Converted shipping containers brought in at No.12, North Berwick

No.12 Hotel & Bistro is spending more than £50,000 on upgrading its outdoor eating and drinking area, utilising old shipping containers and creating more covered seating.

Owner Sean McCashey said: “It is evident that in 2021, like 2020, having outdoor eating and drinking areas is going to be key to our survival.

“Outdoor areas are more desirable and popular than indoor ones as people feel safer and can be more relaxed.

“In 2020, the outside eating and drinking area at the rear of the hotel created more job opportunities, fulfilled by local people. An improved outdoor area in 2021 would do likewise or better.”

The revamped outdoor area at No.12 Hotel & Bistro is taking shape

The Quality Street hotel has applied for retrospective planning permission for the changes.

Sean added: “Our underlying concern is that without outdoor seating at the rear of the hotel, we will be unable to continue to trade indefinitely, we would have to make staff redundant, and No.12 Hotel & Bistro would go the same way as the County Hotel: boarded up and deteriorating, with a for sale sign outside and no likely buyers.”

The outdoor space is under refurbishment, with one 20ft-long shipping container to be used as a servery counter and a smaller one utilised as a chilled cellar.

No.12 Hotel & Bistro, North Berwick

New covered booths are being built around the edge of the revamped outdoor space, with tables and parasols in the centre.

Sean hoped to be able to accommodate up to 50 covers outside once hospitality restrictions were lifted and said the refurbishment should lead to staff numbers increasing to 30 this summer.

“This is 100 per cent to save the business – and guarantee jobs,” he added.