Walled Garden at Archerfield estate set to flourish
The Walled Garden at Archerfield estate near Dirleton is set to open with a flourish this weekend.
East Lothian’s newest visitor attraction will open to the public on Friday, March 22, after a launch the evening before for around 400 invited guests.
The Walled Garden building houses a café-bar-restaurant seating over 120, offering home-baking,lunches and dinner (from Thursday – Saturday) using local produce wherever possible, and eventually fruit and vegetables from the market garden.
The Gallery Shop will feature work from Scottish artists, makers and craftspeople, including a number from East Lothian, as well as a wide range of high quality gifts, making The Walled Garden a shopping destination as well as a foodie one. The first exhibition features a solo show from acclaimed artist Sandra Moffat.
Craft ale fans can arrange a tour of the microbrewery which will include a tasting at the 24 foot long oak bar, created by a local craftsman from a fallen tree from the estate, or in the beer garden.
The farm deli will focus on fresh produce, seafood with lobster tank and a range of gourmet foods, wines and beers, including Archerfield Fine Ales, the house brand.
Families with babies and small children will be catered for, with an outdoor play area, indoor ‘minibeast corner’ with a selection of toys and a specially devised menu.
Archerfield Estates Ltd chairman, Elly Douglas-Hamilton, is delighted with how the project has evolved. She said her father Angus, the late Duke of Hamilton, would be delighted at the outcome.
She explained: “There have been many different ideas, driven largely by my father, of how to develop and conserve the historic kitchen garden over the 40 years since we came to live here. He was passionate about the estate and its history and I think he would be delighted with the outcome. We have here a sensitive, sustainable and exciting business which we hope will encourage vistors from near and far, allowing us to share this beautiful, nature-filled part of East Lothian whilst providing employment for the local community.”
Chief Executive, Fraser Niven, commented, “There has been a tremendous amount of hard work from many people to bring this project to fruition and to see the vision become a reality is incredibly gratifying for all of us. The first glass of Archerfield Ale brewed in our own equipment was delicious for many reasons, and we foresee many future celebrations taking place in our brilliantly flexible building.”
A family day at The Walled Garden takes place on Saturday, March 23, with activities including crafts for children, pond dipping with the countryside ranger, food demonstrations and beer tastings.
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Weather for Musselburgh
Saturday 25 May 2013
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