Restaurant review - The Gothenburg, Prestonpans, East Lothian
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The Gothenburg sits on the seafront in Prestonpans, East Lothian. It was constructed in 1908 and has been beautifully restored. It still runs on the “goth” principles. This means that only 5% of the profit is returned to investors and all profit in addition to this is gifted to the local community. The Goths aimed to promote temperance and staff would receive bonuses to selling soft drinks rather than alcohol. Philanthropists believed that creating a place of beauty incorporating arts and crafts would also help reduce excess consumption of alcohol.
The Goth in Prestonpans did close for several years but was purchased in 2001 by the 14th Baron of Prestongrange restored and extended to include a micro brewery but with excess profits donated to local arts projects to help regenerate the area.
Meals are served in the James Park Lounge Bistro from 12 noon. I had lunch there yesterday with my friend. The interior of the bistro is very pleasant with light wood panelling and lovely stained glass windows. I had the Steak and Ale Pie, which contains the Fowlers Ale brewed on the premises. My plate was beautifully presented with a selection of roast and duchess potatoes, broccoli, mini sweetcorn, green beans, mashed turnip and carrots. The steak was plentiful and tender and the accompanying sauce was rich and delicious. My friend had a chicken burger, again beautifully presented. The chicken breast was succulent, accompanied by various salads and chunky chips. The waitress was very pleasant and friendly. It cost £20 for the two main courses, a sparking water and a tea and a coffee.
I would recommend the restaurant as offering good quality food at at a fair price in a very relaxed, attractive environment. It’s a also great that the Bistro is open all day, so you can go in for a a meal or snack at any time.
When you walk through to the bar you can admire the painted ceiling a modern interpretation, by local artist Andrew Crummy, of the “grotesque” (in grott0 style) a combination of human, plant and animal forms, first painted 400 years earlier at Prestongrange House.
Goth Ceiling Mural by andrewtcrummy
