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The Cross Keys Inn Ettrickbridge, a 17th Century coaching inn, has reopened its doors after being closed for six months due to renovations.
The pub with rooms was purchased by Rory and Vicki Steel and a grant of £400,000 from South of Scotland Enterprise allowed for refurbishments and “essential” upgrading of key facilities.
Set in the Ettrick Valley, the pub with rooms features seven bedrooms ranging in size from a double to large family room, a full Scottish breakfast, a bar with local beers and ales, extensive whisky and gin collections and a range of family games.
The pub menu is curated by chef Ash Barker and incorporates fresh local ingredients.
Barker has been part of teams that have collected four Michelin bib gourmands during his years at places such as Soho House, Kensington Wine Rooms, Riddles and Finn and Fishy Fishy.
Commenting on the re-opening, Mr Steel said: “The Cross Keys Inn was always the centre of village life when I grew up opposite the pub, and it was a wonderful childhood. I remember the place being full of great characters from the area and further afield. It’s that great atmosphere we are working hard with the local community to bring back.”
Mrs Steel added: “We’ve been running Aikwood Tower, which is less than two miles from the pub for more than a decade and the reaction from people who come to explore the South of Scotland is always the same – they can’t believe there aren’t more tourists here.
“The rolling hills, quiet roads, family activities and fantastic quality food and drink on offer is as good as you’ll find in any rural setting in Scotland, but often at a much lower price than, say, the Highlands. We hope that visitors to the Cross Keys Inn will agree.”
