the cobbles, bowmont st, kelso

1 LOCATION

It’s right by the square in the heart of the Borders market town, tucked away in a little side street.

2 FIRST IMPRESSIONS

A white two-storey building with a woodenfloored bar downstairs, but we were ushered upstairs to the tartan-carpeted restaurant.

3 SERVICE

It really couldn’t be faulted. From the moment our bright and friendly waitress greeted us at the top of the stairs, service was absolutely spot on. Smiley, knowledgeable and an absolute credit.

4 MENU

There were various options with bar, steak and specials menus. There’s also an early supper deal with two courses for £13.45 and three for £16.95. It’s a Saturday evening so we order off the bar menu.

5 TASTE

The five-bean pate, which came in a glass jar, was smooth and delicious. The haggis bonbons were crisp and spicy. But the real stand-out was the beef, mushroom and ale pie which just melted in the mouth. Clearly homemade, the rich sauce added the final flourish.

6 PRICE

Very decent at around £20 each for three courses with the drinks reasonable, too.

7 AMBIENCE

It’s a multi-award winner and is obviously a really popular haunt so there’s a great buzz to the place, not raucous, just lively.

8 SOMETHING SPECIAL

It’s the brewery tap for the Tempest Brewing Company in nearby Galashiels, which we see was founded by a former head chef of the Cobbles. There’s a great choice and the varied craft beers really add to the fresh local character. The Armadillo was excellent.

9 TOILETS

Clean, but basic.

10 VERDICT

We can see why it’s won so many plaudits for both its food and drink. A real Borders belter.

18/20