Scott's Of Kelso — Restaurant in Scotland

I dropped in to Scott’s of Kelso on a cold, grey and rainy Wednesday afternoon in April. I am so very pleased that I did!

Attracted by the chance to remind myself of home with a kir vin blanc, the enchanting personality of this French bistro was matched only by the warmth of the welcome I received.

Explaining that I just wanted a kir and a small bite to eat I was offered a range of interesting petits plats. I opted for the terrine de lapin which was sublime and served with delicious bread. The kir was excellent too.

Scott’s is open for lunch now but will soon also be opening for dinner from 30 April 2025.

If you enjoy food cooked with passion that respects the local terroir, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to go.

Not only is the food and quality of ingredients, quite exceptional but each one of the front of house team I met were genuinely enthusiastic about what they have to offer. The attention to detail of the decoration, even to the choice of music, can only comes from a place of love.

A couple of other observations - great to see Hake on the menu - there are other fish beyond cod and haddock!

In terms of wines, I noted some delicious choices: so good to see Alsace Crémant on the list, so very under-rated! Also an excellent Picpoul de Pinet from Montpellier, love the choice of a cote de thongue rosé and more Languedoc representation among the reds.

Although I’m English, I have lived permanently in France for the last few years and this place has the very genuine ambiance of a French bistro which is as far from the poor quality pastiche of establishments which add a French name above the door and moules frites to the menu!

Kelso residents are lucky. If you live within striking distance it is well...

On our last stay in the Scottish Borders a year ago we'd popped into the deli, and seen the very enticing bistro menu, but didn't have the time then to make a booking. So on this visit we wanted to rectify that, and decided to start our holiday by calling in for lunch on our way to Melrose. Well, what a great restaurant! Lovely atmosphere and decor - you really could be somewhere in rural France - very friendly service, and such good food. We both indulged ourselves with steaks, which were delicious, and our starters and desserts were equally gorgeous. Honestly, if you're staying anywhere in the Borders - even much further afield - don't miss the chance to have a meal at...

Such a great find. I cannot believe a place like this exists in the remotest parts of the Scottish Borders. The service was impeccable, the food delicious and the atmosphere simply transports to you to the heart of France in this unique French style bistro. This instantly has become one of my favourite restaurants for its excellent food, immaculate staff (both presentation and service) I hope the owner knows what a fantastic place they have here....