Dog-friendly pub, restaurant and hotel just 30 minutes drive from Edinburgh announces opening date
The former Nether Abbey hotel in North Berwick now has an opening date and new name.
Award-winning Scottish hospitality operator Buzzworks has unveiled The Bass & Barrel as the new name for the former Nether Abbey Hotel in North Berwick, and an opening date.
The much-loved East Lothian venue will reopen on Tuesday October 20, following a significant seven-figure redevelopment, marking the latest step in Buzzworks’ move into accommodation and its growing pub, restaurant and rooms concept.
The name celebrates the venue’s location, bringing together North Berwick’s iconic Bass Rock with the barrel, one of the oldest and most recognisable symbols of the traditional public house.
Part of Buzzworks’ signature House Collection, The Bass & Barrel has been transformed into a modern and stylish pub, restaurant and rooms venue, where guests can eat, drink and stay while enjoying everything the East Lothian seaside town has to offer.
Its 12 bedrooms will provide a base for golf trips, coastal breaks and overnight stays in one of Scotland’s best-loved seaside towns.
Led by internationally-acclaimed designer Jim Hamilton, the redevelopment has transformed the venue with an open-plan pub and restaurant, while its new rooms have been designed to reflect the House Collection’s timeless, stylish and comfortable design philosophy.
This will create a modern base for staycations, family visits, golf trips and business travel, while adding to the local accommodation offer in the heart of East Lothian.
Kenny Blair, CEO at Buzzworks, said: “Announcing the name The Bass & Barrel marks a major milestone in the transformation of this much-loved North Berwick venue and brings us one step closer to welcoming guests through the doors in October.
“We wanted a name that celebrated the local area, recognised the iconic Bass Rock on our doorstep and reflected the timeless tradition of the great Scottish pub - The Bass & Barrel captures exactly that. We want The Bass & Barrel to be a place where local people can pop in for a coffee, meet for a drink, enjoy a meal or celebrate a special occasion, , while giving visitors a welcoming base from which to enjoy North Berwick and the surrounding area.
“We can't wait to open the doors and look forward to welcoming familiar faces and first-time visitors as we begin this exciting new chapter for the venue.”
Available in four room types - snug, comfy, spacious and sumptuous - each bedroom has boutique styling with thoughtful touches including premium linen, statement artwork, Roberts radios and rainfall showers, with the largest rooms also suitable for families.
Bookings for overnight stays are now available, ahead of the Bass & Barrel's official public opening on Tuesday 20 October.
Buzzworks is a B Corp-certified business and has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work for ten consecutive years. The group currently operates 25 award-winning bars and restaurants across Scotland and was named Best Managed Pub Company in the UK under 51 sites at the 2025 Publican Awards.
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