Dining in East Lothian: Our Favourite Spots
Dining in East Lothian: Our Favourite Spots
When you come to stay at Fenton Tower, we want every experience to be unforgettable. From the moment you wake up to the breathtaking views of the Lammermuir Hills from our luxury bedrooms, to action-packed afternoons mastering archery, fishing, golf, and shooting, we give our guests a stay to remember.
Good company is best when paired with exceptional food. That’s why, when you stay with us, our in-house chef Tony prepares a delectable Scottish feast each morning to set you up for the day ahead. There will be ample fresh fruit and pastries for those who prefer a lighter bite, and a cooked breakfast for those with a large appetite – prepared just how you like it.
Whether you want to enjoy a delicious meal in our candlelit dining room or venture into the local surroundings, we want every meal to be extraordinary. Beyond our doors, East Lothian is a treasure trove of culinary delights that you can’t afford to miss!
That’s why we’ve put together this gastronomic guide to your stay at Fenton Tower – we want to make your foodie dreams come true.
Edinburgh Catering Company, Fenton Tower
We’re proud to partner with the Edinburgh Catering Company: our exclusive caterer at Fenton Tower.
The Edinburgh Catering Company will create tailored menus using the finest local produce throughout your stay. This could include light lunches as you explore our grounds, sumptuous afternoon tea hampers for a day on the beach, and eight-course tasting menus you can sample by candlelight in our vaulted dining room.
In fact, if you come to Fenton Tower for a shooting holiday, The Edinburgh Catering Company will design a meal around your game. What could be more personal than that?
For a truly immersive dining experience, their Fire Table offering must be seen to be believed. We can set up alfresco dining so you can be wowed by expert chefs cooking thick-cut steaks, sustainably caught salmon, or even delicious paella over the coals.
The Edinburgh Catering Company is a truly flexible partner who loves what they do and will delight in creating innovative cuisine to delight your tastebuds.
Drift Café, North Berwick
Picture the scene: you’ve ventured out to scenic North Berwick for a long wander on the beach in the brisk Scottish air. There are only a few final accessories that could make your day more perfect: a cup of hot coffee, a fresh scone, and breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock.
Enjoy the warm, inviting embrace of Drift Cliff Edge Cafe and treat yourself to a delicious bite from their brunch and lunch options. If the weather is fair, take a seat outside at the takeaway trailer and admire the vistas stretching beyond. Don’t miss their selection of homemade cakes and traybakes to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Bostock Bakery, East Linton
If you find yourself craving wholesome home-baked goods, Bostock Bakery in East Linton is a must-visit.
Just a ten-minute drive away from Fenton Tower, they specialise in sourdough bread and viennoiserie. Bostock is led by renowned pastry chef Ross Baxton, who has trained with Michelin Star chefs across the country and received the Scottish Food Pâtissier of the Year Award in 2018.
Pick up a fresh loaf or choose a treat from their range of sweet and savoury pastries. We recommend getting there early for the best selection – as a local hotspot, many of their bestselling bakes disappear quickly.
Their indoor seating offers a view of Bostock’s open-plan bakery, so you can watch the magic happen right before your eyes.
The Loft, Haddington
With a particular focus on quality coffee and fresh baking, The Loft Cafe and Bakery is a firm favourite among visitors and East Lothian locals alike.
The Loft changes its menu with the seasons, but you can always expect a spectacular selection of breakfast and lunch dishes with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Why not round off your meal with a homemade cake paired with their artisan roast coffee?
And it’s not just the cuisine that makes The Loft an essential stop on your East Lothian adventure. They also display and sell artwork from local artists. Pick up an original painting, print, or photograph for a lasting memory of your stay.
The Main Course, Gullane
No day out is complete until you’ve topped it off with a magnificent meal. For an elegant evening of superb Italian dishes, head to The Main Course in Gullane, just ten minutes by car from Fenton Tower.
Sample classics with a modern twist, delicate desserts, and a range of cocktails and apéritifs. The family-run establishment has become a treasure in the stunning seaside and promises a sophisticated evening and a very warm welcome.
Be sure to book in advance: The Main Course is a favourite among the golfers who frequent the famous course in Gullane.
La Potinière, Gullane
With its tiny, cottage-like exterior and infinite charm, La Potinière has been a staple of Gullane for decades.
Owned by award-winning chefs Keith Marley and Mary Runciman, this spot boasts locally and nationally sourced ingredients and dishes that change according to the picks of the season.
Inside, the décor is homey and comforting, giving guests the sense that they’re enjoying exquisite food in the comfort of their own abode.
La Potinière presents diners with a succinct set menu that changes daily. Meals here begin with a Thai coconut soup, followed by three delicious courses of the finest Scottish produce and an accompanying wine list to complete the evening. The flawless reviews speak for themselves!
The Bonnie Badger, Gullane
We couldn’t resist including one more treasure from Gullane to whet your appetite: The Bonnie Badger, which has four different dining options to cater to your every craving.
The Stables Dining Room prides itself on an A La Carte menu that uses the freshest local produce to create dishes from Scotland, backed by The Bonnie Badger’s From Nature to Plate philosophy.
Here, pub grub is elevated with flavours from across the globe. The Broc Bar is the spot for traditional pub dishes, Scottish favourites, and all the wines, cocktails, spirits, beers, and ales you could desire.
For breakfast, light lunch, or sophisticated afternoon tea, head to The Garden Room. You can also enjoy a relaxed lunch and a drink in The Garden. Don’t worry about the cold weather – this space is landscaped year-round, with cosy blankets on hand for a delightful ambiance in any season.
The Creel, Dunbar
Our final recommendation is The Creel Restaurant in Dunbar, a harbourside spot that pairs an international wine list with mouthwatering local dishes. Their menu shines a light on East Lothian-sourced seafood and spectacular flavours.
Located 20 minutes from Fenton Tower in the beautiful historical coastal town of Dunbar, there is a lot to explore before you sit down and enjoy the local fare in the cosy, intimate setting of The Creel.
After you’ve taken in the marvellous sites of Dunbar’s ruined castle and Country Park, you can enjoy innovative flavours and quality service at this little slice of heaven by the harbour.
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Outstanding food is easy to find when you come and stay at Fenton Tower, whether you want to remain behind the historical walls of your very own castle or head out and see all that East Lothian has to offer.
If you have any questions about food throughout your time at Fenton Tower, our team is more than happy to help and offer their personal recommendations.
If you’d like to find out more about booking a stay or hosting an event here, please get in touch – we’d love to introduce you to the magic of Fenton Tower.