Eat, Drink and be Merry

Good food and drink is of course synonymous with our Christmas celebrations, but this year sharing a meal or even just a refreshment with our families will be more important than ever.

Last month our Christmas shopping ideas from Melrose went down so well, that since it’s now December, we thought it would be a good idea to shine a light on some of our fantastic local food and drink retailers too. And all of them just a stone’s throw from Burts and Townhouse, you really can shop local and source everything you need here in Melrose. As well as supporting our amazing independent local shops, you can stock up on some amazing Borders and Scottish products too

Our local butchers, baker, fishmonger, wine merchant, greengrocer, delicatessen, sweet shop and cake maker are on hand to provide everything that you need to Eat, Drink and Be Merry this Christmas.

 

BUTCHERS

MARTIN BAIRD BUTCHERS
2 Market Square, Melrose

Martin Baird Butchers supply only fresh and locally sourced meat products, which are prepared by their experienced team, using traditional and time-honoured methods. You can rely on our local butchers for top quality produce.

Aberdeen Angus beef. Border lamb. Pork, including gammon, bacon and sausage. Free range turkey, goose and chicken. Game, including venison, pheasant, partridge and hare. Steak and tallow. Cooked meats including ham and beef. Signature products include sausages, steaks and pies. Homemade haggis and black pudding. Do you want a particular cut of meat? You can let the team know your preferences.

Known for exceptional customer service and you can be assured that all of their products are raised in accordance with the highest standards.

 

MILLER’S OF MELROSE
High Street, Melrose

This family butcher is famed for their Eildon Hill Traditional Recipe Haggis, they are also known for their pies as these quotes clearly illustrate!

“Have just returned from Melrose and bought a pie from this butchers, without doubt the best pie I have ever eaten and I have had a few. It was chicken and haggis with a peppercorn sauce and absolutely delicious.

“I can thoroughly recommend this butchers pies and am only sorry I only bought one. They have a large range from Mince to Steak and Guinness to name but a few, might even be worth the two hour drive to get some, thoroughly recommended”.

“I can recommend the chicken, leek and ham pie… it was delicious, so good that we’re going back on Monday to buy some more pies before we move on”.

“Game as well as butcher meat, plenty of different pies, but best of all venison and wild berries haggis, worth coming from Edinburgh to buy them”.

 

GREENGROCERS

PURPLE PLUM, WA Williamson
High Street, Melrose

A Melrose institution, this renowned local greengrocers stock high quality fruit and vegetables plus a wide selection of wholefoods.

They source much of their produce locally, supporting local farmers and suppliers – meaning you can enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the field!

Committed to their waste aware pledge, they use as little plastics and packaging as possible. Offer a delivery service and fruit & veg boxes.

 

FISHMONGER

WILLIAM F ANDERSON
35 Market Square, Melrose

This fish shop is another well-known Melrose institution and a warm welcome awaits at this father and son business. Great selection of seasonal fish. Their hot smoked salmon is a must and a firm favourite with the locals. They also sell lovely local eggs. Open Tuesday to Saturday lunchtime. They also do deliveries to other local villages and towns such as St Boswells.

 

BAKER

ALEX DALGETTY & SONS
High Street, Melrose

This fifth generation award winning bakery located is now run by Master Baker, Craig Murray. Craig’s philosophy is to stay true to the traditions of the bakery, using high quality ingredients and recipes handed down through the generations.

Specialities include the Famous Original Selkirk Bannock and Scotch Black Bun. The Selkirk Bannock in particular is what Alex Dalgetty & Sons have become justly famous for. Many others have tried to replicate this product but if you want the best and most authentic, then this is the place to come.

 

WINE MERCHANT

ABBEY FINE WINES
17 Market Square, Melrose

Abbey Fine Wines stock quality wines and many different styles from around the world as well as a great range of premium whiskies, gins and other spirits, they also like to feature new Scottish Gins.

Known for their wine tastings in the evening and their knowledge of the drinks industry, they also have a coffee shop serving quality lunches, homemade scones and cakes. Same day free local delivery available, including Saturday’s.

 

CAKE MAKER

MAID BY MARION
1 High Street, Melrose

Marion Pate makes celebration cakes, home baking and desserts, supplying several coffee shops and local outlets with cakes, tray bakes, puddings and homemade tablet.

“Amazing shop with fantastic products and cakes to die for. Been shopping here over 6 years, as a cake maker it’s amazing what Marion has in stock for those essential diy bakes, or better still get one maid by Marion and the girls from wedding cakes to classic bakes or perhaps novelty cake”.

It has gained a reputation for its quality of home baking, which includes traybakes, tea loafs and cakes and sticky toffee pudding. Beautiful cakes for special occasions are also available.

 

DELICATESSEN

COUNTRY KITCHEN DELI
1A Market Square, Melrose

The Country Kitchen Deli are a well-established and very highly regarded delicatessen in Melrose, known for their friendly and knowledgeable staff who are passionate about delicious food.

Offering high quality produce, with a large proportion of products stocked in the Deli being sourced within Scotland and from local producers. In addition to a substantial range of world cheeses, there is also a selection of the finest British charcuterie. They also stock a full range of speciality coffee, offered as beans or ground on the premises.

Check out their fabulous local hampers, including these Christmas Hampers.

 

SWEETS AND ICE CREAM

SIMPLY DELICIOUS
Morow Gardens

Overlooking Melrose Abbey, this much loved independent shop sells a wide range of delicious sweet treats including their famous homemade tablet which is produced in the shop weekly and handmade chocolates and bars.

You can also go in and choose sweets to buy loose from jars handed over in paper bags however it’s not a quarter any more, they have to sell in grammes nowadays!

Simply Delicious also sell lots of delicious ice cream including both Orkney Ice Cream and Giacopazzi’s from Eyemouth.

 

COFFEE ON THE GO

BEAN ‘N GONE BORDERS
Greenyards

Melrose and Southern Knights player Craig Jackson has recently launched a new venture. You will find him in the Greenyards carpark selling coffee, hot chocolate and wonderful tray bakes. A huge hit with parents who are watching, dropping off or collecting their kids from football, rugby or even school.

Nick particularly enjoyed his flat white and a “Jammy Dodger” tray bake whilst watching Callum at place kicking practice. Proper Coffee!