Allanton, population 100. Welcome to the sleepy back of beyond, an untouched corner of the rural idyll that most people skip on their rush north. Well, there’s no rush here, just patchwork fields, rolling hills and the river Tweed pottering off to the coast. As for this cute little inn, it’s a great base from which to explore. The style is charming, the locals friendly, the prices lovely, the food a treat. It sits on the only street in town with a garden that backs onto open country; in summer you can have lunch in the sun while watching the farmer plough his fields. Inside, home-spun interiors have colour and style. There’s an open-plan feel, the airy bar flowing into a half-panelled restaurant. You’ll find a smouldering fire, fresh flowers, good art, local ales. Rooms have an easy style: padded bedheads, good bathrooms, Farrow & Ball colours. A couple are big, those at the back have the view. Super local food waits downstairs, perhaps an Eyemouth fish platter, rump of local lamb, lavender and raspberry brûlée. There’s local honeycomb at breakfast, too. You can fish, walk, play a bit of golf. Perfect.
We have been in a Scottish Borders and Northumberland road trip and over 10 nights have stopped 6 different pubs / hotels. The Breakfast at the Allanton was by far the best and outstanding. Evening meals also good plus nice room and good location to visit area