A friend who lives in the Borders recommended this fantastic restaurant in Melrose.It’s a bit tricky to find as it’s tucked away right beside the Coop.But what a find! Top class food at reasonable prices and friendly service.The food is locally sourced and the Venison was simply outstanding.Will definitely be going back to try more of their delicious food.Dietary restrictions: Great gluten free menu
Terihawick
I should start by saying that I can't fault the food taste wise - everything was well cooked and presented and we have been here a few times previously. My low rating is for the prices charged! My starter was Tempura Monkfish with Garlic aoli priced at £17! It was nice but consisted of 6 pieces of very very small pieces of fish with a little dish of aoli. Partner had the Prawn Cocktail, again perfectly nice but £15. Our mains were both good but £29 & £34 for "good" sticks in my throat a little. Espresso Martini is £12! We have eaten in many very good restaurants in Edinburgh and these prices being charged in a small Border town are up there with city prices. Came away feeling we had been slightly ripped off and sadly I don't think we will be back.
Derek Jenkins
Just been for our second visit to this restaurant and once again thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Lovely welcome and service from staff, lovely relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant with a varied menu and delicious food. I would highly recommend a meal here.
Phoebe Thrower
Amazing food! We ate off of the set menu and the dishes were beautiful! Definitely recommend!
Kirsten Wolff
Amazing food. Definitely worth a visit. I had the pear, blue cheese, beetroot and pecan winter salad for my starter. Incredible - the combo of the dressing and the pecans which were somehow caramelised/toasted in such a way that a simple salad was taken to another level. Every course was wonderful. My husband had the truffle burger and said it was the best burger he's ever had. If you're in the area don't hesitate, I'd give six stars if I could! Lovely service too.
Neil Hamilton
My review is a complaint about our recent experience at Provender Melrose restaurant, when my son experienced an anaphylactic reaction to ice cream served to him.I had booked a table for lunch for 5 people on Sunday 26th November, as a birthday celebration. When I phoned to book, I mentioned that my son had a nut allergy and was assured by the person who took my booking that this would be noted for both menu choices and potential cross contamination.When we arrived on the 26th, I again asked the staff whether they were aware of my son’s allergy and was assured by front of house staff that they were. As our plates from the main course were cleared, the waitress asked if we wanted dessert and mentioned specifically the ice-cream sundae to my son. As I was about to enquire if this was a nut free option, I was interrupted to be, again told, the restaurant would obviously make sure it was nut free. My son ordered one scoop of vanilla ice cream. Almost immediately after eating his ice cream, he started showing signs of an anaphylactic reaction. When we asked to see the ice-cream for allergens, we were shown a tub which had in unmissable, bold letters “may contain nuts”. Obviously, in the circumstance, our priority was to get our son to A&E. We took him to A&E, leaving one of our party behind who paid the bill. While the waitress was apologetic, I did not feel that your staff fully understood the enormity of this error – that, in fact, it could have been a fatal one.When it was pointed out to her that allergic reactions are life or death situations, the waitress said that the restaurant did take it seriously and that our son’s allergy had been noted and was on “all of the paper work”. It beggars belief that, not only can this error have been made, but that staff reserved the right to be indignant that all protocol had been followed – the only one which hadn’t was ensuring that nothing that potentially had nuts on it, was on my son’s plate. As an establishment, you clearly need to re-evaluate your systems so that the “paper work” and communication between front of house and kitchen staff, ensures that any allergy sufferer is kept safe – with no danger of being exposed to any allergen.I understand that Provender have now offered to fully refund the cost of the meal and have accepted responsibility for the incident – chiefly, that this ice cream should never have been served to my son. Unfortunately, however, the incident has ruined a family celebration and left us feeling a sense of trauma and fear about eating out.The fact that this mistake took place at all, and the blasé reaction of staff mean that I feel unsure whether I could trust Provender Melrose in the future, without reassurances of what steps will be taken to improve these issues. It appears clear that staff do not have adequate training in how seriously they need to take food allergies – if a product says it “may contain nuts”, it should be in no circumstances given to someone who is allergic to nuts – regardless of how “precautionary” the head chef feels these messages are, the labelling is there to make clear that nuts have been present in the production line and it is not safe for anyone who is allergic to them. The fact that this was initially used as a ‘get out’ from responsibility in a previous email response, is even more infuriating and makes clear that you and your staff are not taking allergies as seriously as you should be. Anyone who has lived with an allergy all their life should not need to be reminded of this.Since our experience the restaurant are now displaying a notice asking costumers to inform them of any allergies and food intolerance they have. We did this and still ended up at A&E.Dietary restrictions: Son hospitilised due to restaurant negligence over allergens.
Alistair Cameron
Nice place with friendly service, but on the pricey side
Excursion27061459256
Very pleasant lunch. We had a steak tartar and fish stew. Very good service. Prices got up for wine but the same as everywhere else. (Slightly annoying you need to go to the bar counter to pay.) We’ll come back.
Neil H
My review is a complaint about our recent experience at Provender Melrose restaurant, when my son experienced an anaphylactic reaction to ice cream served to him. I had booked a table for lunch for 5 people on Sunday 26th November, as a birthday celebration. When I phoned to book, I mentioned that my son had a nut allergy and was assured by the person who took my booking that this would be noted for both menu choices and potential cross contamination. When we arrived on the 26th, I again asked the staff whether they were aware of my son’s allergy and was assured by front of house staff that they were. As our plates from the main course were cleared, the waitress asked if we wanted dessert and mentioned specifically the ice-cream sundae to my son. As I was about to enquire if this was a nut free option, I was interrupted to be, again told, the restaurant would obviously make sure it was nut free. My son ordered one scoop of vanilla ice cream. Almost immediately after eating his ice cream, he started showing signs of an anaphylactic reaction. When we asked to see the ice-cream for allergens, we were shown a tub which had in unmissable, bold letters “may contain nuts”. Obviously, in the circumstance, our priority was to get our son to A&E. We took him to A&E, leaving one of our party behind who paid the bill. While the waitress was apologetic, I did not feel that your staff fully understood the enormity of this error – that, in fact, it could have been a fatal one. Our initial compensation was our son’s meal being free of charge, plus an additional £15.45 removed from the £154.50 bill – a mere £26 to address negligence which had endangered our son’s life. On top of this, when our designated driver returned to collect the final member of our party, the waitress stated she “couldn’t apologise enough” with a smile on her face. When it was pointed out to her that allergic reactions are life or death situations, the waitress said that the restaurant did take it seriously and that our son’s allergy had been noted and was on “all of the paper work”. It beggars belief that, not only can this error have been made, but that staff reserved the right to be indignant that all protocol had been followed – the only one which hadn’t was ensuring that nothing that potentially had nuts on it, was on my son’s plate. As an establishment, you clearly need to re-evaluate your systems so that the “paper work” and communication between front of house and kitchen staff, ensures that any allergy sufferer is kept safe – with no danger of being exposed to any allergen. After having been given medical treatment, our son has made a physical recovery. However, since being diagnosed as anaphylactic, our son is very cautious about what he eats and has often been worried about getting treats when out and about. As a family, we were also just beginning to trust that restaurants and other establishments were careful enough about allergens, and, in fact, this was the first meal we have all had out together since his diagnosis. This incident has entirely ruined that trust. I understand that Provender have now offered to fully refund the cost of the meal and have accepted responsibility for the incident – chiefly, that this ice cream should never have been served to my son. Unfortunately, however, the incident has ruined a family celebration and left us feeling a sense of trauma and fear about eating out. The fact that this mistake took place at all, and the blasé reaction of staff mean that I feel unsure whether I could trust Provender Melrose in the future, without reassurances of what steps will be taken to improve these issues. It appears clear that staff do not have adequate training in how seriously they need to take food allergies – if a product says it “may contain nuts”, it should be in no circumstances given to someone who is allergic to nuts – regardless of how “precautionary” the head chef feels these messages are, the labelling is there to make clear that nuts have been present in the production line and it is not safe for anyone who is alle
2020worldtrav2020
Ate with two families for a nice dinner. Cod was excellent, turbot entree was also good. Bread from twelve triangles bakery was excellent. We enjoyed the ambience and the fare!
Excellent, relaxing spot tucked away in Melrose, with many places to eat I would class this as my favourite. Menu always different, ambiance great, private yet edgy, maybe a little more expensive as the others but well worth it.
Travelnettie
Beautiful restaurant nice vibe good was good. My steak wasn’t cooked exactly how I wanted for the price of it but they were apologetic about it.
Tessa s
We have been going to this restaurant once or twice a year for the last 5 years. The food is beautifully cooked, even the fish and full of flavour. I had a superb venison loin, mother in law had a mushroom tart and husband had Guinea fowl. I would recommend it to anyone visiting the Borders or who live there if they have not already visited. It is consistently excellent.
Rory C
One of the best restaurants in the country. Food and wine all delicious but the service makes it exceptional without being OTT or intrusive.
Tony Peter
We had a quality breakfast here, very nice surroundings and attentive staff.
A friend who lives in the Borders recommended this fantastic restaurant in Melrose.It’s a bit tricky to find as it’s tucked away right beside the Coop.But what a find! Top class food at reasonable prices and friendly service.The food is locally sourced and the Venison was simply outstanding.Will definitely be going back to try more of their delicious food.Dietary restrictions: Great gluten free menu
I should start by saying that I can't fault the food taste wise - everything was well cooked and presented and we have been here a few times previously. My low rating is for the prices charged! My starter was Tempura Monkfish with Garlic aoli priced at £17! It was nice but consisted of 6 pieces of very very small pieces of fish with a little dish of aoli. Partner had the Prawn Cocktail, again perfectly nice but £15. Our mains were both good but £29 & £34 for "good" sticks in my throat a little. Espresso Martini is £12! We have eaten in many very good restaurants in Edinburgh and these prices being charged in a small Border town are up there with city prices. Came away feeling we had been slightly ripped off and sadly I don't think we will be back.
Just been for our second visit to this restaurant and once again thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Lovely welcome and service from staff, lovely relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant with a varied menu and delicious food. I would highly recommend a meal here.
Amazing food! We ate off of the set menu and the dishes were beautiful! Definitely recommend!
Amazing food. Definitely worth a visit. I had the pear, blue cheese, beetroot and pecan winter salad for my starter. Incredible - the combo of the dressing and the pecans which were somehow caramelised/toasted in such a way that a simple salad was taken to another level. Every course was wonderful. My husband had the truffle burger and said it was the best burger he's ever had. If you're in the area don't hesitate, I'd give six stars if I could! Lovely service too.
My review is a complaint about our recent experience at Provender Melrose restaurant, when my son experienced an anaphylactic reaction to ice cream served to him.I had booked a table for lunch for 5 people on Sunday 26th November, as a birthday celebration. When I phoned to book, I mentioned that my son had a nut allergy and was assured by the person who took my booking that this would be noted for both menu choices and potential cross contamination.When we arrived on the 26th, I again asked the staff whether they were aware of my son’s allergy and was assured by front of house staff that they were. As our plates from the main course were cleared, the waitress asked if we wanted dessert and mentioned specifically the ice-cream sundae to my son. As I was about to enquire if this was a nut free option, I was interrupted to be, again told, the restaurant would obviously make sure it was nut free. My son ordered one scoop of vanilla ice cream. Almost immediately after eating his ice cream, he started showing signs of an anaphylactic reaction. When we asked to see the ice-cream for allergens, we were shown a tub which had in unmissable, bold letters “may contain nuts”. Obviously, in the circumstance, our priority was to get our son to A&E. We took him to A&E, leaving one of our party behind who paid the bill. While the waitress was apologetic, I did not feel that your staff fully understood the enormity of this error – that, in fact, it could have been a fatal one.When it was pointed out to her that allergic reactions are life or death situations, the waitress said that the restaurant did take it seriously and that our son’s allergy had been noted and was on “all of the paper work”. It beggars belief that, not only can this error have been made, but that staff reserved the right to be indignant that all protocol had been followed – the only one which hadn’t was ensuring that nothing that potentially had nuts on it, was on my son’s plate. As an establishment, you clearly need to re-evaluate your systems so that the “paper work” and communication between front of house and kitchen staff, ensures that any allergy sufferer is kept safe – with no danger of being exposed to any allergen.I understand that Provender have now offered to fully refund the cost of the meal and have accepted responsibility for the incident – chiefly, that this ice cream should never have been served to my son. Unfortunately, however, the incident has ruined a family celebration and left us feeling a sense of trauma and fear about eating out.The fact that this mistake took place at all, and the blasé reaction of staff mean that I feel unsure whether I could trust Provender Melrose in the future, without reassurances of what steps will be taken to improve these issues. It appears clear that staff do not have adequate training in how seriously they need to take food allergies – if a product says it “may contain nuts”, it should be in no circumstances given to someone who is allergic to nuts – regardless of how “precautionary” the head chef feels these messages are, the labelling is there to make clear that nuts have been present in the production line and it is not safe for anyone who is allergic to them. The fact that this was initially used as a ‘get out’ from responsibility in a previous email response, is even more infuriating and makes clear that you and your staff are not taking allergies as seriously as you should be. Anyone who has lived with an allergy all their life should not need to be reminded of this.Since our experience the restaurant are now displaying a notice asking costumers to inform them of any allergies and food intolerance they have. We did this and still ended up at A&E.Dietary restrictions: Son hospitilised due to restaurant negligence over allergens.
Nice place with friendly service, but on the pricey side
Very pleasant lunch. We had a steak tartar and fish stew. Very good service. Prices got up for wine but the same as everywhere else. (Slightly annoying you need to go to the bar counter to pay.) We’ll come back.
My review is a complaint about our recent experience at Provender Melrose restaurant, when my son experienced an anaphylactic reaction to ice cream served to him. I had booked a table for lunch for 5 people on Sunday 26th November, as a birthday celebration. When I phoned to book, I mentioned that my son had a nut allergy and was assured by the person who took my booking that this would be noted for both menu choices and potential cross contamination. When we arrived on the 26th, I again asked the staff whether they were aware of my son’s allergy and was assured by front of house staff that they were. As our plates from the main course were cleared, the waitress asked if we wanted dessert and mentioned specifically the ice-cream sundae to my son. As I was about to enquire if this was a nut free option, I was interrupted to be, again told, the restaurant would obviously make sure it was nut free. My son ordered one scoop of vanilla ice cream. Almost immediately after eating his ice cream, he started showing signs of an anaphylactic reaction. When we asked to see the ice-cream for allergens, we were shown a tub which had in unmissable, bold letters “may contain nuts”. Obviously, in the circumstance, our priority was to get our son to A&E. We took him to A&E, leaving one of our party behind who paid the bill. While the waitress was apologetic, I did not feel that your staff fully understood the enormity of this error – that, in fact, it could have been a fatal one. Our initial compensation was our son’s meal being free of charge, plus an additional £15.45 removed from the £154.50 bill – a mere £26 to address negligence which had endangered our son’s life. On top of this, when our designated driver returned to collect the final member of our party, the waitress stated she “couldn’t apologise enough” with a smile on her face. When it was pointed out to her that allergic reactions are life or death situations, the waitress said that the restaurant did take it seriously and that our son’s allergy had been noted and was on “all of the paper work”. It beggars belief that, not only can this error have been made, but that staff reserved the right to be indignant that all protocol had been followed – the only one which hadn’t was ensuring that nothing that potentially had nuts on it, was on my son’s plate. As an establishment, you clearly need to re-evaluate your systems so that the “paper work” and communication between front of house and kitchen staff, ensures that any allergy sufferer is kept safe – with no danger of being exposed to any allergen. After having been given medical treatment, our son has made a physical recovery. However, since being diagnosed as anaphylactic, our son is very cautious about what he eats and has often been worried about getting treats when out and about. As a family, we were also just beginning to trust that restaurants and other establishments were careful enough about allergens, and, in fact, this was the first meal we have all had out together since his diagnosis. This incident has entirely ruined that trust. I understand that Provender have now offered to fully refund the cost of the meal and have accepted responsibility for the incident – chiefly, that this ice cream should never have been served to my son. Unfortunately, however, the incident has ruined a family celebration and left us feeling a sense of trauma and fear about eating out. The fact that this mistake took place at all, and the blasé reaction of staff mean that I feel unsure whether I could trust Provender Melrose in the future, without reassurances of what steps will be taken to improve these issues. It appears clear that staff do not have adequate training in how seriously they need to take food allergies – if a product says it “may contain nuts”, it should be in no circumstances given to someone who is allergic to nuts – regardless of how “precautionary” the head chef feels these messages are, the labelling is there to make clear that nuts have been present in the production line and it is not safe for anyone who is alle
Ate with two families for a nice dinner. Cod was excellent, turbot entree was also good. Bread from twelve triangles bakery was excellent. We enjoyed the ambience and the fare!
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent, relaxing spot tucked away in Melrose, with many places to eat I would class this as my favourite. Menu always different, ambiance great, private yet edgy, maybe a little more expensive as the others but well worth it.
Beautiful restaurant nice vibe good was good. My steak wasn’t cooked exactly how I wanted for the price of it but they were apologetic about it.
We have been going to this restaurant once or twice a year for the last 5 years. The food is beautifully cooked, even the fish and full of flavour. I had a superb venison loin, mother in law had a mushroom tart and husband had Guinea fowl. I would recommend it to anyone visiting the Borders or who live there if they have not already visited. It is consistently excellent.
One of the best restaurants in the country. Food and wine all delicious but the service makes it exceptional without being OTT or intrusive.
We had a quality breakfast here, very nice surroundings and attentive staff.