Closed since the summer of 2019, The County Hotel in North Berwick is to be reopened this autumn as The Law, under the auspices of a new arrangement between Star Pubs and the Discovery Group.
The two companies are now embarking on a joint £850,000 refurbishment of the property, which will become the sixteenth in the Discovery Group’s portfolio across northern England and Scotland, and its first long-term lease with Star Pubs.
Works start this week on the Category C listed building, with The Law expected to reopen by early-September, creating 25 new jobs as a ‘top-quality family and dog-friendly venue’ designed to appeal to local residents and the town’s many visitors alike.
The refurbished business will have two separate bars, a restaurant with a bar, function space, 11 ensuite letting rooms and a 100-seater garden to the rear. It is being renamed The Law after the nearby landmark North Berwick hill.
A major part of the project concerns improving the venue’s internal layout to maximise covers and income streams.
On completion, the downstairs will have a contemporary new bar at the front with screens showing sports like golf and rugby.
A former stable at the back will be turned into a second bar overlooking the garden, complete with a pizza oven. Available for private hire, that room will have a modern design that emphasises original features, such as the old stable doors, beams and stone walls.
The two floors above will house a restaurant that can accommodate private functions, plus letting rooms.
It is intended that The Law will serve freshly prepared food throughout the day from breakfast and morning coffee & cake through to afternoon teas and dinner, with a menu including pub favourites and à la carte specials.
The drinks selection will span barista-quality coffee, real ales and cocktails through to a selection of premium wines, whiskies and spirits, many from Scotland.
The Discovery Group is eyeing further expansion on the eastern side of Scotland’s Central Belt, where it currently has eight sites. Of particular interest are leased hotels and bars that, with investment, have the potential to be relaunched as more premium venues.
Discovery Group director Steven Winton said: “All our sites to date are leased and we expect that to continue. We like the partnership aspect, and the support leasing brings from financial investment through to resources such as marketing and training.
“We’ve been very impressed with the professionalism and knowledge of the Star Pubs’ team; it’s given us the confidence to make a substantial investment with them in The County Hotel.”
Star Pubs operations director for Scotland Matt Dyson added: “We’re delighted to be working with the Discovery Group to bring The County Hotel back to life.
“They’ve got a reputation for outstanding food, drink and service and, with a successful pub in the town already, they understand what residents and North Berwick’s many visitors want.
“We’re giving the refurbishment the works; it’s a massive investment and The Law will look fantastic.”
