What's the atmosphere like?
A classic former coaching inn in the heart of the Borders hills, it is renowned for its hospitality and the friendliness of villagers who drink here. In the summer the attractive beer garden is always busy. When local folk musicians are in for a session the accordions, fiddles and guitars will make you want to stay.
Describe the decor?
The comfortable lounge and dining room fill one side of the building while the rest is given over to the busy public bar with its well-worn feel and great character. It's typically rustic with a lot of gleaming copper and brass.
What about the customers?
You'll find youself chatting to villagers, including professionals who work in Selkirk, Melrose or Hawick, all just seven miles away. Farmers pop in to keep up with the local news. The bar is the hub of community life and regulars enjoy outings to places as varied as ten-pin bowling, the Edinburgh Tattoo, Kelso Show, Traquair Beer Festival, theatre and even panto. There are visits to other pubs, too, including an exchange with the Plough Inn at Yetholm and Melrose Bowling Club.
What about the staff?
It's a well-run family concern. Proprietors Kenny and Lilian Hawthorn took over at the height of the foot and mouth outbreak. Previously they managed the King's Arms in Melrose and are assisted by talented trainee chef Alastair Campbell, the minister's son from nearby Ancrum, and part- time barmaid Rita Hogg.
Is the food good?
You bet. People come from miles around to sample everything from traditional light bar lunches such as baked potatoes, baguettes (£2.00 to £3.00) and home- made soup to sirloin steak and all the trimmings (£8.95), home-made pate (£2.25) and steak & ale pie (£4.95). Theme nights are popular, too, with menus featuring Mexican, Italian and Spanish fare.
FACTS: Calder's Cream and Carlsberg Lager, £2.00; Double Diamond Pale Ale, £1.75; whisky and vodka (25ml), £1.15; wine (175ml), £1.90.
Details
01835 870271
You'll find youself chatting to villagers, including professionals who work in Selkirk, Melrose or Hawick, all just seven miles away. Farmers pop in to keep up with the local news. The bar is the hub of community life and regulars enjoy outings to places as varied as ten-pin bowling, the Edinburgh Tattoo, Kelso Show, Traquair Beer Festival, theatre and even panto. There are visits to other pubs, too, including an exchange with the Plough Inn at Yetholm and Melrose Bowling Club.
What about the staff?
It's a well-run family concern. Proprietors Kenny and Lilian Hawthorn took over at the height of the foot and mouth outbreak. Previously they managed the King's Arms in Melrose and are assisted by talented trainee chef Alastair Campbell, the minister's son from nearby Ancrum, and part- time barmaid Rita Hogg.
Is the food good?
You bet. People come from miles around to sample everything from traditional light bar lunches such as baked potatoes, baguettes (£2.00 to £3.00) and home- made soup to sirloin steak and all the trimmings (£8.95), home-made pate (£2.25) and steak & ale pie (£4.95). Theme nights are popular, too, with menus featuring Mexican, Italian and Spanish fare.
FACTS: Calder's Cream and Carlsberg Lager, £2.00; Double Diamond Pale Ale, £1.75; whisky and vodka (25ml), £1.15; wine (175ml), £1.90.
