New pub and restaurant to feature Scottish produce and coastal flavours
Bookings are now open for The Bass & Barrel, a new pub and restaurant venue from Buzzworks in North Berwick. The establishment is set to welcome its first guests, opening on Tuesday 20th October, and will feature a new menu celebrating Scottish produce and coastal flavours. The Bass & Barrel is the result of a major seven-figure transformation of the former Nether Abbey Hotel, offering dining and 12 stylish bedrooms.
The new venue is designed as a pub and restaurant for the North Berwick community, open seven days a week, serving food from early until late. The kitchen team has developed an extensive all-day menu with fresh seafood and prime Scotch steaks at its core, alongside pub classics and family favourites.
Highlights of the menu include The Bass & Barrel’s four-person sharing Sunday roast, served with all the trimmings. Guests can also choose from dishes such as Lamb Shepherd’s Pie, Grilled Scottish Langoustines, and The Bass & Barrel’s premium fish and chips. Locally sourced lobster is also set to feature as the menu evolves with the seasons.
Scottish produce takes a central role on the menu, with Buzzworks working alongside suppliers including Edgefield Craft Butchers, whose owner is from North Berwick. The venue will showcase 28-day dry-aged meat and locally sourced seafood, reflecting its coastal setting.
David Bell, Director of Food at Buzzworks, said: “We wanted to create a menu that feels right for The Bass & Barrel and its fantastic coastal setting, but above all one that gives the local community plenty of reasons to visit time and time again. Whether you’re popping in for a morning coffee, meeting friends for lunch, enjoying a casual evening meal or celebrating a special occasion, we want there to be something for everyone throughout the day.”
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Bell added: “At the heart of it is simplicity – sourcing outstanding ingredients and preparing them exceptionally well. We’re incredibly proud to work with suppliers such as Edgefield Craft Butchers, as well as local fishmongers, to make the most of the fantastic produce available to us. The Sunday roast is going to be a real highlight. It serves four with all the trimmings and is exactly the kind of dish that gets family and friends around the table together. We want breakfast at The Bass & Barrel to be a reason to visit in its own right. We’ve focused on great Scottish produce, quality ingredients and doing the classics really well.”
Beyond main dishes, the menu also features a selection of sandwiches and lighter options for relaxed lunches, with coffee and cake available in the afternoon. For those with a sweet tooth, a chocolate bomb is offered as a dessert option. The bar will offer draught beers, local ales, a selection of wines, spirits, and classic and signature cocktails.
The Bass & Barrel is part of Buzzworks’ House Collection and has been designed by Jim Hamilton. Buzzworks stated it is a B Corp-certified business and has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For for ten consecutive years. The group operates 25 bars and restaurants across Scotland and was named Best Managed Pub Company in the UK under 51 sites at the 2025 Publican Awards.
