Angecroft Park

Melrose is certainly one of the more attractive towns in the Scottish Borders and Provender, situated down a passageway just off the main street, has become a part of its fabric now. If you're celebrating, then be sure to kick off with some Cumbrae oysters, before choosing from the selection of straightforward dishes that put prime Scottish produce front and centre. Look out, in particular, for the great use of ingredients from the local estates and producers, be it fish from the North Sea or crab and scallops caught off the coast of Orkney.

This welcoming former inn represents a return home for its self-taught Chef-Owner, who grew up in this Scottish Borders village and even worked in this place as a youngster. After a stint in New York City, he and his partner are back to run The Hoebridge as a simple, stylish restaurant serving flavour-packed, internationally influenced dishes. Quality local ingredients form the basis of the dishes, which are carefully prepared with an ambitious touch. Ebullient service adds to the welcoming feel of it all.

This historic pub – whose name references its origins – is well known as a favourite haunt of legendary Scottish poet, Robert Burns, and with over 300 whiskies available in the snug in which he held court, a drink here is a must. The vintage-style restaurant, with its Tam o’Shanter mural, is an atmospheric place to dine. The menu puts Scottish produce to the fore, and dishes are creative, modern, and full of colour and flavour.