fbpx
Blog

WHERE TO EAT IN EAST LOTHIAN

By May 28, 2022 July 5th, 2023 No Comments

THE BEST PLACES TO DINE ON SCOTLAND’S GOLF COAST

“GOLF IS LIKE COOKING. YOU SLICE IT. YOU CHIP IT. THEN YOU PUT IT ON GREENS.”

There’s so much to talk about when it comes to where to eat in East Lothian – Scotland’s Food and Drink County. A county proud of its local produce, creativity, and atmospheric dining experiences. So much so, our members will have to take turns being featured.

In our first food based blog, it’s probably a good idea to focus on some dishes to get you salivating. The best of local and Scottish produce is truly well represented on Scotland’s Golf Coast.

DELICIOUS DINING AT DUCK’S

At Duck’s in Aberlady, there is a 2 AA Rosette dining experience. Whether it’s a home-baked scone and a cup of tea mid-morning, steak and chips and a pint of local real ale in the bar post-round, or the renowned dry aged sirloin steak in the restaurant for a sit-down dinner, the variety is to be celebrated.

A current favourite is the fresh spaghetti, steamed mussels, king prawn, chilli and lemon. If you have room, the cheese board from The Cheese Lady in Haddington is a must.

GOURMET GASTRONOMY AT GARLETON LODGE

Perched commandingly overlooking the coast is Garleton Lodge. A luxury bed and breakfast, but also a food and drink haven and a cereal (excuse the pun) Visit Scotland Taste Our Best award-winner.

Their East Lothian food provenance is impressive and too long to list. But produce from the Belhaven Smokehouse and James Dickson’s fishmonger are regularly showcased. Glazed prawns with whisky dipping sauce and loch trout with herb crust are both winners from the Tasting Menu and white chocolate mousse cake with raspberries to follow is guaranteed to have you ready for tomorrow’s 18.

WOLFING IT DOWN AT THE WATCHMAN

The Watchman opened in 2021 and it has quickly acquired many plaudits for the varied and quality menu. Head Chef Nick Lang has sought the best local produce for the current Spring menu.

A fantastic traditional roast on a Sunday is a ‘given’, but the bbq pulled pork shoulder, pineapple chilli salsa in a ciabatta bun is something a little bit different and proving popular. Gullane 1, 2 and 3 are a short walk, but surely there is enough time for banana tarte tatin and rum caramel!

Where to eat in East Lothian

MARVELLOUS MEALS AT THE MARINE

The newly refurbished Marine North Berwick encourages you to awaken your palate and the award-winning chef Chris Niven is there to do just that.

The Scottish theme starts with haggis bon bons and Loch Fyne oysters and continues with Tweed Valley beef for main. One stand-out is the duck breast with the unusual yet delicious hazelnut dukkah, hay baked carrot and coriander, accompanied by a side of roasted hispi cabbage.

Where to eat in East Lothian

TOO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM

Whether it’s dining with the smell of an open fire, or a log burner, or with the windows open soaking in the late evening warmth and light, there’s sure to be not only fantastic golf memories made in East Lothian.

In the next food blog, we will look at our post-round fair. With iconic golf courses, come iconic clubhouses, fish n’chips, burgers and club sandwiches are the order of the day. Where to eat in East Lothian is not restricted to our superb restaurants.

“And then, O what a glorious sight, warm-reekin, rich!”