After six long years of closure, a prominent North Berwick landmark has been brought spectacularly back to life.
Formerly The County Hotel, the High Street venue has reopened as The Law, following a meticulous £850,000 makeover courtesy of Heineken-owned Star Pubs, The Discovery Group – the team behind local favourite The Ship Inn – and leading Scottish firm Donaldson Construction, who delivered the ambitious refurbishment.
The reimagined space is almost unrecognisable – and that’s entirely the point. Designed to reflect the venue’s new role as a stylish, welcoming hub for locals and visitors alike,
The Law blends comfort and class with a clear nod to its East Lothian roots. Named after North Berwick Law, the extinct volcano that dominates the local skyline, the venue’s new identity threads through the interior.
Earthy tones, natural textures, and heritage-inspired materials reflect the surrounding landscape, while retained features – like the exposed stonework in the back bar – give a respectful nod to the building’s history. (Built circa 1815, The Law is a Category C listed property and once served as a post house.)
The layout has been completely reworked. The ground floor now houses two distinctive bars: a stylish front lounge geared for live sport and casual get-togethers, and a more rustic, coastal-inspired space at the rear known as The Beach Hut, complete with its own pizza oven and access to a 100-seat landscaped beer garden.
Upstairs, 11 boutique letting rooms – each named after a Scottish malt whisky – offer stays with character, while the adjacent restaurant is warm, contemporary and available for private hire.
Throughout the venue, Donaldson Construction’s craftsmanship is clear in the detailing – from structural work to the seamless integration of original features with new materials.
Food-wise, it’s all about freshly prepared pub classics, seafood specials and seasonal Scottish produce. Drinks range from cocktails to premium coffees and curated whiskies. Dogs are welcome too, with treats and meals on the menu.
Says The Law’s new general manager Donna McCallum, “I’ve lived in North Berwick for years and never dreamed one day I would run The Law. It’s great news for the town to have it open again and looking so fantastic – it’s a real asset. The whole team is excited to be welcoming people in for the first time in six years.” Discovery Group director Steven Winton adds
“The Law looks sensational, better than we ever dared hope. The local interest has been phenomenal, with people keen to have a peek at the changes. We feel fortunate to have a second site here and want The Law to add to all the town has to offer.”
Matt Dyson, Star Pubs’ operations director for Scotland: “This is our largest investment of the year in Scotland, and it’s reflected in the transformation – The Law looks amazing and completely unrecognisable inside.”