SETTING It’s great to see Paul Kinnoch back on the culinary scene in Haddington. He’s moved a few yards down from his previous eatery and has now opened the very popular, Waterloo Bistro (named after the bridge that crosses the Tyne. Set back from the road and just a stones throw from the river, the former Poldrate, is calm and relaxing bistro with a wonderful inner courtyard for al fresco dining, while the bar is great for a glass of wine or a pint of well-kept cask Deuchars IPA. The main restaurant is a low ceilinged, exposed stone walls and terracotta floor tiles, and is very family orientated with a great kids menu.

FOOD Those who know Paul are well aware of his passion for using local produce. The mainly Italian menu features locally sourced ingredients with a good smattering of meat, fish, pizza and pasta dishes. The breaded haggis, two large wheels, has a lovely spiciness that is soothed by the wonderfully sweet, gloriously lush purple red onion compote. The whisky sauce adds another dimension to the dish. The chicken liver pâté is a real treat with the roasted tomato chutney and crunchy ciabatta.

Paul doesn’t believe in stinting on portions; the pizzas are enormous, stone-baked affairs. My poached salmon risotto (from the specials board) is creamy pink from the fish, flecked with green herbs, a summery dish. The rib-eye is well flavoured and tender – the pizzaiola topping of tomatoes, herbs and mozzarella is great with a glass of Chilean red.

The lemon tart is mouth-burstingly invigorating and the Charlie bocker glory is layered with Orkney ice cream and fruits. There is also a bar menu and talk of summer BBQs on Sundays. Paul is also doing themed evenings too, check out the website.