THE owners of a successful gastropub in a capital hotspot have spotted a fresh opportunity opening up in Inverkip.

Michael Greig and his wife Lesley, who run the award-winning King’s Wark in Leith, have opened a new bistro in the village and created 14 jobs.

They now hope to recreate their success on the east coast with the Kipper Bistro in Inverkip’s Main Street.

The entrepreneurs believe there is room to invest in Inverkip as it expands significantly with major new housing and business developments.

Head chef Michael, 52, said: “We really believe there is an opportunity here in Inverkip.

“It is a thriving village with new houses and we have wanted to do something here for a while.

“We want to use local suppliers and are looking into this.” The King’s Wark has a long established reputation in the capital.

Michael had been a head chef in the gastropub for a number of years with Lesley as the manager before they took it over.

The couple are now relocating to Inverclyde to spend more time with their grandchildren, and have taken over the former Cafe Bongio premises.

Their restaurant, specialising in seafood, will be a cafe during the day and serve as a bistro in the evening.

Michael has been a regular in Inverkip since his daughter Lauren and son-in-law Mark set up home there with their children.

He said: “We wanted to move and spend more time with them.

“This was the perfect opportunity.

“It is a lovely place to stay with some great opportunities.

“I think there is definitely room for another restaurant like ours.”