"The worst pub in Britain"

"The licensing board heard that Cllr Talac alleged the hotel was "like the Black Hole of Calcutta".

A damning report, which supported the councillor?s findings, said: "The premises require major repairs, and thorough cleaning ." Lynda McGlynn, who has run the Musselburgh Arms Hotel with her husband Denis for the last eight years, said: "We couldn?t believe it when the councillor said the hotel was like the Black Hole of Calcutta - and the comment really upset our cleaning lady.

"The majority of the people who stay here are on benefit and they get what they pay for."

Despite the criticism, guests staying at the Musselburgh Arms today defended the hotel.

John McClymont, a 21-year-old road maintenance labourer from Cumbernauld, said: "It?s no palace and there is some mould, but after working for 12 hours a day I just need somewhere to crash ."

However a spokeswoman for Edinburgh and Lothians Tourist Board said: " While the Musselburgh Arms is not a member of Edinburgh and Lothians Tourist Board, such poor levels of hygiene clearly do not reflect well on the rest of the industry."

Pat O?Brien, Provost of East Lothian, previously branded the Musselburgh Arms the worst pub in Britain, following a string of violent incidents outside the premises."