The Avenue - East Lothian

Family lunch for 12 people reserved weeks before and were told we could eat upstairs in The Avenue at the time we made the booking. On arrival we were informed that the upstairs was being redecorated and that we'd have to eat in the bar. Had we been warned we would have changed our reservation. Food was a mixed bag: my calamares were not properly cooked some were practically raw. My brother had patatas bravas which were also hard and undercooked. My sister in law's salad was apparently thrown together with the most basic and cheapest ingredients. The general consensus amongst the rest of the family was just OK and average, rather than anything more positive. Such a pity as we have eaten here 7 or 8 times and the quality has always been good. I hope things improve soon.

Four of us for lunch upstairs in the restaurant on a quiet Thursday afternoon. If booking (advised), check that the upstairs restaurant is open and that the bar menu is also available upstairs as the bar can get busy and noisy. Sadly, the bar no longer serves cask conditioned beers and I had to settle for Belhaven Best, which was the least gassy beer on offer. Our food was good although tapas portions were very small for the price; mains were generous with superb chips. Staff were very friendly and helpful throughout. The decor and furnishings in the upstairs restaurant are pleasant and properly distanced. We will deifinitely eat there again.

The manager was rude, aggressive, and threatening when we tried to leave because they did not have the drinks we requested or allow us to order from the regular menu instead of the tapas menu. One person in our group had dietary restrictions that could have been accommodated with the regular menu. We do not plan on returning to this restaurant while this individual is still in charge. Additionally, our drink order was completely incorrect and the staff was unable to provide us with what we asked for.

After reading about the a la carte restaurant in our local Toun Cryer magazine we thought we 'd give it a try. Phoned to book a table for 4, when we arrived we were directed to a seating area in the open bar. Restaurant wasn 't open, only bar menu available. I wish we 'd been told this when we phoned to book, we 'd have gone elsewhere! There is no separation from the bar a loud juke box, 2 tv 's showing different things. 'Effing ' language from customers at the bar. I 'm not against people having a good time when they 're in the pub but it doesn 't make a good experience for people trying to enjoy a family meal. Incidentally we the only people dining so were like goldfish in a bowl! Nothing at all wrong with the food we had albeit it was definitely pub grub menu and the staff were pleasant and friendly. STREAK ALE PIE

We recently dined at a newly reopened restaurant after a long period of closure. The interior upstairs felt fresh, although we would have preferred more subtle lighting. The starters were satisfactory, but my husband's steak was not the best cut and could have done without the tomato. My salmon dish was disappointing, and the desserts were average, with the cheese board lacking inspiration. Unfortunately, I fell ill an hour after returning home. I cannot pinpoint the cause, but I do not plan on returning to the restaurant anytime soon. It is a shame as they are trying to attract customers. A message to the restaurant the following day was unanswered. Overall, not the best birthday experience, I'm afraid.