Local Insights: Where to Pick Up the Good Stuff
One of the best things about East Lothian is its incredible local retailers and suppliers, serving up world-class produce just minutes from the door. This is a guide to some of the very best, so readers can discover and enjoy them just as much as the locals do.
East Lothian is full of excellent options when it comes to fresh, artisan, local produce. Whether you’re cooking a special dinner or simply treating yourself, here are six of our favourite places to shop – each with their own character, stories, and “must try” item.
1. Foraging Goat, Haddington
Address: 65 High Street, Haddington, EH41 3ED
Instagram / Social: @foraginggoat
Who They Are
An artisan larder, offering a rotating, seasonal range of goods and home-cooked meals. They forage the local area for small-batch producers, capturing East Lothian’s diversity of flavours. You’ll find fresh coffee, handmade sausage rolls, fruit & vegetables, preserves, dressings, ready meals and more.
What Makes Them Unique
- Zero-waste and upcycling approach – nothing goes to waste.
- Commitment to local, independent producers, many of whom you might not see elsewhere.
- They combine a larder, deli, and occasional ready-meal offerings – a hybrid model that keeps things fresh and surprising.
Must Try Item: Their chilli sauce was fantastic – try it on anything from eggs to sandwiches.
2. The Brand Family Larder (East Fortune Farm)
Address: East Fortune Farm, East Fortune, North Berwick, East Lothian, EH39 5BT
Instagram / Social: @brandeastfortune
Who They Are
This family farm-turned-larder sells their own home-reared pork, lamb, and freshly laid eggs, as well as a wide selection of local produce (breads, jams, dairy, vegetables, charcuterie).
What Makes Them Unique
- Much of what’s sold is reared or grown by the Brand family themselves.
- They have a strong reputation for ethical standards in livestock rearing.
- They’ve been known to swap a bucket of apples for a packet of bacon!
Must Try Item: Their home-cured bacon / sausages are our favourites.
3. Belhaven Smoke House, Belhaven, Dunbar
Address: Beltonford, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1ST
Instagram / Social: @belhavensmokehouse
Who They Are
Belhaven Smoke House is a specialist smokehouse, working in traditional methods to cure and smoke fish (particularly salmon and trout) over oak. They also produce smoked cheese and butter, bringing a twist to dairy products.
What Makes Them Unique
- Artisanal smoking over oak gives depth and character to their products.
- They combine fish and dairy smoking to deliver unusual flavour combinations.
- Their proximity to the sea’s bounty gives them access to fresher raw material.
Must Try Item
It may sound like a boring choice but their original oak-smoked salmon is a signature you shouldn’t miss.
4. Linton Butchers, East Linton
Address: 12-14 High Street, East Linton, EH40 3AB
Who They Are
Linton Butchers is a traditional local butcher serving East Linton and the surrounding area. They stock beef, game, poultry, cooked meats, specialty cuts and seasonal offerings.
What Makes Them Unique
- Their local reputation for knowledgeable, tailor-made service (you can request cut preferences, ask for advice).
- They support local farms and include more niche meats when possible.
Must Try Item
Try one of their many flavours of artisan sausages – couldn’t choose one… they’re all great.
5. The Cheese Lady (Haddington & North Berwick)
Address: 3 Court Street, Haddington, EH41 3JD & 2A Church Road, North Berwick, East Lothian, EH41 3JD
Instagram / Social: @thecheeseladyuk
Who They Are
This is an artisan cheesemonger with a curated selection of farmhouse and artisan cheeses from Scotland, the UK, and Europe. They also stock condiments, accompaniments, and often run tastings or educational events.
What Makes Them Unique
- The founder is a cheesemonger and cheese educator, deeply passionate about flavour and provenance.
- Strong focus on farmhouse and lesser-known cheeses, not just the mainstream.
- They combine retail with a tasting experience – ideal for curious food lovers.
Must Try Item
Ask for a curated cheese board or a Scottish farmhouse cheese you haven’t tried before (they’ll guide you).
6. Belhaven Lobster, Dunbar
Address: Fisherman’s Stores, Victoria Harbour, Dunbar, EH42 1HX
Instagram / Social: @belhavenlobster
About & What They Sell
Belhaven Lobster is a harbour-side shellfish business landing their own catch. They sell live lobster, crabs, and other shellfish (depending on availability), often direct to customers from their store and via collection orders.
Who They Are
- The freshness is unmatched – the seafood is literally caught and sold on-site.
- They use on-site sea-water storage to keep shellfish alive and in prime condition.
Must Try Item
A fresh live lobster or their top shellfish pick that day.
Conclusion
Living in East Lothian means being spoiled for choice when it comes to local food. We love exploring these shops and sampling what’s fresh and in season. If you’re visiting, drop in to a few, stock up on great ingredients, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal – ideally in one of our Hames!
