The Old Clubhouse — Restaurant in Great Britain

#TheOldClubhouse

We hit The Old Clubhouse on a cloudy Saturday afternoon after booking a table for three adults and a toddler. The Old Clubhouse is a beautiful building with stone and American Pitch Pine interiors plus a cosy fire place. Front of house staff were friendly and polite, and we were sat in no time. Dinner area was moderately busy with a big party (family and well behaved kids), a table of two and us. We had chilli salt & pepper calamari (a bit chewy) and the chicken liver pate x 2 as starters which were adequate, problem was that toasties were a bit carbonised, oh well… Mains chosen were: pie of the day (steak & Guinness) from the day specials’ board, pot baked lamb & orzo and a cheese and tomato pizza for the kid. I usually pick from the board’s specials to give the chef a fair chance to shine, although this time was a miss, as under the lovely crusty-pastry there was a massive oxygen chamber and at its very bottom some flavourless steak pie with only 4 chunks of beef identified, very disappointing as I was really looking forward for a wholesome main meal… My mate gave his pot baked lamb & orzo a 5/10 vote… but special mention is needed for the kid’s pizza: its dough looked and tasted as compressed timber, the tomato (ketchup) and plastic fake oily mozzarella didn’t help the cause either. Everybody understands that kids need less “sophisticated” food, smaller portions, lower prices, etc. but half the size, cheaper prices shouldn’t mean/justify half the quality either. Needless to say that we (grown-ups and kid) tasted it and send the chef to summer school… The Pros: • Good and friendly service by our server Cynthia. • Friendly atmosphere and a nice crowd. • Beautiful building and cosy interior design.

The Cons:

• The food. • Waiting 25-30 minutes between starters and mains.

Lovely place and people, but plenty room for...

I'm sorry to say that the Old Clubhouse seems to be on a bit of a low at the moment. The last few times we've gone in, the service has been pretty nonexistent. Yes, we get our order taken at the table (just try ordering at the bar out of desperation - you'll soon be put in your place!) but otherwise this is now a pretty dreary experience. Run down (rips on the seats), very pared back menu, staff happy to chat to themselves and the locals to the exclusion of other guests. The overweight waitress needs a special mention for placing a notice on our table (while we're sitting eating) that the table is reserved in a few hours time. Not a word said. Just plonked down. A fairly standard example of those famous East Lothian weird manners, but pretty rude, totally unnecessary and sums this place up perfectly. She's done it the last 3 times we've been there. Hint: maybe place the notice on the table when you're cleaning up,...

We first walked into The Old Clubhouse in February and since then it has become our local. Absolutely love the food served, always fresh and tasty and never changes you get what you order. Have a pint or even a half pint if you not up to a whole pint. Staff are just wonderful and have become a second family to us. The Loaded Nachos is a delight but do so recommend you come hungry as it’s a super large portion and more than filling. Fish and Chips (Large or Small portion) and the Angus Burger (always add the cheese & bacon) and chips are a treat which must not be missed. The fireplace in winter is a warmer for all and just adds to the already warm atmosphere of all who wander on in. The bar is Not a stand up bar so note you will have to be seated to order a drink or two. I would highly recommend...