FRESH plans for a village’s pub could see the business open its doors later this spring.

Twelve months ago, proposals to improve the food offering at Pencaitland’s Winton Arms were approved by East Lothian Council.

READ MORE: Hopes food can keep Winton Arms afloat as plans approved

Caledonian Heritable Ltd has now lodged revised proposals for the pub, which is currently closed.

They stressed the importance of serving food at the business and described the existing pub as “not a viable concern”.

A document included with the application notes: “Reopening it in its current form, even with a make-over, is not a viable option.

“The public house requires to be modernised to the extent that it can diversify and provide the facilities to prepare and serve meals, provide toilet accommodation that meets current building regulations, provide a layout that allows customers unfettered access to the various areas throughout the ground floor.

“The various floor levels on the ground floor require to be addressed to eliminate trip hazards.”

Focusing on food

The pub, on the village’s Main Street, does not currently have a kitchen to prepare and cook food.

However, the plans will see a move towards focusing on food.

The developer said: “It has become harder and harder over the years, what with the change in drink-driving laws, the change in the public’s drinking habits, the availability of cheaper alcoholic drinks from supermarkets etc, to keep the existing pub as a viable proposition.

“As a result, the owners of the Winton Arms have had to take the hard decision to close the premises.

“As we are currently exiting a worldwide Covid-19/coronavirus pandemic, businesses such as the Winton Arms are finding difficulties in providing a safe operation for staff and public alike.

“How the licencing trade overcomes these difficulties will depend on the layout of the individual premises, the resilience and conscientiousness of staff, and the public’s willingness to keep to the necessary measures that will require to be put in place to ensure a safe drinking and eating environment.

“In terms of this local pub, the owners have come to the conclusion that the current layout and current offering of the public house, which at present does not have a kitchen to prepare and cook food, is not sufficient to form the basis for re-opening the premises to the public.”

'Minor amendments'

The developers acknowledged that East Lothian Council had already approved plans for the building.

However, there are “minor amendments”, including the creation of a new entrance porch, changes to the type of rooflights and timber bi-folding doors.

Caledonian Heritable Ltd also contacted Pencaitland Community Council last month to provide an update on the premises.

They said: “At this time, we don’t have an opening date or bar manager in place, although we do hope to open late spring.

“It will be reopening as a more family-friendly bar and restaurant with an impressive food and drink menu.”