A UNANIMOUS welcome has been given to a new Italian restaurant on Musselburgh High Street.

Dal Patino opened its doors last month and Antonio ‘Nino’ Parravano and Gabriele D’Agostino, from the business, were at East Lothian Council’s licensing board meeting in Haddington.

Councillors unanimously gave plans to sell alcohol in the restaurant the thumbs up and wished the businessmen, from Edinburgh, the best of luck.

Alastair Macdonald, of Macdonald Licensing, represented the two men and gave councillors a breakdown of their plans for the former Musselburgh Arms.

He said: “People coming in for lunch and evening meals and the owners would like to be able to offer people a bottle of Italian wine or Italian beer – that is the purpose of the application.”

Mr Macdonald said both men had a history in the restaurant business, including working in Edinburgh.

He added: “They want to look after their clients and it is all about hospitality and about giving them a nice meal and nice experience.”

Musselburgh East and Carberry ward councillor Stuart Currie told members that he had already been in the restaurant.

He approved the plans and was joined in his endorsement by Musselburgh West councillor Fraser McAllister.

He added: “I was looking in the window at the menu and knew it was coming up at this committee.

“I’m absolutely delighted.”

Council leader Willie Innes said: “It is clear there are no objections from statutory consultees, licensing standards officer or Police Scotland.

“East Lothian is a tourism area and we pride ourselves on food and drink, which supports local economy.

“Musselburgh has a strong connection with Italy, with some well-known families in Musselburgh.”

Friends Mr Parravano, who has worked as a chef in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and Mr D’Agostino, who has gained experience as a waiter at restaurants in Edinburgh, were delighted to open their own restaurant, which can cater for 40 people.

Mr Parravano’s wife Anna said: “We have always liked Musselburgh and used to bring the children to Luca’s. It is such a nice community.

“The premises came up and Antonio wanted to go for it. It has been a very positive move and we have been overwhelmed by the feedback from clients.”

She also paid tribute to the support from other local businesses, who have sent cards wishing them well in their new venture.