North Berwick
Just a 30 minute train journey from Edinburgh, North Berwick is becoming the capital of the food and drink county.
Like many traditional Scottish seaside towns, North Berwick boasts great beaches, coastal scenery, and five-star golf courses, but it’s the eclectic mix of high-end dining, indie eateries, artisan cafes and hip bars that's giving this East Lothian foodie hotspot a serious style revival.
Where to stay
Marine North Berwick
Overlooking the 16th hole of the historic West Links course of North Berwick Golf Club, the Marine boasts scenic views of landmarks including the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock.
The newly refurbished hotel has been designed using textures such as mahogany, brass, leather, and velvet in rich jewel tones, granting rooms and public areas a timeless elegance that is juxtaposed with the hotel’s stunning seaside location and natural surroundings.
Williamstone Farm Steadings
Williamstone Farm Steadings is set in its own four acre plot of stunning farmland on the edge of North Berwick. ‘The Barn’ has its own individual subtle luxury, a combination of traditional farm building complemented by modern sympathetic restoration.
Where to eat
The Lawn at The Marine
The Lawn restaurant – with its astounding coastal views – is a must visit. The seasonal menu is designed around flavour and simplicity, with the focus firmly on the very best ingredients from East Lothian and the surrounding area, and served in a relaxed setting. The Lawn offers an all-day, seasonal, à la carte menu, as well as a set lunch menu that changes daily with dishes such as whole plaice for two with seaweed, lemon & capers and their own take on a classic Cranachan.
Bostock Bakery
It has been five years since René Redzepi, four times winner of the world’s best restaurant accolade at Noma, reposted a photo of a Bostock croissant on Instagram, sending the North Berwick bakery’s reputation stratospheric. But our appetite for this artisan bakery shows no sign of abating.
Drift
A short stroll to the east of the town, on the cliffs above Quarrel Sands, in a shipping container, you’ll find Drift. While the coffee and cake is world class, we’d have to recommend the brunch. Try the garlic and thyme wild mushrooms with hen’s egg on toast (£9), or the kippers with lemon, topped with caper and parsley butter (£11).
Where to drink
The Herringbone
With local craft beers, an extensive wine selection and beautifully crafted cocktails, Herringbone is definitely worth adding to the itinerary. The coastal decor is cool yet cosy with exposed brick, whitewashed wood and well-considered lighting.
Steampunk
Serious coffee connoisseurs will love a visit to Steampunk. They roast, grind and brew on the premises, a place more reminiscent of Seattle than North Berwick with its steel beams, polished concrete, bicycles suspended from the ceiling and vintage leather chairs.
