The Auld Hoose, North Berwick  

If you've been studiously avoiding truly authentic Scottish drinking dens over the years, you'll maybe be put off by the smoked glass windows, magnificent as they are, which protect gentlemen (or ladies) from the gaze of passers by. Behind them, granted, you'll find an old fashioned locals pub, but one that was comfortable, clean, quiet and friendly when we were in. It's in a fine old building tucked up off the main drag and just stones throw from the port and a patch of beach. The pub serves just one real ale, and a number of the usual beers and lagers, whilst coffee is also available. The speciality though, is whisky, where you'll find 42 malt-whiskies to sip on or gargle with. There is no food served here. As for the decor, it basically reflects all this, there is a strong seafaring theme, the high ceiling allows some impressive old wooden whisky barrels to rest against the wall above the bar and there is a real fireplace which may or may not be the main reason for the nicotine stained walls, the air being smoke free until we arrived. If you give it a try, do ask what the letters above the clock mean, but only if you have 20p to spare.

reviewed:
27/5/2005

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

Sky TV (small screens)

function room for hire

outdoor seating

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