Abbey Fine Wines — Restaurant in Scotland

A really, really rather special wine shop, like one of the best in the UK. Have a budget before you go in, or hide the receipts from your other half kind of shop.

Having been in the trade previously for some time, I'd like to think I know a good shop when I see one.

Great selection of magnums (magna?), an aussie shiraz selection that would struggle to be beaten anywhere, 3 (!) vintages of porseleinberg (sic possibly, mine that is), outstanding bordeaux selection, list goes on.

We were there for Melrose 7s so couldn't take full advantage of the cafe which was a shame.

With a decent wine shop you can see the love and care and selection and attention to detail they have, not to mention the massive working capital requirements. This one has all of the above.

Understand under newish ownership, although trading under this name for almost 40 years (the name did ring a bell)?

Good luck, will buy a magnum next time I'm in visiting...

This may function well as a wine bar - but in our experience, not as a cafe. We ended up here for a late lunch after a long walk - other options were full. The staff took a long time to take the order and then to process the order. After waiting about 20 min, we were told that there were no rolls, so the bacon roll order had to be changed. My order of goats cheese sandwich was possibly the poorest sandwich I have had for a long time, and the accompanying leaves were wilted and inedible. The staff appeared to be uninterested in operating the venue as a cafe. Maybe just a uniquely bad experience - but there must be better...

I visit this recently refurbished cafe weekly. It’s clean and fresh with pristine crockery and cutlery (I’m fussy about that). I have tea which is very good and a generous sized teapot. I can’t comment on the coffee but my friend if she has one is happy with her cappuccino. When we have a cake or scone it’s always very nice. The staff are friendly and accommodating. The proprietor in the wine/whisky area always has a chat as we leave. I noticed a couple of recent poor reviews and have to say I’m very surprised since that is completely the opposite to my experience. Although local I have no connection to the...