A PUB which closed its doors almost a decade ago has re-opened.

The Pheasant, on Haddington’s Market Street, shut in 2009 before it was later transformed into a restaurant – Jo’s Kitchen.

Now Michael and Wendy Peters are turning it back into a pub, having made the short move from the Gardeners Arms next door.

The New Pheasant opened last weekend and Michael said: “It has been better than expected.

“There are people that know us coming in and we have not had one bad comment from the neighbours.”

Michael and Wendy, who live on the town’s Abbots View, took over the Gardeners Arms – which is expected to re-open this week under new licensees – in 2011 when its licence had come under review because of problems experienced by previous management.

Together they transformed the “boarded up” pub, with members of East Lothian Council’s licensing board hearing earlier this summer that there had not been a single complaint since the couple took it over.

Now they have moved next door.

Michael said: “I was a regular in The Pheasant and used to play pool next to the parrot. There used to be a parrot there, but the space is now the cellar kitchen door.

“I had been in the Gardeners for seven and a half years and I am used to being in the trade now; we built it up from a boarded-up pub to something that does not do badly.”

However, they decided to make the switch to their new premises, where they are renting the pub.

Mr Peters felt the move offered greater opportunities, including the chance of serving food infuture.

Jo’s Kitchen, which is now based at Winton Castle, is continuing to offer outside catering to events as well as pop-up suppers at the venue, near Pencaitland.

For more information, call 07515 426544.