Local Knowledge
Lots coming on local knowledge and quirky, interesting tales of this area of the Borders. Watch this space for more…….
In the meantime read about some of our local characters who frequented the Eildon Hills which lie just above Roulotte Retreat.
Eating & drinking
There are so many places to eat and drink in the area, but here are a few of our favourites….
Marmions, Melrose – a relaxed laid back bistro atmosphere with delicious food from many cultures. We especially like the dishes inspired from Turkey.
The Town House, Melrose – a contemporary restaurant with first class food and beautiful decor
Burts, Melrose – great bar suppers and restaurant
Montecassino, Melrose – Italian pizzas and much more, good family atmosphere
Chapters, Gattonside – wonderful food in a relaxed inviting atmosphere – superb desserts
The Buccleuch, St. Boswells – bar suppers both inside and in the delightful garden.
Milestone Garden Centre Café, Newtown St. Boswells – visit the café after shopping around the well stocked shop and garden centre.
Main Street Gallery, St. Boswells – bookstore and café with delicious cake and coffee
Woodside Garden Cafe, Ancrum – homemade soups, baking and local produce as well as a fabulous organic garden centre and shop
The Denholm Meet, Denholm – a fabulous bistro with Italian flavours, well worth the drive with Aladdin’s Cave style antique shop upstairs and monthly music nights
The County Hotel, Selkirk – great coffee shop, bar food and excellent restaurant with exquisite decor
The Flat Cat, Lauder – great café and art gallery featuring local artists, do leave room for the cakes! Furniture by Tim Stead.
The Jammy Coo, Lilliesleaf – café and art gallery with friendly atmosphere in nearby village.
Oscars, Kelso – excellent food in this Borders Market Town, open evenings – try the excellent fajitas, veggy and non veg.
Damascus Drum, Hawick – excellent food from afar in a delightful bookshop atmosphere
Beanscene, Hawick – café with music, cinema and events, overlooking the river
As a group visiting Roulotte Retreat you may wish to organise food for a special occasion so ask Avril and Alan about excellent local caterers.
In the village
We are lucky to have excellent services coming to us in the village.
- We have Dougie with his Veg Van who comes around twice every week to Roulotte Retreat. He has a well stocked array of fresh fruit and vegetables. The more unusual fruit and veg can be ordered from him in advance.
- Eoin visits every morning with newspapers, bread rolls and milk. Orders can be placed by 6pm the previous evening.
- Maggie bakes the most amazing organic bread and rolls in a variety of flours which can be ordered in advance.
- Kathleen creates delicious tablet (Scottish fudge to those of you who haven't had the pleasure yet) including lavender, chilli and cardomom flavours. Order some to take home as an unusual pressy for your family and friends.
- We can organise organic bags and boxes of salad, fruit, and vegetables to be delivered to your roulotte.
- There is also a travelling fish van which visits the village.
- Mobile library and mobile post office van are frequent visitors too.
- The village hall hosts many events, including coffee mornings, community cafe, etc.
- And last but not least, fresh free range eggs from our cheeky chickens who you will see on their wanders.
The nearest shop is the Co-op at Newtown St. Boswells, almost two miles away.
St. Boswells also offers Co-op and other local shops.
Melrose has many specialist shops, for fine foods and wines, excellent gift and clothes shops.
Galashiels offers 24 hour supermarkets as well as a variety of other shops.
Explore all the local Border towns and villages which surround Roulotte Retreat for unusual and quality gifts made by local crafts people.
Or check out those hidden little gems en route.
Just ask us and we can guide you to many delightful places to explore.
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