Top Things to do in Scottish Borders
9 Food & Drink in Scottish Borders That You Shouldn't Miss
A short distance from Edinburgh is a landscape strewn with sturdy hill forts, ancient castles and ruined abbeys that hints at the tumult of the past. It's quite at odds with the picturesque rolling, if windswept, sheep-studded hills and quiet valleys that make all seem agreeably placid to today’s visitor. At its heart are the ruins of four medieval abbeys with Jedburgh, the most complete, the best to visit first for its insights into monastic life. Of the others, Melrose is both the pick of the bunch, and also close to Abbotsford, the sometime home of the Romantic novelist Sir Walter Scott, and a splendid receptacle for his engrossing collection of historical curios. There are fine country houses to visit, notably Mellerstain for its exquisite Robert Adam interiors, and Manderston, the enjoyable swan song of the Edwardian Country House. Anglers should note that the River Tweed is also one of Scotland’s finest salmon-fishing rivers.
Restaurants in Scottish Borders
1. Broughton Ales
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By DigbyWestMidlands
OMG, believe me, I am, let’s say, a ‘connoisseur ‘ of beer, having spent the last 48 years drinking everything from Banks’s mild to Jaipur. Until now, my #1 beer of all time was the 3 Tuns XXX from Bishops Castle until stumbling across the Broughton brewery on a business trip to Scotland earlier this year. Initially, I purchased a selection of lighter IPA’s and quickly realised that the 6.2% IPA was the dogs bol**cks. I went on to order a further case of 12 bottles on line and am about to order a further consignment. CAMRA, please take this review seriously and rate this beer and brewery for what it is, i,e, one the best, if not, THE best micro breweries around. I am truly hooked !!!
2. Tempest Brewing Co.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
From our brewery in the heart of the Scottish Borders, we create unique, well-made beers that we love to drink ourselves. We have a relentless dedication to quality, and commitment to fresh, flavour-led beer. Come along and enjoy our Tap Sessions every Saturday from 12pm-6pm, or book a brewery tour via our website!
3. Tempest Brew Co
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
From a garage in New Zealand to one of Scotland’s most revered cult breweries to one of the top 100 breweries in the world (RateBeer). Tempest is a triumph of a relentless dedication to quality and consistency; creating beers that are big on flavour. Located in the stunning Scottish Borders, our brewery, taproom and shop is a five minute walk from Tweedbank train station (1hr from Edinburgh)
4. The Borders Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 84 reviews
The Borders Distillery® opened in March 2018 – the first Scotch Whisky distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837. We’re dedicated to capturing the true spirit of the Borders, and bringing whisky-making back to the region. Our hometown, Hawick, has a famous history of manufacturing, where cashmere is king and where tweed was invented. There is a spirit of industry and enterprise in the town that inspires us in everything we do. The distillery is in a landmark building in the centre of town, making us both familiar and new. Occupying the site of the former Hawick Urban Electrical Company, we undertook a complete and careful renovation of the building, turning it into a fully functioning distillery. With an attention to detail and acknowledgement of the building’s history, every tiny detail has been covered. From the restoration of the original 1930 crane, to the lead welded windows, we are immensely proud of every bit of the renovation. Visit us, and see it for yourself.
Reviewed By AnnB623 - Bristol, United Kingdom
We pre-booked a small group tour for our family group at this new Borders distillery, and were lucky enough to be shown around personally by their distiller, Robyn! Her passion, enthusiasm and knowledge shone through from the start in her engaging style and we had a brilliant tour around the wonderfully renovated industrial building. Sadly the distillery wasn’t in operation as they are awaiting storage space construction, held up by Covid 19, but Robyn brought the process alive for us and it was a fascinating, personal and most enjoyable visit. The bar at the end had a great photo exhibition, and was the venue for our included tasting session...... really delicious William Kerr’s gin and Puffing Billy vodka made on site, and their Clan Fraser blended whisky. We loved our tour, and couldn’t resist purchasing some of the spirits and other goodies in the friendly and beautiful shop. A most enjoyable visit. Thank you!
5. 1881 Distillery & Gin School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
1881 Gin Distillery is a newly opened Distillery based down in the Scottish borders, Situated in the town of Peebles. What makes 1881 special is the mineral rich spring water we use to produce our core gin range. The same water source that was used when the Peebles Hyrdo hotel originally opened its doors in 1881. We also offer 1hr tastings & 2 and 3hr Gin making experiences (Thurs-Sun).
Reviewed By Monstervan
We discovered the 1881 Distillery and Gin School accidentally while out on a walk and decided to book an experience. What a fabulous afternoon. Everything was just so perfect and well done and it was a huge amount of fun making your own Gin while learning the history behind the hotel and the 1881 distillery. Due to Covid we were a small group but it was really lovely and we had a wonderful afternoon. This is an experience that I would really recommend in a lovely hotel. Staying over would be well worth it.
6. Cocoa Black Chocolate & Pastry School
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Run by UK World Chocolate Master & UK Confectioner of the Year, Ruth Hinks, Cocoa Black offers a wide range of Chocolate & Pastry classes suitable for all levels of experience. As one of Europe's leading Chocolate and Pastry schools, we teach our students using the very best ingredients and equipment in our purpose-fitted kitchen.
Reviewed By WymeswoldOFB
We stopped for coffee and cake whilst touring. We only popped in as it started to pour with rain but it was an inspired choice. Lovely coffee and great cakes. I had to exercise great self restraint not to over indulge. Lovely place for an hour's stop.
7. Kelso Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
8. 1881 Distillery
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 2 reviews
1881 is a gin distilled with local botanicals, and made with water drawn from a private spring at Peebles Hydro. What’s behind the name? Well, 1881 saw the opening of the grand Peebles Hydropathic Establishment.
9. Marmions place
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
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