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"This market town inn is inviting from the outset with a warm glow of lights spilling onto the pavement. Award
winning chef, Craig Hunter (formerly of The Rocks) and his wife Kirsty, have turned a dour establishment into
a bright, contemporary bar and restaurant." "Inside the downstairs bar is friendly and welcoming, a comfy place for supping a decent pint of cask ale. Upstairs the restaurant is comfortably relaxing with sepia tones, cream drapes and a huge mirror above the fireplace reflecting light from candles into the room. "Not surprisingly, there is bias towards fish on the menu, including Eyemouth lobster (half or whole); locally supplied meats include lamb, steaks, chicken and duck. The vegetarian options are imaginative. We choose our starters from the regularly changing specials board. A bucket of Shetland mussels are seductively plump, coral coloured, blue-black shells glistening in a pond of mussel-scented cream. Haggis works well with king prawns wrapped in filo, lemon and lime hollandaise gives a zesty spark. Purple beetroot crisps live up to their name. If it's on, have the visually stunning bouillabaisse. Half a lobster rises from the fishy broth like Botticelli’s Venus. It's refreshingly light, packed with swordfish, salmon, crayfish, small and large prawns – all cooked perfectly. Duck breast is tender; a ruff sliced caramelised pear is fanned around the plate with a strawberry sauce that is fragrantly fruity. "Wines are reasonably priced and a glass of dessert wine £3.75 is a rarity. I have a glass with my toffee apple pudding, which is treacly dark in colour and feather light; a satisfying end to a relaxed meal. Craig and Kirsty go out of their way to make all their guests feel at home and pride themselves on using as much locally produced ingredients as possible. This excellent, new eatery is a much -welcomed addition to the foodie scene in East Lothian." |
| Lea Harris, Instant Magazine |
Selected Customer Comments:
Sheila Lochend: Lovely meal, thank-you.
Caroline Scott-Leslie Ness: Fantastic, good to have somewhere decent to eat in Haddington again xxx
Donna & Andrew Guy: What a fab meal in good company with friendly staff - Can't wait to return, best of luck to you all xx
Graham & Sheila Herschell: Will call again - Great meal!!
Jim & Sue Findlay, The Rocks, Dunbar: Damn the competition is as good as i thought it would be!!
Mcloughin's: Well what can I say? Well done, Fantastic!! x
Annings: Great night - keep up the good work - we need something like this locally!!
Lea & Simon Harris: Thumping good meal, huge portions & excellent service, all round great..Thanks
KMPS: Lovely, delicious, Great service x
Pauline Smith & pals ELC: A veritable delight for the tastebuds! will be back soon!
Alison Hunton: Well done, fabulous. I like gravy with my lamb but i'm from the North, Very yummy!!
Caroline Smart: Absolutely gorgeous - Just what Haddington needs - a great restaurant!
Kirsty Adair: Lovely food, I really liked it.
D Lawrie & Comp: Brill Meal & ambience, will be back!!!!
Pat Buchanan: Lovely place, well done
Ian & Helen Gibson: Absolutley 1st Class - Well done!
Michael Cowins: Fantastic dinner, exceptional service, beautiful venue! Thanks!
Ian & Lorna Fullerton: Excellent, Best of luck!
David & EV from Isle of Wight: Top Quality, well done!!
Sheilagh & Alistair Noble: An excellent meal, will be back
Christie Dessy: A real jewel for Haddington fine dining!
John & Sheena Blunden: Superb dinner thanks
Susan & Allan Pratt: Lovely meal, excellent service
Audrey Muir: Brilliant meal - excellent service, thanks
Ian & Hilary McSporran: Just what Haddington needs. Best of luck!
Donna Martin: Fantastic food, lovely atmosphere, well done!!
J Findlay: Excellent food and first class served from the Hunters
E Livvet: Excellent meal - pleasant staff
Alex & Jackie Bradford: Excellent Anniversary meal, thank-you
Una Young: Fab food!!
Arvis Connely & Art Labor: Fabulous meal...best of our holiday!
Tammie - East Lothian Courier: Fantastic food - highly recommend the Duck. Will be back soon.
Lindsey + Nick Warner: More than worth the trip from the deep south, best steak I've ever had. Never doubted anything less of Craig and Kirsty. If you don't go to the Avenue it's your loss!!!
Ian Jones: Best eatery in East Lothian. Will be back!
Mr Jamie: Absolutely fantastic food! just what East lothian needs, fine dinning, good value as well.