About Dukes of West Barns
It all started in Autumn 2022 when Chris and Robyn were quietly on the lookout for something (or somewhere) special to house a fine art gallery and workshop space alongside a café with sister, Sophie. This is when we came across the former West Barns Inn. Although the prospect was bigger than we had ever dreamt of, we fell in love with the building and all its potential immediately. From then on, Sophie and the rest of the Sleighs were sold. It quickly became a venture with the entire family involved. Renovations of the former pub have been extensive in the hope of bringing the building back to it’s former, more traditional glory.
Engagement with the local community and local artists started right from the beginning. This has resulted in a truly unique site consisting of;
➡ Dukes Café Bistro offering the very best high quality, local produce in a family friendly environment
➡ Dukes Fine Art Gallery showcasing an abundance of Scottish contemporary art
➡ High quality artist studios home to a dynamic range of artists and creators
➡ A dedicated space for workshops and classes
As a family run venture, we value the importance of bringing people together. We hope Dukes of West Barns will bring opportunities and positive experiences to all who visit, from local residents to those visiting the area from further afield.
MEET THE TEAM
SOPHIE
The social butterfly and foodie mastermind behind the success of the café bistro. Working along side the Lomond Leisure Group, Sophie has created a truly special environment with mouth watering menus for all to enjoy. Although Sophie has a background in cooking, Sophie’s main passion is people and building relationships with all who walk through the door. For this reason, you’ll find Sophie front of house whilst overseeing the amazing work of Lomond Leisure Group in the kitchen.
ROBYN
The creator and curator of all things creative at Dukes of West Barns. Robyn manages the fine art gallery, bringing together an eclectic mix of Scottish artists, from abstract interpretations of the Scottish landscape to playful and fun loving still life depictions. Robyn also coordinates the workshops and classes on offer to provide a breadth of opportunities within the visual arts. With this connection to the creative community, Robyn provides an important link with the resident artists accommodated in the studios at Dukes of West Barns.
CHRIS
The glue that holds everything together, Chris oversees all the endeavours at Dukes of West Barns to ensure high standards and continuity are achieved throughout. With a sense of calm but fierce passion, Chris is the risk taker and visionary for all the wonderful happenings at Dukes of West Barns.
Gilli
A painter herself and proud East Lothianer, Gilli is delighted to work in partnership with the team to offer dedicated artist studios and purposefully designed facilities to the creative community of West Barns, Dunbar and beyond. Gilli loves meeting and getting to know current and prospective resident artists as they join us in their artistic endeavours, allowing connections and possibilities to grow in our ever evolving creative community.
We promise, it’s worth a read.