Originally built in the 1800s as a shooting lodge, the Jedforest Hotel's handy location close to the border between Newcastle and Edinburgh makes it the first hotel as you enter Scotland. The comprehensive fruits of refurbishment are quite manifest and the restaurant's setting is spot-on with polished chinaware and crisp ivory table linen.

The menu could open with starters of game parfait with olive dressed baby leaves, red currant and port reduction and mini oatcakes, and seared scallops with lemon and parsley risotto and chive fish cream. A main course dish of grilled borders rib eye of beef is accompanied by celeriac potato rösti, Savoy and red cabbage and mushroom and tarragon jus. Desserts run all the way from sugar glazed lemon posset tart to a warm sticky toffee pudding.

With the Jedwater flowing gently beside the hotel, those with an adventurous streak can try their hand at fishing, shooting and hiking.