New owners for The Creel, Dunbar, and The Castle Inn, Dirleton

Jack Findlay has swapped Dirleton’s The Castle Inn for The Creel in Dunbar, describing it as “a homecoming” after starting out in the hospitality trade in the town.

Meanwhile, Cormac Lovett has taken the helm at the Dirleton restaurant/pub.

He wished Mr Findlay well and was looking to the future at the popular business.

A social media post by The Castle Inn said: “We would like to announce that we are under new management and will now be run by Cormac and the existing Castle Inn team.

“We would like to say a massive thank you to Jack and Aiysha for helping make The Castle Inn what it is today. We wish you all the best for your future.”

Jack Findlay is no stranger to Dunbar, having worked at The Rocks, which was run by his dad Jim for more than a decade.

Now Jack is looking to make an impression in the town after taking charge at The Creel at the end of last month.

He said: “I live in Haddington with my daughter and partner but obviously my working background, learning the processes, was at The Rocks in Dunbar.

“My dad had that until 2016 and it is a bit of a homecoming for me in terms of my career.

“I’m born and bred Haddington in terms of living but for working I always had the idea that I am Dunbar in a way.”

The restaurant, on the town’s Lamer Street, was previously owned by Logan Thorburn for 16 years but closed its doors earlier this year.

It was famed for its seafood and Mr Findlay was keen to build on the business’ reputation after enjoying a successful first week.

'Everything fell into place'

Speaking to the Courier on Friday, he said: “It could not have gone any better, to be honest.

“We are really pleased and just want to build on it.”

Mr Findlay was happy with how the first week had gone.

He said: “Everything fell into place quite nicely for me.

“I had always loved the idea of taking on The Creel and when the opportunity came up I thought I would never have forgiven myself if I did not go for it.

“Things worked out for me.”

The move to The Creel continues the family’s history with restaurants throughout the county.

Jim, who is now retired, previously ran The Drovers Inn in East Linton.

However, it is the Waterside Bistro in Haddington that the family is perhaps most associated with.

Jim opened the business in 1985 before cutting ties in 2004.

Jack and older brother James took the helm in 2017; James is still in charge of the popular restaurant.

'In the right direction'

Jack said: “James is still at the Waterside and he has been very supportive of me.

“I have always gone to him for advice and it works both ways.

“We work better as a team with having our own establishments than having our own one together.”

Now, 31-year-old Jack is fully focused on The Creel, which he hopes will be a great success.

He said: “The Creel was in the Michelin Guide for the last maybe five years and I have always aspired to that type of cuisine.

“It is not something that I am going to sit and say this is what we are going to achieve but it is something we are working towards – an affordable product, affordable service, but a high-quality product as well.

“After our first week, I can safely say it looks like we are going in the right direction.”