TWO chemistry teachers are bringing the art of science to thirsty drinkers as they take over a microbrewery in Prestonpans’ Gothenburg pub.

Preston Lodge High School teachers Gareth Evans and Gordon Kidd have been named as the new brewers at the High Street pub from this month as they aim to turn their hobby into a business.

The pair, who will continue with their teaching careers, launched Faking Bad Brewery after several years as home brewers.

The inspiration for their company name was taken from hit TV show Breaking Bad, in which a mild-mannered chemistry teacher becomes a drug manufacturer – but Gareth and Gordon insist they do nothing of the sort!

They said the TV show sparked endless questions from their students about whether it was possible but declared: “We decided that we’d rather ‘fake bad’ and work legally and responsibly as micro-brewers, whilst maintaining our ‘day’ jobs.”

The teachers have already introduced a drugs and alcohol module at Preston Lodge which teaches third-year students social, legal and responsible use of alcohol alongside chemistry, while also covering the skills of micro-brewing, which they believe is the only module of its kind in Scotland.

Gordon said the unique course took pupils through the fermentation process and the chemistry behind it.

He said: “It is a short, two-month module but a popular one. At the end, the parents are invited to come and take away the beer produced by the pupils and we welcome their feedback.”

Sean Wood, brewer and licensee at The Goth, stepped down from the post in November, handing over the reins of the pub to Michelle Wilson, who has been working there under his guidance for a couple of years.

Gareth and Gordon hope to start production in the brewery later this month.

Gordon said: “We both love teaching and have no plans to move into brewing full-time.

“It is a chance to extend our hobby and see where we can go with it. It is a very exciting time.”

Dr Gordon Prestoungrange, whose family have owned The Goth for 14 years, welcomed the arrival of the new brewers.

He said: “We’re always delighted to welcome new teams at our Fowler’s Microbrewery. We created it in 2004 so that Fowler’s Haven at the Gothenburg, with all its community memories, could be honoured not least with a regular brew of the famous Wee Heavie.

“We know Gareth and Gordon most recently as panners of Prestonpans Salt and their remit will include salt as well, but it also includes the tradition since 2004 of BrewSets when volunteers join them ‘educationally’, so to speak, and that doesn’t just mean eager students from PL, although they’ll surely be there.”