SETTING The Victoria Inn has been a fixture right in the heart of Haddington, since it was first built in the 1800s, and while it used to be a pub for serious drinkers only, new managers Craig and Kirsty Hunter have turned it around and transformed it into a family friendly local, serving fantastic food in restaurant, The Avenue. Of course, it’s still a great place for a few drinks and the couple has just finished renovating the rooms upstairs, offering a homely bed and breakfast service too.

FOOD It was the food that really brought me to The Avenue at The Victoria Inn. Chef Craig previously worked at The Rocks in Dunbar, so there was no doubt that we were in for a treat. The menu proudly shows off local produce to it’s best, and offers meat from a local butcher in Macmerry, fish from a merchant in Musselburgh, and they even have their own lobster man bringing in the catch from his creels twice a week.

With this in mind we choose carefully. To start, the homemade chicken liver pate (a definite favourite with regulars) is smooth and herby, set off by the oatcakes. The prawn and haggis samosas with chilli and mango dip, from the specials board, sounded too intriguing to miss. The huge samosas arrive, crisp and light, and the mango dip works extremely well with the spicy haggis. For mains, we try the stuffed haddock filet with spicy crayfish and champagne cream sauce, a delicate balance of flavours that still allows the fish to be the star of the show. The Moroccan lamb shank falls off the bone at the slightest touch and is devoured very quickly.

For dessert, the vanilla pod crème brulee comes with homemade ginger stem shortbread and the light raspberry mousse works well with a luxurious chocolate ganache. A family friendly restaurant serving delicious homemade food sourced from local ingredients – what more could you want?