AN AWARD-WINNING chef is going back to his roots with plans to open an upmarket snack van at Dunbar harbour.

Chris Percy-Davis, who runs The Big Blu catering business, wants to convert a shipping container to create a seasonal snack shack to cater for locals and tourists at the harbour.

His Big Blu Sea van would offer locally sourced fish, shellfish, meat and vegetables in its menu, which he says will be priced to reflect “the current economic climate”.

Mr Percy-Davis left his job as head chef at Floors Castle seven years ago to launch The Big Blu, which opened on its first day at Dunbar Harbour.

The mobile business serves up wood-fired pizza at events and locations, including the harbour, from a converted Citroen van named Henry.

During lockdown, the business has been adapted to provide local deliveries and has been delivering ready-to-heat pizzas across the county.

East Lothian Courier:

Now, Mr Percy-Davis hopes to open a new seafood version which would be based at the harbour. and allow him, he said, to flex his culinary skills in another direction and pass on his experience to younger chefs.

Applying for planning permission for the snack van, he said: “I believe that a new fresh seasonal eatery would benefit this stunning area and serve to encourage the public and tourists to visit Dunbar.

“This could in turn boost the local economy and at the same time offer opportunities for upcoming chefs and waiting staff.”

The new snack van is expected to be timber clad and will be built out of a shipping container or similar unit with a “nautical theme”, including port hole windows.

Plans are currently with East Lothian Council’s planning department.