The Castle Inn Bar & Bistro in East Lothian

Fantastic food. The venison loin was delicious. Friendly, efficient service too. Great bar as well with a good whisky selection. Highly recommended!

We had a large family meal here with kids aswell. One of our family was in a wheelchair which was no problem as access is good. We were given our own room which we were allowed to decorate with balloons and play our own music and with access to the garden was perfect for the young ones. They did a kids menu which the kids loved. Our meal was beautiful and was all served together. The staff were lovely and could not be more helpful or accommodating. Would definitely recommend for a large get together

Great hospitality and service by Cormac and his team! Great food and drinks including breakfast. A perfect place to stay when playing several golfcourses just around the corner.

Absolutely amazing meal ! Local venison, partridge and the steak pie was to die for. Surprised that all of the fish and chips are gluten free. Will definitely be back ! Thank you to all the great staff for a birthday meal to remember !

Live locally, went out with family to celebrate a new addition to the family. Food and service was pretty good. What got my goat was when we asked for our kids pastas to be put in a doggy bag, they came with tubs with a fraction of what was left on their plates. Just plain weird. When going to pay at the bar, we were told to wait in the seating area. There was no one in the place, very weird and rude behaviour. Will need to be dragged back. Shame

The Sunday roast boasted sirloin of beef so I went for that. I was sorely disappointed at the quality of the beef. Sadly the vegetables also left me unimpressed, carrots and green beans.... no parsnip, neeps, cabbage and the peas were just peas. Other plates on our table contained some of the aforementioned veggies, not very consistent.

We go to the Castle Inn regularly for food and it is always great. The food is always delicious. Particularly the fish and chips! We really like to try their specials board which changes often. This always keeps things interesting! Really lovely staff who always try to help as much as they can with our two young children

Fantastic staff, fantastic food. Soup was amazing along with the steak pie and haggis. Lamb was wonderful. Best meal we’ve had in Scotland to date. We will be back!! Thank you!!

Great service! Spectacular food. The ambiance is warm and authentic. We will be back from Tunisia to visit our friends at The Castle Inn. A true culinary experience.

One of the best meals I've had in a long time and the service was fun. Try the steak pie!! Just happened upon this place after touring nearby castle. Highly recommend.

Visited for Sunday lunch in the bar. Took 40 minutes from order to serving our food, it wasn’t massively busy. When my burger finally arrived, it was burnt and very dry. The waiter asked if all was ok, when I related that to him, he just ignored my comments and asked if we wanted desserts! Lots of better places to eat in East Lothian than here.

Really disappointing. Paid nearly £100 for two courses each for three people and two drinks between us. We had to ask four or five times for a basic sauce. Finally delivered with no apology. Prawn cocktail clearly from a packet and didn’t look or taste appetising. Bread was generic and cheap. Roasts were tasteless and unappetising. Veg clearly frozen and reheated from a bag. Just awful and totally ripped off. No atmosphere inside , dark and depressing . Really haven’t had a meal as bad as this for some time. Just no care or consideration. Bistro gravy poured on the plate Like something from the seventies. When we complained they said there was nothing they could do. Staff were friendly but that’s all I can say . Soup was nice.

Called into this lovely place for a quick pint whilst on holiday. Saw the food passing me by and it looked top notch with the specials advertising lots of local choice. Front if house top notch with the gent on the bar showing cracking customer service. Didn't stay for food but the beer was well kept and tasty with loads of choice.

very nice and war wee place. Portions huge, I not even had my half Lasagne as it was so big, lovely staff, nice atmosphere.

Had a nights b and b plus dinner. Great pub in a good location. All staff were great but especially young Sam. What a all rounder her was, a Little gem

Having had lots of good meals in the Restaurant I was not happy going for dinner with friends at night to find a lot of main courses were off the menu and that there was only 1 dessert instead of it's usual good selection I also found staff not very helpful

On a recent business trip I was taken to this great pub just outside Edinburgh. Cosy vibe, friendly greeting and most importantly great food. Fish n Chips made from the best gluten free batter that’s ever passed my lips! Only a short visit but one well worth it if you’re ever close by.

Visited for Sunday lunch, although have visited many times before. The beef was absolutely gorgeous with perfectly rendered fat and the gravy was fantastic too! 10/10

This place is a regular haunt for me and the family. Customer service is fantastic. Food is fresh, tasty and good portions etc. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Looking forward to having the venison casserole with mash & gravy. Only 2 portions left which threw me into a quandary as I let my parents have the final 2. No chicken, salmon, haggis or black pudding on the menu. Ordered the venison burger but not a burger fan but wanted venison. It arrived in an orange additive long dated brioche bun which are too sweet, over fried chips & heaps of bland baby gem lettuce. I asked for gravy to go with the burger as it was dry. It’s burger that’s how it is I was told. Worst of all I learnt that when they finished the venison I wanted they put up Venison pie and mash. I would have loved this but this wasn’t suggested. The gravy never arrived and a portion of mash didn’t either which I asked for. I won’t be back.

Had a lovely meat for 2 last week. The food was well presented and delicious, as well as very reasonably priced for such a nice cut of beef and the Lemon sole special. Will definitely be back for more 👍

This Inn was recommended by a fellow dog owner/caravanner. We popped over from Dunbar campsite (with four French bulldogs) and found they were super dog friendly indoors/outdoors! In the beer garden/courtyard we were welcomed by a lovely guy who came out with fresh water bowl and biscuits for the dogs. Following on from him, a lovely, chatty waitress (who complimented my snaffle bracelet, she also had horses). The menu was varied and we picked the Cajun chicken burger and cod/tomato and potatoes. It was perfect food! Whoever they have as a chef was spot on with the cooking..even the side of coleslaw was amazing. Service was good too. Although we take a blanket and our dogs are trained to stay put, what would be handy is a hook somewhere on the wooden benches to loop leads over?! Highly recommend the place.

Horrible service.. had to bus our table, arrived at 7 pm ordered dinner, 2 hours later they told us the kitchen was closed, and they wouldn’t fulfill our dinner order…. Eat elsewhere… what a shame..

What a great find. We were a family of 17 and they managed to take us a very short notice. The staff were attentive and food was great. Would definitely recommend the baked cod and pesto and Cullen skink. Will definitely be back…,

Made to feel like it was too much effort to even take a drinks order… the touch of sarcasm wasn’t welcomed . Won’t be returning.

We can never fault our favourite little bar restaurant.The staff are always more than happy to help with anything.Food was absolutely out of this world as per usual. Thanks to Celia,Cormack and the rest of the team for making our wedding day so special,you guys are the best. From Graeme and Jo xxx

Booked our table for 5pm with our 3 doggies absolutely brilliant food and so friendly .. service was excellent.. was busy as the golf tournament was on ..a lovely place

Absolutely amazing service. 10 out of 10. From moment we arrived til we left..friendly, attentive gard working staff. Menu was lovely. Food was very tasty, excellent presentation and hot! Can not fault anything. Thank you

Stunning country pub with beautiful food, great wine list, service and settings. We visited after some friends suggested trying the food. We had the specials “ soup” which was outstanding - plus the lemon sole with crab stuffing and a Prosecco and cream sauce . Pure bliss ! Definitely recommend trying their specials 10/10

Very pleasing surroundings. Staff were brilliant and the lassie waiting on tables was exceptionally pleasant and very helpful with allergy concerns. Good parking although not a great deal. Food was great, nicely presented and good value. Nice menu choice. Good selection of drinks. We did book although probably didn't need to. However, at busier times booking would be essential as this is a popular place with locals as well as visitors. Will definitely go again next time we are in Dirleton

We decided to pop in on the off chance, we were greeted by staff and they were extremely polite and friendly, as what we were looking for we said drinks first then lunch, we said in the beer garden, which is very spacious,clean and well equipped, non off those flimsy patio furniture,it's well sturdy and clean, so we were well served we got our drinks, then offered some menus, they have there everyday menu which has a great selection, and a special board for that day, cause we were there on Sunday there was a Sunday roast, my husband had pea and mint soup, and this was delicious, we both asked for a roast dinner, there beef and pork which is very unusual to see so we had 1 off each, we were shocked when the roast came, they were amazing and I mean AMAZING 🤩. the Yorkshire pudding was huge and loads off meat,veg and roast potatoes, top quality food . we had a roast a few weeks earlier in a different restaurant in the next town this was no where near the standard/ quality we got today , we left nothing on our plate and we were stuffed . if I could give more that 5 stars I would .. we had pudding also, we had a cheese cake and wow this was light and MOREISH 😋😋. I could have had another bit, .. So from start to finish we had amazing time staff are excellent Food IS OUTSTANDING Nice and clean inside and out keep up the good work.... we will be back...

Used to visit here quite regularly under the previous owners, good atmosphere, great food and service, however after hearing the news of the owners moving on I was unconsciously stubborn about visiting again. One day the wife and I had plans cancelled suddenly so we were left with nothing to do so my wife (HER FAULT) suggested we go try the castle, I had no reason to oppose obviously even tho I understand the owners and the head chef are no longer there, you would assume the standards they set would be followed. When we arrived we were actually quite excited since it had been so long however we were shocked when we entered into an empty dining area and bar with only a couple people at the end with drinks, greeted by someone with the most mundane attitude, almost like they are bored. I started with the pate which was my favourites here but this time it was different, anywhere else and I would say it was okay but for being this place it didn’t really deliver my expectations, also had a little bit of a funky taste to it (maybe on its last days) but I didn’t ask cause I could’ve been scared by the answer. My next course was the famous steak pie, oh how I’ve missed it. I once even spoke to the sous chef who made it to try get his recipe, a nice friendly polish guy. Again.. just not hitting the mark. I can’t really fault it though, because it was a decent steak pie, however it tastes more like a green king product than a special meal. Desserts were outstanding though, cheesecake was so tasty and presented well, nice to see some things don’t change! All in all we probably won’t be back in a hurry but wouldn’t give it a miss if we are in the area either but long are the days we’d go out our way to come here unfortunately. I now also realise that my wife may be very knowledgeable and wise but I don’t think I’ll be taking her suggestions on eateries again. However if they get the recipe of the old steak pie from the previous chefs I’ll be there every day!!

A warm welcome, great food and accommodation Couldn’t ask for more, travelling for work and found the absolute gem of a place, The freshly cooked food is outstanding, and great value, the rooms very clean and comfortable, and the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming

Great dog friendly place , great food and ambiance with cosy coal fire and wonderful staff . We’ve been before and with room’s being refurbished, it was a pleasant experience

Delicious plates of freshly cooked, locally sourced food. Excellent value for money and good portions. A nice range of food on offer with a specials board alongside the regular menu. Staff were lovely. We will return and would definitely recommend.

Excellent find, worth turning off the A1 for!! We were driving north and searching for a oin lunch this did not disappoint. We called ahead as it was Sunday lunch and a table was available for us. The food is excellent homecooked quality produce. The...

Came here for our anniversary - have never been before and wanted to try out a new restaurant 'what a find ' excellent food and service, quality produce and generous portions thanks a million

My God these people have got it right! The location gives them an instant advantage, set as it is in the beautiful village of Dirleton. The Inn itself is a stunning venue, well maintained inside and out, with an excellent well-balanced environment that seamlessly blends...

Exceptional service and a wonderful spread set out for a post wedding brunch to complete a great weekend. Delicious buffet that all the guests thoroughly appreciated.

Excellent food and service. Would recommend to anyone looking for great food at a reasonable price 4 meals all happy 10 out of 10

Just come back from lunch at the castle inn dirleton, food was enjoyable and person who served us was friendly, cannot say the same about the owner. He spoke at length to 2 different couples went passed us and gave us a dirty look. Not...

We were up for The Scottish Open for a couple of days, and found this lovely little Inn purely by chance online, with availability!…..and only a twenty minute walk to the course! Ok, possibly the room wasn’t worth the price we paid, however it was...

Just out for an amazing meal with my husband at The Castle Inn Dirleton . Salmon and Crab Roulade to start followed by Lobster Thermidor finished with Eton Mess mmmmm We ate in the dining room and was served by the lovely Aiysha. The staff...

As lovely as ever. Fantastic local produce, venison and great veg to accompany food. Hubby had venison liver, I had venison burger, dad had parmesan chicken

It’s becoming out ‘go to’ restaurant as the food and service is consistently good. It would be even better if they offered more dishes for vegetarians.

I hadn’t been for a meal in Dirleton for a while, but I had memories of this being the best place I’d been to before. It even surpassed those expectations. The food is skilfully cooked (we had chicken & venison burgers) and tastes wonderful. Staff...

Early dinner with five wee ones and three adults. Staff could not have been more friendly and accommodating, gent at the bar engaged with the kids right away and continued to do so which they really enjoyed. Food lovey - pate and sea bass for...

We made a point of visiting here again as came last year for lunch and had the absolutely fantastic Cullen Skink. Pleased to report it was still on the menu a year later. This pub is brilliant, staff are so friendly and accommodating and our...

Just been for a late lunch with my mum sat out the back the food was fresh it was amazing really enjoyed it staff were amazing lots to choose from would defenetly recommend this place to any one

We really enjoyed our dinner here. The food was great and the staff was as well. Great service and gave good recommendations for food and drinks. If you are in the area, make a stop here.

Very enjoyable meal in the bar area where staff were very friendly and welcoming. Appreciated being able to bring our dog - little dog treats left on the table for our arrival which was a nice touch.

We enjoyed a fabulous meal for my birthday. The fish was cooked to perfection as was the venison which my husband ordered. The sticky toffee pudding was delicious, the best I'd ever had. Aiysha made us very welcome and we had a lovely area reserved...

Had a fantastic evening meal here. We hadn’t booked and managed to get a table along with our dog. Staff were so attentive and the food was amazing. Would definitely visit here again next time we were visiting the area.

Stopped off for a snack and a drink . Staff were amazing - really friendly and helpful. An old style pub with a lovely atmosphere. The snack was tasty and easily washed down by a few cold pints of cider . Bathroom was very clean...

I took my family to the Castle Inn for lunch as we had been staying in a hotel nearby the night before. A friend had recommended it to us for lunch and it was great. Dirleton is a stunning little village, shame the castle was...

Friday night dinner visit as we were staying nearby. It was a bit of a disaster. Starters arrived OK but 3/4 of an hour later still no mains. The couples next to us had their mains. Nothing but "they'll be her soon" etc. Walked out....

Went to the castle after a long freezing cold walk with friends and dogs on the beach. We were all welcomed sandy dogs and vegan friends alike ! Wonderful meal and service would highly recommend

What a great place. Amazing food and super smooth service. Very good specials board packed with everything you want. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Cooking was excellent. Seasonal vegetables at other places are sometimes an ordeal but here they were excellent. Lovely herbs and...

Have visited the Castle Inn on a few occasions and whether in for a refreshment, lunch or dinner, I’ve always found the place to be the most welcoming of places to relax. Great food and staff who care about what they do and really look...

The food was superb.My sister and I stayed two nights and enjoyed everything. On the first night,I had venison bourguignon and on the second haddock and chips.I cannot remember what my sister ate on the Tuesday,but on the second night she had haggis neeps and...

Tried a few places before we got a table here but so glad we did, best meal I have had in a long time so tasty, I had Loin Of Venison, delicious. Reasonable price, lovely atmosphere and friendly staff. We will be certainly be back.

We had lunch today for my father in law’s 92nd birthday. It was delightful. All of the staff are so good and the food was delicious. There was plenty of choice, so much so I didn’t know what to order. My husband and I both...

Wonderful birthday lunch for my mother in law in a wild and wet winters day a wonderful warm welcome in every way. Mouth watering comfort food of very high quality and the warmest of welcomes from the staff. Cost bar with fire and the best...

A great stay at the Castle Inn. A great meal , venison pie mash and fresh vegies . Friendly staff ,and a cheery bar. Big bedroom and bathroom . Warm and very clean. What more do you need? Hope to be back.

Fantastic food, great service and dog friendly! We stayed at Yellowcraig Caravan Park on our way from Yorkshire to do the North Coast 500. We visited based on Trip Advisor reviews and wasn’t disappointed. We arrived without a booking and luckily able to get a...

We stayed at the hotel for the weekend, had a great time. Food is first class, dined in the restaurant both nights and tremendous value but genuinely excellent cooking. Steak pie, triple cooked chips, duck, fish, desserts all very good. The staff were all friendly...

We have been here a few times while visiting the castle. Very picturesque village. Good service and choice of menu.

My partner and myself took our youngest out for lunch at the castle Inn. It was our first time there it was homely clean and very friendly the staff couldn't be anymore helpful. The food was outstanding I would highly recommend this place if anyone...

Stayed at yellowcraigs caravan park and looked for somewhere nice for a treat dinner. We were not disappointed with our choice…. Booking was essential but easy and from the moment we arrived the service was first class. Small but varied menu done exceptionally well. We...

We visited on Saturday evening with our dog, last minute booking & so happy we got a table. We both had the vegetarian options and dessert, everything was delicious, great service & the best Chardonnay that I have ever got in a restaurant yet. We...

Delicious haddock and chips and vegetarian tarte with parmesan sauce was amazing. Staff friendly and large beer garden

We stayed in a family room for 2 nights whilst attending the Scottish Open. The hotel is located in beautiful picturesque Direlton - walking distance to both Archerfield and Renaissance Golf Courses. On Arrival we received a warm welcome by Scott and his team. Had...

Great menu with lots of variety and creativity, really good seafood choices. The staff are friendly, helpful and attentive. Lovely atmosphere and made to feel so welcome.

We enjoyed a wonderful family meal in the Garden Room at the Castle Inn yesterday, now managed by the Findlay family, who have done so much to raise the quality of pub dining in East Lothian. Well trained and friendly staff, a warm welcome, and...

Good quality pub grub served with a smile, and at a reasonable price. Really enjoyed my fish and chips and will definately be back. Lovely big beer garden too and was lucky enough to be able to enjoy my meal in the sunshine.

Visited the beer garden at The Dirleton Inn for dinner and can only say that the quality of food ordered was exceptional. The Thai short rib on the specials menu was delicious, as was the turf n surf. Ribeye steak topped with lobster was superb...

Definitely recommend here for a Sunday lunch, fantasy quality food at a price which reflects this. Lovely decor and beer garden to the rear. Very organised and pleasant staff.

Fantastic steak pie and haddock and chips good wine and ale. Great service Definately worth a visit .

Visited in a small family group. Staff very pleasant and efficient, the chef even came out to double check with my daughter about what she had ordered - nice touch. Food excellent Thoroughly enjoyed everything. Will be back.

Table for four on a cold but dry last day of April Pleasant greeting from Jack the owner. Our waitress (sorry never got her name ) was very efficient and friendly. We order haddock n chips , cod x 2 and lobster, all very good...

We got the three course Mother's Day dinner from the Castle Inn - a lockdown treat. The pate, roast beef and yorkshire and the hake were all very good, and the sticky toffee pudding excellent. And we still have squash soup, cullen skink, risotto and...

Wood pigeon, loin of venison, pheasant spring roll, pear and apple crumble. All cooked to perfection and delicious. Host, staff, location all perfect. Highly recommended. Fourth visit this year. Every meal has been well presented and a delight to eat. Looking forward to Christmas menu.

Outstanding food and service.Duck was tender and sauce was to die for. Soda bread was incredible (ate too much of that😆) Thanks guys, will be back soon.

Lovely meal, menu limited at moment due to Covid but specials also available. Food was delicious and portions generous. Service very attentive, friendly and efficient. Would highly recommend.

These are difficult times for the hospitality industry with the awkwardness of social distancing in pubs and restaurants but the staff at the Castle Inn were outstanding. Home cooked dinners and breakfasts are standard in a good pub but the stand out here is service....

Riding aeound the coastline of North east Scotland, we pulled off and found this little gem. Was warmly greeted by the waitresses, we chose to sit outside in the rear beer garden area. Ordered the Battered Haddock, and the wife the duck. The duck was...

We have been coming to Dirleton/Yellowcraig for the past 20 years or so and always driven by the Castle Inn not stopping for even a pint. How stupid do we feel!! Today we stopped and had our dinner in the beer garden as we had...

We had phoned to ask if Balmoral Chicken was still on the menu after reading a review for them. They informed us it was not HOWEVER chef advised he would make it especially for us! The food is OUTSTANDING and so was the hospitality from...

We booked in advance for a meal. Our table was an evening booking on one of the meal discount days and during the day there had been a run on the food. By evening time there were no steaks or haddock. The Manager to his...

I visited here three days ago, My husband and I both ordered fish and chips and I also ordered liver pate and oatakes for starters. Good very palatable, the fish were huge too. Now the covid bit. When we arrived, even though we had booked...

Waited an hour for our meal - several apologies but couldnt/wouldn't explain why. Food , when it came, was fine but the whole experience soured by the wait. No offer to discount or make the experience better and overall pretty disappointed

Food lovely. Staff lovely Highly recommend and will definately be back.. warm atmosphere and relaxed mood

We had not eaten out since the pandemic began and as we are in our seventies, it was quite scary. However we were relaxed to see the staff wearing face coverings but with one exception. A waitress who was pulling her mask down to her neck as she brought out food then pulling it up as she walked back inside. Nonsensical. Waiting staff carry food at best, chest level certainly within sneezing distance. I hope restaurants in general understand to be safe it has to be thorough.The food was excellent.

Since it's been run by the new owners the standard has blown through the roof. We had only a main meal but it was so much better than when I lasted dined here 10 years ago. The village has two excellent eateries but this is by far number 1.

Popped in for a pint post lockdown, booked a table for food on the Saturday. Busy but food was excellent as was the service.

Popped in for a bite to eat after a walk along the beach. Sat in the garden to eat with some friends and the dog. Food was fab and so was the service, shout out to our waiter Jack who gave us a little discount on our Pinot (which was sooo nice). Will be back :)

We went there just as the lockdown was easing and had lunch in the beer garden. Nice looking garden. Good atmosphere. Food was really good. Home made beef burger and fish an chips. Recommended

We managed to grab four days in our caravan at Yellowcraigs, Direlton Near North Berwick. The local pub was only 1 1/2 miles from the campsite. Popped in for lunch but we were a little early so ended up starting with a coffee. Scott the new landlord had only just taken over the establishment. He made us welcome and as we were the only customers in, we had a really great chat. The menu was fantastic plus the daily specials, it was difficult to decide. We were not disappointed. The meal was well worth the wait. A well stocked bar with many drinks to choose from. Reminder. In Scotland there is zero tolerance to drink driving. Don’t even have a pint. Designated driver or leg power. Due to the C virus, the pub had to shut which means we missed out on our last meal. We will return. Steve and Leigh

We spent a few hours on a cold February day exploring Dirleton Castle and decided to stop in at the Castle Inn for a late lunch afterwards. What a find! We live in the area so this is another place to add to the list. The welcome is so friendly and it's so relaxed when you are inside. You don't feel rushed which is particularly important when kids are involved lol. The food is beautiful. Two of us had steak pie and I liked that they did a smaller version as well. They catered well for a young boy who does not like any extras on his burger, it's always an anxious time taking a fussy eater out! My other half had the fish and chips and said it was the best he has tasted in a long time. The raspberry cheesecake went down a treat too. The fresh bread straight from the oven before the meal was awesome, particularly as we were all so cold!Lovely, friendly and attentive staff who also made a real effort to interact with the kids, which is always appreciated. Looking forward to our next visit! 10/10.

Called in for a meal after a long walk. Made very welcome and had a lovely meal and drinks. Will definitely call again.