Livingston's launch livingroom brand

Derek Livingston (second from right) with members of his staff

Livingston’s has been a successful business in the High Street for over two decades, attracting a number of locals and those from further afield to the heart of the Royal Burgh for dinner.

However owner Derek Livingston believed it was time for the restaurant to change its image from a special occassion restaurant to a welcoming bistro.

He said: “We made many changes, from the name to the opening hours and to the menu itself. Hopefully they will help us attract more customers.”

The Livingroom at Livingston’s offers food from breakfast to dinner with everything in between.

Derek said: “We still have the same chef so you know our food will be good, and everything is made fresh that day so you know the food will taste delicious.”

The re-branded eatery officially opened last Saturday and Derek is already reaping the rewards of such a bold move.

He said: “Our first weekend was incredible. Saturday and Sunday the bistro was packed from open until close.

“Then on Monday, the first Monday we have opened our doors in years, again was busy. I have had folk at the door before we open asking if they can come in, relax and order a breakfast roll.

“A big thank you to everyone who came and supported us and to the staff who have been brilliant throughout the change.”

The inside is not the only area to receive an upgrade as out the back there is a garden for customers to enjoy.

Derek said: “We have tables and chairs for people to read their paper while having food and drink in the sun.”

The sitting area looks out to the well kept garden which Derek plans to add a child friendly play area to.

The owner wants his restaurant to become a place people can come to on any occasion, not just the big ones.

He said: “It was nice being thought of as a special occasion restaurant however times change and so must we. So hopefully this will be the right move.

“I will be here every day for the next two months so people know for certain it is still our family owned business.”

Derek also owns the building where the Soft Spot Cafe used to be but is not sure what his plans are for it.

He said: “That won’t be open until later on this year.

“Just now I am focussing on our new bistro and making sure it is a success.”