Scottish Borders
Dawyck Cafe

Dawyck Cafe

Dawyck Botanic Garden, Stobo, Peebles EH45 9JU, EH45 8NU, Scottish Borders, United Kingdom

Cafe • Vegan • British • Scottish


"With Covid-19 restrictions curtailing our movements and the opening of the café having been reduced to pre-booking and/or takeaways only at times in the past year or more we had missed that it had “changed hands” and a new team now operate on the premises. The building itself is unchanged of course and provides a relaxing setting with a view overlooking the grounds from the comfort of indoors or outside dependent upon the weather. Covid-19 requirements apply as regards facemasks unless seated, hand sanitiser is available and the tables are generally well spaced. Payment is by card only nowadays. There was usually a decent selection of light meals available in addition to snacks and cakes and that seems to be the case now. The menu appears to be much the same as before, likewise the specials board. On our most recent visit we had Ham Cheese Quiche which was served warm with mixed salad. The latter is very good with fresh greens and was accompanied with two styles of coleslaw both of which were delicious (despite coleslaw being something which I generally dislike). Probably helped by the creamy style and with red grapes and walnut featuring in one. We also enjoyed a slice of their moist, fruit tart and a plain scone with a large cup of coffee. Total cost allowing for RBGE discount was just under £27 which we thought a fair price for the quality food and surroundings. My only negative comment would relate to the large dresser having been moved in front of one of the large windows overlooking the grounds whereas previously this did not block the view."

The Allonton Inn

The Allonton Inn

Main Street, TD11 3JZ, Scottish Borders, United Kingdom

Pubs • Dining • British • European


"So, we had booked one of Allentown’s pods for our evening meal some time ago, opting for a pod as we had our hound with us, the establishment having a no dogs policy. Fair enough. When we arrived in the pouring rain, the manager told us in no uncertain terms that due to the rain her staff would not be serving food in the pods and that our dog would have to stay in the car as the dog going inside “would upset the locals”. We said this was not an option. The way this was put across by the manager can only be described as hostile. We were told 5hat if the dog misbehaved we would be told (not asked) to leave. Had we not prepaid a deposit for the seafood platter, we would have turned around there and then. We were put on a perfectly acceptable table, served by a slightly over-compensating and embarrassed waitress and had a very tasty meal. One drink, no starters no dessert and a hasty exit followed as our evening had been spoiled. Absolutely shocking and shabby customer service. Purely because of this, I rate one trip adviser blob. If I could rate zero blobs I would. Dog owners beware and take heed of this tale. It was not our fault it was precipitating down; if there was a problem us having a dog then we should have been called beforehand. There was no respect for us as customers and we will never darken their door again. Finally, the food was great. But the manager left a very sour taste that we cannot shift."