The Goth, Bathgate

The name is an abbreviation of Gothenburg and this is one of a handful of pubs in Scotland still run under the "Gothenburg System." This was developed in the Swedish city of that name with the aim of discouraging excessive drinking and the consumption of spirits. The idea was that the pubs should not be too attractive or welcoming and no credit was given and gambling was banned. The intention was that profits from alcohol sales would go to local good causes such as libraries and community projects. Although it has nothing to do with Goths in the fashion sense of the term, most of the customers were actually dressed in black. This was because I had accidentally wandered into a funeral reception. The atmosphere was, consequently, rather subdued, with no music playing and the TV switched off, although it was still open to the general public. Despite the Gothenburg ethos, I did find the pub, which consists of a single, square shaped lounge, both attractive and welcoming. A pint of Guinness cost me £3.05 and Belhaven Best, Belhaven Light, Tennent's lager and Magner's cider were also on draught.