If you love good food and drink…

Here at Burts, our guests enjoy dishes made from the finest local ingredients, and we are renowned for our excellent cuisine, fine wines and drams.

It is fair to say that our guests really do appreciate good food and drink, and with this in mind we thought it would be a great idea to shine a light on some other unique and wonderful food and drink experiences right here in the Borders. From creations and classes at a World Chocolate Masters School in Peebles to a fascinating tour of the first distillery to open in the Borders since 1837. Berry picking heaven in summer to a family-owned Farm and Kitchen which offers unique Farm to Fork Dining Experiences.

And we round this off with some recommendations of lovely food and drink that are made in the Scottish Borders. What better gift to take home than a real taste of the Borders.

Cocoa Black, Peebles
Cocoa Black in Peebles is a must-visit for international chefs, celebrities, royals and chocolate lovers alike, attracted to the gorgeous creations of UK World Chocolate Master Ruth Hinks.

Ruth Hinks brings a slice of chocolate heaven in the modern and delightful Cocoa Black Boutique in Peebles. Selling high quality gateaux, tarts and chocolate indulgence of all kinds including a great choice of hot chocolate flavours.

The Cocoa Black Chocolate & Pastry School was opened by HRH Prince Edward in 2016 and has been featured widely in television programmes ever since. Workshops and masterclasses with Ruth and visiting guest chefs for beginners to more experienced bakers wanting to learn new techniques using chocolate and pastry run throughout the year and are extremely popular.

From a Make your own French Pattiserie Class to a Make your own Truffles, Praline and Ganache Class, How to Make your own Petit Fours Class or a Creative Chocolate Skills Masterclass with Ruth Hinks to name but a few.

To discover more about Scotland’s Chocolate Capital, visit www.cocoablack.com

Wilson’s Farm and Kitchen, Morebattle
Wilson’s Farm and Kitchen is based at Cowbog Farm – the home of the Wilson Family.

Cowbog Farm lies next to the edge of the pretty Borders village of Morebattle, situated in the foothills of the Cheviot Hills, adjacent to St Cuthbert’s Way. This is a busy working family farm with approximately 250 head of predominantly Hereford cattle, arable crops and a host of conservation features. Cowbog is well known for the production of high-quality, native breed, Scotch Beef.

A unique and wonderful find for foodies, the family run a range of farm tours and food experiences to suit couples, families and small groups on several dates throughout the year. They also have Wee Bothies which are also suitable for smaller groups (4-8 people), perfect for birthdays and other celebrations. For larger groups of family, friends or work colleagues, they offer private group bookings.

Choose from Field to Fork Tours, Tractor and Trailer Tours, Breakfast Safaris, The 25 Mile Feast, The 25 Mile Roast Lunch or a day out and lunch in the Delightful ‘Wee Bothies’. Sheep Dog Demonstrations and Cookery Demonstrations can also be arranged.

Seasonal food with provenance is the philosophy at Wilson’s Farm and Kitchen and ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, to create these delicious menus.

Details of all these offerings can be found at their lovely website www.wilsonsfarmandkitchen.com

The Borders Distillery, Hawick
The Borders Distillery is a five-star visitor attraction which opened in Hawick in 2018 – the first Scotch Whisky distillery in the region since 1837. Situated on the banks of the River Teviot in an award-winning conversion of the former Victorian electrical works, the distillery is open to tour, taste and explore.

The Borders Distillery uses barley grown on twelve local farms; all within 35 miles of the distillery. Water is drawn from the Teviot and from a borehole directly underneath. Once distilled, new make spirit is sent for filling into casks or redistilled into Gin and Vodka using their Carterhead still. The distillery is housed in an old Victorian factory site, completely renovated with a low carbon future in mind. The building retains original features making it both familiar and new.

Join one of the distillers for a fascinating tour to learn about Scotch Whisky and the award-winning architecture. You will learn how the distillery makes Single Malt Scotch Whisky, William Kerr’s Borders Gin, and Puffing Billy Steam Vodka. You’ll be guided round by the people who make the spirit, finished off with a tasting experience in The Tait Gallery Bar. Photography and video are allowed throughout the tour. There is also an excellent shop with a selected range of spirits, local produce, and gifts.

To find out more and to book a tour visit www.thebordersdistillery.com

Border Berries, between St Boswells and Kelso
Summertime in Scotland means berries. Strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants and tayberries.

Border Berries have been growing berries here at Rutherford since the 1960s when Harriet’s grandfather planted the first few strawberries and raspberries to supply a local jam factory! The largest pick your own berry farm in the south of Scotland, no polytunnels, just fresh air and Scottish sunshine to ripen these delicious berries.

A trip to Border Berries near Kelso means that you  can pick these colourful fruits to your hearts’ content. A picnic area and café mean you can make a day of it here. Berry-picking starts around late June until mid-August each year.

For information and recipes visit www.borderberries.co.uk

When it’s time to go home…
We hope that you enjoy our recommendations for wonderful food and drink experiences. But when it’s time to go home, whether you want to treat yourself or take a gift or two home in the shape of some lovely, delicious and locally made food and drink, here are just a few of our favourites!

A couple of Juicy Rib Eye Steaks from Martin Baird Butcher in Melrose (locally reared Scotch Beef)

Selkirk Bannock – Alex Dalgetty & Sons, Melrose and Galashiels

Eildon Blend Coffee – Three Hills Coffee Roastery, Selkirk

Artisan bread – Naked Sourdough, Jedburgh

Divine chocolates – Cocoa Black, Peebles

Pale armadillo IPA –Tempest Brew Co, Tweedbank

Puffing Billy Steam Vodka – The Borders Distillery, Hawick

Traquair House Ale – Traquair Brewery, Innerleithen

Steak and Kidney Pie – Jarvis Pickle, Eyemouth

Organic Charcuterie Platter – Peelham Farm Produce, Foulden