The Golfers Rest — Restaurant in Scotland

I normally don't leave reviews, but I feel quite strongly about this one!

We visited this established last week and were greeted with quite a frosty welcome. We were informed we had to wear a face mask whilst moving around the bar (fair play as we didn't know the new rules had come in to play) but were shouted at by one of the regulars for not doing so after about 30 seconds of stepping foot through the door!

We then sat down at a table around 4 steps away from the bar, where 2 gentleman were sitting WITHOUT masks at the bar quite close to either side of the serving area (bearing in mind there is a massive sign on the bar stating 'no sitting at the bar due to Covid restrictions etc.). As I stood up and took around 2 steps, again I was shouted at by one of he Barmaids to put a mask on. When I challenged her about the two gents sitting at the bar, she claimed they were 'exempt' (quite contradictory to their own rules!). There was also another 'local' at the table next us who was moving around the bar without a mask as 'he didn't like the table he was at', but was never challenged for not wearing a mask - another exemption perhaps?!

Clearly this establishment is one rule for one and one rule for the 'regulars'.

Needless to say we did not make any purchase, but instead walked a mere 3 minutes down the road to a lovely little pub who were incredibly welcoming and actually made everyone follow the rules, including the...

TERRIFIC! For me, this place has it all. The owners, multi-award winning Brian and Carol Millar are very experienced, professional and engaging. The pub regulars are testament to that. I found the place, which is a good size, well layed out and fully covid-compliant. The price for both food and drink was very reasonable. As to comments on atmosphere, or lack thereof, in my opinion you create your own by interacting with others. The staff and regulars here were well up for a chat and a laugh. I visited on both days of my short trip and the staff welcomed my friend and I by name on our second visit! How cool is that? I felt relaxed, welcome and safe in this place. If I lived in North Berwick I would definitely become a regular here. A great pub in a cracking wee town. Highly...

My visit to the Golfers Rest was made even more special. By chance it was the the annual switching on of the Christmas lights/decorating of the tree. It was good fun to be a spectator as the locals had a bit of banter and heckled Carol(manager) as she decorated the tree with two others. It took several hours and I was drunk by he end. I hope everyone has as good an experience as me. Especially at this time of year. Note of caution: stay away from regular Allan, he is on he naughty list.

Also the lovely barmaid/ manager Karen tends to spent most time in town at GHQ. Which is a shame she is often missed. She has a hankering for a cocktail or two or three. She...