Anglers love Kelso. Extra to the purpose, they love the stretch of River Tweed that wraps round this gorgeous Scottish Borders market city.
There are numerous locations to remain, however The Roxburghe would regard itself because the choose of the bunch — a good-looking baronial pile acquired by the present Duke of Roxburghe’s father within the Sixties.
Fisher folks, golf lovers (the lodge has its personal 18-hole course), grouse and pheasant shooters will all really feel at dwelling right here. There’s even a spa.
Quiet: The Roxburghe is managed by the the ICMI group, which additionally takes care of Andy Murray’s new lodge
What there isn’t is way in the way in which of ambiance. It’s all very hushed — and just a little flat.
Once we arrive midweek the welcome is pleasant sufficient however there’s no buzz, although we just like the smouldering fireplace within the corridor.
To the left of reception is the bar, a darkish and lonely area, out of kilter with the brilliant and forgiving panorama exterior.
To the suitable is what we expect have to be a brasserie restaurant: small polished tables; laminated woven mats; naked mantelpiece, overlit.
So after settling into our pretty large room (4 poster, newly upholstered armchairs, two large sash home windows, engaging prints of city and nation) we head for the drawing room, which just about makes up for the drab bar and brasserie.
There are one or two framed images of the Duke and Duchess with their household, some portraits and rural landscapes, cozy sofas and chairs. And a fisherman along with his eyes shut, a glass of whisky simply out of attain.
We’re stunned the most cost effective glass of white wine prices £8 and we’re much more stunned when informed our desk is prepared — and are proven into the brasserie that seems to be the principle restaurant. Then we wait far too lengthy for our first programs, filling the hole with bread and butter that neither of us ought to be consuming.
My smoked salmon is measly and the venison predominant course is attempting to be fancy. Right here’s the issue, maybe. The Roxburghe is managed by the ICMI group (Inverlochy Fortress, Andy Murray’s Cromlix et al) and the meals is overseen by Albert Roux, however I’m undecided anybody other than the obliging workers actually has his or her coronary heart in it.
At breakfast the following morning, we’re again in that very same room with its tartan carpet — and it’s a squash. Tables are far too shut to one another. And at these costs you’d anticipate a extra lavish buffet. However our full Scottish fry-up is beneficiant, albeit the haggis undercooked.
So, all a bit hit or miss. Anglers would possibly say The Roxburghe is one which, one way or the other, bought away.
