waterloo Bistro in the winter of 2008.

Paul told the Courier: “The Tyneside has always had a special place in our hearts.

“We had many happy years there and it was our first family home for our children.

“Haddington is a fantastic place to live and when Star Pubs and Bars invited us to talk about returning to the pub, it felt like the right time.

“It will work brilliantly alongside the catering business we have created at Kilspindie Golf Club.”

Under Paul and Ann’s stewardship, the Tyneside won the Scottish Licensed Trade News’ prestigious Best Community Pub in Scotland award in 2003.

And, after opening a bistro at the Tyneside, the couple also scooped Scottish and Newcastle’s award for Best Food Pub in 2007.

Paul, of Haddington, added: “It feels great to be back.

“The Tyneside’s real fires make it a fantastic autumn and winter pub.

“We guarantee a comfortable environment and a warm welcome both to our old regulars and to the pub’s new customers.”

The pub’s history stretches back to 1819 and Paul and Ann say they have plenty of plans to ensure the pub is still thriving in the run-up to its 200th anniversary in 2019.

The couple plan to serve great-quality food and are renaming the pub the Tyneside Tavern Bar and Bistro to reflect their food passion and emphasis for the pub.

In the bar, which was previously run by a company called Tonic G Ltd, Paul and Ann want to put the same focus on quality, introducing craft ales as well as extended ranges of malt whiskies, gins and outstanding wines and creating a relaxed atmosphere which all ages can enjoy.

A number of regular customers were on hand to welcome the happy couple back to the Tyneside, including the former chief executive of East Lothian Council, Alan Blackie.

He added: “It’s really great to see Paul and Ann back here in the Tyneside; we wish them the very best for the future.”