Bessie Bar

Culross is a truly beautiful place, the buildings, the flowers, the cobbles, the nooks, the crannies and the Old Malt House, now the Bessie Bar Tearoom run by the National Trust. On entering you go through a low door in what feels like the cellar area of the orange building, and enter a disappointingly functional space with wood panelled walls and a low ceiling. Other than the window recesses there are no original features.

The food was the usual fare of soup, sandwiches, toasties and a daily special. The cakes had a distinctly Scottish feel with Selkirk Bannock, Black Bun, shortbread and the like, laid out on a side board that mostly comprised end bits and thus led to a questioning of the freshness. I know all things must come to an end but you feel that they could have mixed them with a few fresh beginnings. The scone I had stayed with me for some considerable time though Mr B’s Black Bun was 'fine'.

The toilets are outside, I mean you have to go outside to get to them, passing the rubbish area at the same time.

On the whole this was disappointing, a group of Italian visitors seemed of the same opinion. No attempt at atmosphere, just a facility.

Why would I go there? You might like the idea of dining in the cellar of the Bishop's Palace.

Any Negatives? Utilitarian rather than aesthetically pleasing.

Before or After:
1. The town itself provides plenty of exercise as you explore. A designated route might ensure you see all of it though.
2. Along the front there is a walk way which extends west and east. This also is very pleasant especially if the tide is in.

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