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All the United Kingdom Scotland Prestonpans The New Prestoungrange Gothenberg
AO Edited Gastro Obscura

The New Prestoungrange Gothenberg

There's more to this drinking establishment than meets the eye.

Prestonpans, Scotland

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SEANETTA ALLSASS
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This local institution has a long history.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
The names of victims of the town witch hunt are on display here.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
There’s something to see everywhere you look.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Welcome to a most unusual pub.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Locals are fiercely protective of their pub.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
The Goth is a place unlike any other.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
The memorial to women accused of witchcraft can be found outside.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
A “grotesque” mural covers the entire ceiling.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
A plaque describes the history of the totem pole outside.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Don’t forget to look up for this bizarre work of art.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Robert Knox is depicted here.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Mary, Queen of Scots is one of the historical figures on display.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Scottish Diaspora panel, 2024   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
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Anyone passing along the B1348, of the sea-side village of Prestonpans' High Street, will surely spot the eye catching structure commonly referred to as The Goth. Established in 1908, the Gothenburg, as it was originally named, was modeled after the Swedish town's temperance scheme. Several mining towns, on either coast of the Firth of Forth, offered financial incentives to landlords who provided food and non-alcoholic beverages to patrons.

A percentage of these sales would be funded back into the community. In this case, the money went to the town's annual arts festival. As a result, The Goth sports several murals adorning its walls depicting Scottish history and personalities. In the outside courtyard, there is a portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots, Presbyterian minister John Knox, as well as a depiction of 'The Battle of Prestonpans.' In the far corner are three panels with the names of all the various victims of town's witch hunt.

The pièce de résistance lies within the confines of the bar and covers the entire ceiling. What is often referred to as a "grotesque" or "garden style" mural was commissioned by the pub's owner in 2003. Scottish born artist Andrew Crummy recreated an original 16th-century ceiling that once adorned Prestongrange House with a modern twist, by incorporating many local characters in this bawdy and risqué interpretation. The genuine artwork was moved to Merchiston Tower in Edinburgh, as the lady of the house deemed it too salacious.

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Temperance Bars Pub

Know Before You Go

The New Prestongrange Gothenberg is open daily at noon. There is a parking lot located just across the street. Several bus lines serve the area from Edinburgh.

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Flavors of Scotland: Beyond the Haggis

Smoked seafood, single malt whisky, and warm hospitality.

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SEANETTA

Published

March 22, 2024

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  • https://www.scotsman.com/news/pub-revives-historic-grotesque-ceiling-2470023
The New Prestoungrange Gothenberg
227-229 High St
Prestonpans, Scotland, EH32 9BE
United Kingdom
55.957504, -2.990546
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