A CHILDHOOD dream to bring a taste of Italy to the centre of Haddington will come true next year.

Tino Pacitti, the second generation of his family to work in Dino’s, has taken on the neighbouring property, which was previously home to The Grain.

International pizza chain Domino’s had its eyes set on taking on the premises but, when it was refused planning permission, Tino swooped in to make a deal with Ricky Morga, whose family had the business for 63 years.

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Thirty-three-year-old Tino told the Courier: “I have always had the idea of a little Italian cafe-cum-restaurant – a cafe during the day and a restaurant at night.

“We have not got anything similar to what we have got in Italy in our local village, some sort of trattoria-type style.

“I have always thought Haddington needed it.”

Renovation work is now under way at the business, with a new menu being drawn up.

A new name is also planned but Tino was keeping tight-lipped on that, with hopes the business could open its doors in spring next year.

More than half a dozen jobs are expected to be created when the business relaunches in 2025.

Tino stressed that he would be on hand to offer help but it would be another Italian family concentrating on the business day-to-day.

He added: “I am quite excited about it.

“It is bringing an authentic Italian cafe and restaurant that Haddington has been crying out for.”

The Pacitti family’s connection with the town centre stretches back 35 years.

Tino’s father Dino, who sadly passed away on holiday in his native Italy in 2016, opened Dino’s in 1989.

Since then, it has served up fish, chips and prizewinning pizzas that have been recognised in the Scottish Parliament.

Tino, who lives in Haddington, joked he had spent his childhood in the premises.

Dino’s and the neighbouring The Grain were once connected and owned by the same family.

The Grain closed its doors at the beginning of last month, with Ricky opting to hang up his apron for the last time.

READ MORE: End of an era as The Grain in Haddington closes its doors

At that time, a post on social media wished him “a very happy retirement” and said: “A heartfelt thank you to all our customers for your support over the years.

“From the very beginning, it’s been a beautiful family affair with memories made that we will always hold close to our heart.”

Now, the two premises will once again come under the same ownership.

Theresa Laing, chairwoman of Haddington and District Community Council, was delighted with the news and wished Tino well.

She said: “I had heard somebody had taken it on but never knew who it was.

“That is so nice and lovely that it is a Haddington family that is expanding.

“It would have been great if he had been able to open for Christmas but he knows what needs to be done.

“That is amazing and we are absolutely delighted about it.”