Restaurant REVIEW

LOCATION

On Bridge Street, right in the middle of the little East Lothian town.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

It’s a smart, modern-looking bar at the front, but we’re ushered through to the dining part at the back. It’s all painted timbered walls and exposed stonework. Despite the low ceiling, it’s bright and airy.

SERVICE

Friendly and efficient. A jug of water is on our table as soon as we sit down at our trendy distressed wood table and the waiter happily disappears to check what guest ales are on offer.

MENU

Varied without being overly lengthy. There are five starters, 10 mains and five desserts. Mains included marinated lamb chops, butternut squash fondue and an 8oz flat iron steak served pink with a Parmesan and rocket salad and skin-on fries.

TASTE

The steak and Gruyère cheese meatballs were chunky and full of flavour, as was the steak and red wine pie. But the spuds with it were seriously undercooked and the puddings were nothing special.

PRICE

Pretty reasonable. Starters and desserts around £6 and mains mostly about £11. Including a couple of drinks, it came to £43 for two.

AMBIENCE

It’s early evening when we arrive and we’re the only ones in but other diners soon arrive. The music is at just the right volume and the whole place has a relaxed, welcoming but smart vibe to it.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

The Crown Burgers have their own section on the menu. The Parmesan herb-crusted chicken burger was a real stand out. Deliciously moist and so big it almost spilled out the brioche bun.

TOILETS

Very clean and tidy.

VERDICT

15/20

We see from the website it’s been given a major revamp to transform it from just a local boozer. It is worthy of attention from further afield but it needs to sharpen up on the details.