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4,3

Based on 880 opinions finded in 2 websites

4.3Ambience4.3Cuisine4.3Price4.3Service
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Nº 269 in 513 in Scottish Borders

Nº 93 of 169 British in Scottish Borders

CUSTOMERS TALK ABOUT DISHES WITH.. puddingcheesecookedsteakpieroastcoffeefish

comment_iconOpinions

We had a lovely lunch. Service was excellent, prompt and pleasant. The food itself was very good and enjoyed very much. My caesar salad was perfect with a massive amount of salmon. My mother had scampi which was delicious. I would certainly recommend and hope to return soon. Thank you.

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alisonbJ1324WP . 2021-08-01

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Yesterday we brought our elderly friend to the Crosskeys Hotel for lunch. She has family connections in Yetholm, but hadn’t visited there for several years and we stopped in Kelso en route from Edinburgh to visiting her relative. She also has fond memories of visiting your restaurant and was delighted with lunch yesterday, as were we. Many thanks for a lovely lunch, with excellent service in a very relaxed atmosphere.

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helenrc2021 . 2021-08-01

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My wife and I ate at Saddlers last night and we were blown away with the quality of the food and the service that we received. In other restaurants when I've asked for the pie I usually received a bowl of casserole with a pastry lid stuck on the top, but this wasn't the case at Saddlers, my pie was a PROPER home made pie, which was cram packed with chicken that just melted in my mouth. My wife had the Corn Fed Chicken Breast and she reckoned it was was the best main course that she has ever had in a restaurant for quite some time. I finished my meal off with their home made Sticky Toffee Pudding with Ice Cream and my wife had the baked Cheesecake. Well done to the management and staff for looking after us, we can't wait to back agin in the future.

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Alan J . 2021-07-28

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Very good food, staff can’t do enough to help. Although very busy the food did not take very long and was lovely and hot. Premises very clean and tidy

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NormaW235 . 2021-07-26

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Excellent experience at the Cross Keys. Family visit with a variety of ages from old to young and a dog - all well received. Food and service was great and nothing was too much trouble. Very friendly and relaxing visit. Will definitely be back.

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715gillh . 2021-07-25

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Booking was pleasant and easy, and the family meal was a very enjoyable experience. Food was excellent, from a large and varied menu, and service was friendly and efficient. Prices very reasonable.

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U2779VFalexanderh . 2021-07-21

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Had another lovely meal at hotel . Staff very friendly and great service. Will definitely be back for fish and chips

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JacquelineP2186 . 2021-07-21

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We visited Saddlers twice and in general ate very well. The prices charged offered good value. I very much enjoyed among other dishes the Auld Reekie Mushrooms and the Border lamb chops (£15). My husband did slightly less well, because he couldn’t (being gluten free) eat the herb crust on the lamb chops (willingly removed) which made the dish less flavoursome. The dining room is large and perhaps a little lacking in atmosphere.

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claphamwoman . 2021-07-10

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We were staying in Kelso for a few days so stopped here for dinner. We enjoyed it so much we went back another day for lunch. Friendly staff and great food (would recommend the fish and chips), would definitely recommend if you are looking for somewhere to eat in Kelso.

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richardhM2525WR . 2021-07-07

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Helpful staff who made the experience a positive one. The COVID arrangements were well and easily navigated. Food was enjoyable and timeously delivered. Will visit again in the future, happy to recommend.

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ManCityNut . 2021-07-06

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We pre-booked a table for 2 but the table allocated was against a wall. Preferring to be more open, it was not a bother for staff to seat us at a table of our choice. Staff were friendly and attentive. My meal (pan seared salmon with mussels served in a chowder) was delicious and tasty. My husband had haddock and commented on the crispy batter and perfectly cooked fish. The dining area is very spacious with tables set well apart from each other. Lacking a little atmosphere but that may have been because the restaurant was quiet. Prices on par with other good restaurants in the area. First time visiting the restaurant but will definitely be back. I would certainly recommend it.

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B3845BYmariem . 2021-07-01

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My wife and I are regular visitors to the Cross Keys hotel restaurant in Kelso. We can both highly recommend the food and service provided. The steak and ale pie is one of our favourites as is the breaded haddock and chips. Always cooked to perfection. There is a good selection of items on the menu which are all delicious. Prices are also reasonable for the quality of food provided. Well done.

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KelsoDougie . 2021-06-30

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First time of being allowed to sit in and have a drink and something to eat following lockdown and what a great experience. Really friendly staff, we had some lite bites and coffees. The haggis Bon Bon’s are tremendous, I opted for a white chocolate and blueberry scone , mmmm, plus olives and 3 coffees with complimentary shortbread all for just over £15. Well worth it.

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weldonwares . 2021-06-28

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Food was delicious really tasty, service from staff was friendly and efficient. Highly recommended for families

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fi0na4444 . 2021-06-26

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The outside of the Cross Keys is such an attractive building however when stepping into its restaurant, the Saddlers, it’s a different story.Cast your minds back to days of TV shows like Crossroads Motel and you’d be on the right track.The thing about this restaurant is that is just Sooooo depressing.There is no atmosphere at all, I can only describe the ambience as a cross between a retirement home and a hospital restaurant.The staff were fine apart from the moody youngish girl who took us to the tables, but overall got the feeling that people are only here because they have to be not because they want to be, staff and diners included with that.The food itself was meh, perhaps this is where Ian Curtis ate some years ago and then decided what’s the point.The chips were of the frozen bag variety that had been deep fried, if people are happy to give 5 star reviews for this type of food, food that’s only preferable to hunger, who am I to argue, I’m not right for this place and this place isn’t right for me- lesson learned not to go to Kelso when the Cobbles is closed.

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liver_and_onions_00 . 2021-06-24

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Delicious food . The Lamb and Chicken dishes were scrumptious. Excellent Servers , friendly and efficient. We enjoyed it so much we are booked to go again.

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258anner . 2021-06-24

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We were greeted and taken to our table where we enjoyed a drink while ordering our meal. On arrival of each course we were very impressed with the presentation. We all agreed the meal was very tasty and perfectly cooked, we will certainly be visiting again when in the area

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lesleyfarmer . 2021-06-22

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I have been a pretty regular visitor to the cross keys over the years. It is a handy local place to meet friends for coffee and a light snack. However they now seem to be using covid as an excuse for irrational rules! ( why can I eat a scone outside but not a bacon roll?) Unprofessional and offhand service( last week a group of 3 ladies left after waiting half an hour to have their order taken at a pretty quiet time!) and scones which have gone downhill ( poor choice, stale and the jam welded to the pot!). Coffees are tiny and expensive. After giving them 3 chances over the last 3 weekends I won’t be back! Not sure why I didn’t just go to the cream chimneys in the first place as they never disappoint! Cross keys - you really need to up your game- you need a lot more than a prime location!

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demelza1770 . 2021-06-20

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The meal was lovely, good sized portions and service was quick. We felt safe in the dinning room where the tables were well spaced out. After our meal we sat in the bar area on a very low sofa which felt sticky. Maybe a refurb might be in order. Other than that no complaints and we would certainly consider revisiting.

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Theresa T . 2021-06-20

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We visited after a day at Dawyck Botanic Garden,excellent fish and chips with minted mushy peas.The beer was very good indeed Dryfe Lowland ale, we finished off with ice cream and coconut sorbets.An excellent meal served by friendly staff in very nice surroundings.Plenty of choice on the menu and we would recommend it as a good venue to eat.

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O9005SKdouglasr . 2021-06-17

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We had dinner at this restaurant. There were many gluten free options available and the staff were very pleasant and helpful. The food was delicious and well cooked. The restaurant was clean and comfortable.

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Glutenfree666 . 2021-06-07

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Very efficient and friendly staff. Easy parking outside. A very nice ambience in dining room. Wide-ranging Sunday lunch menu beyond the three roast meat choices. Roast potatoes could have been improved with the roast beef meal and a bit more vegetable made available. My haddock and chips was delish. All in all a very pleasant experience and good value.

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Philip S . 2021-06-07

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Another delicious meal and great service, accommodating us as requested. Lamb was fab as was the chicken, leek and mushroom pie. Peanut parfait with salted caramel and popcorn for afters again!

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Susan T . 2021-06-06

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We decided to have a sunday lunch here and i must say how wonderful it was service was excellent so was the food just the right amount cooked perfectly roast beef was so tender it just melted in your mouth the food arrive on time and the staff where lovely nothing was a bother and the price was spot on if your in kelso its well worth a visit

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Teresa M . 2021-06-03

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Tasty meal at dog friendly table. Water provided for dog and service was efficient and friendly. Have stayed previously and eaten here on many occasions with little to complain about

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4444Chrissy4444 . 2021-06-01

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Booked for breakfast the day before receptionist very friendly and table was ready when we arrived very clean and covid safe. Good value for money but can't wait for it to back to self service. Coffee and scones the next day , coconut and papaya scone was really tasty and what made it better is that we had lovely Fiona serving us. Keep up the good work and see you in July.

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Haddows50 . 2021-06-01

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A lovely spacious restaurant for a good catch up with friends!! Excellent service and amazing food, plenty choices on the Saddlers Dinner menu! Highly recommend and look forward to dining here again!

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Morris903 . 2021-05-29

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Called in here after visiting Floors castle and being turned away at their restaurant because we had not reserved a table, their loss! The staff, hotel and food at the Cross Keys were lovely, and would recommend a visit, very cleanandCovid safe.

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Cookiescot . 2021-05-27

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A welcomed Meal out after the easing of lockdown restrictions. Couldn’t have had a better Evening. The Waitresses welcome, service, and knowledge of the Menu was refreshing. Menu, and Wine list on offer was superb. Not to mention the quality of the Dishes served, everyone agreed. The Rib Eye Steak was to die for, and cooked to perfection! Will definitely be back. Thank you.

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Adventurer401215 . 2021-05-27

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Good hearty food, quick service and food arrived quickly. Had to drink outside and eat inside but that's not the Hotels fault.

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JGeorgiaL . 2021-05-15

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Staff always welcoming and really lovely food.looking fwd to our next visit. Felt really safe and comfortable

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neilbT3709EM . 2021-05-13

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What a lovely Sunday Lunch well worth waiting for after the lockdown It was well presented and the quality excellent. Also the staff were excellent as usual.

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khasbar . 2021-05-09

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Last year, had a bacon sandwich which was undercooked. However, this year, had the perfect bacon sandwich. The majority of the staff here are terrific, very friendly, hard working. Mostly go in for a coffee and relaxing ambience. Always comfortable.

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SusanThorkildsen . 2021-05-09

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First time visiting the Cross Keys for lunch. We were warmly welcomed and lucky to get a table for lunch with no booking. The dining room was spacious and spotless albeit a little tired looking in areas. The varied menu has something for everyone including gluten free options or adaptations. The GF version of the burger was delicious and well presented. We’d have given this hotel lunch experience 5 stars had the room been warmer. We we warm enough with our coats on and the waitress did acknowledge there having been an intermittent problem with the heating. The food was lovely so we will be back

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Galas-spain . 2021-05-08

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It was the best sirloin I’ve had ever Very pleasant staff Couldn’t fault it Service great,presentation great,perfect

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Q1648PJsandrar . 2021-05-08

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Had lunch yesterday and could not fault it. Great food and fab service.. They were very busy but remained attentive at all times.

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Karon O . 2021-05-07

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We felt safe as we had to book a time and sanitising stations were available as you entered and also at the entrances and exits at the restaurant and at the bar. We were welcomed by the extremely pleasant staff and shown to out table which was properly social distanced clean and the whole place was well designed. We were provided with the Track and Trace form on entry with time of entry and it was left on our table to complete the details and enter date of leaving.We ordered our soft drinks and it was not long thereafter when we had perused the reasonable choice lunch menu that our orders was taken. When the food was delivered to the table by the nice and cheerful waitress it was well presented, hot an very good indeed. We had no faults throughout our visit. Everything ran smoothly till we left the premises. Thank you to the Cross Keys in Kelso and all the staff.

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W121NHdavidl . 2021-05-06

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Couldn't wait to get back for a 5 star meal at the Cross Keys in Kelso again after lock down and as always it was delicious. Updated menu with huge variety for everyone, great food that's always spot on and a warm welcome in spacious surroundings. Great to be back, it was good to see friendly faces again.

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GoodWithABitOfCheese . 2021-05-05

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Post pandemic and getting back to a little normality is great!We ate at the Cross Keys a few times last summer and the menu / quality of food was really good at the time. Going back at the weekend for a lovely, family meal to celebrate Christmas (!) and a few birthdays in-between with parents was great, and the quality of the food was actually better than we remembered.I think the chef joined a few years ago and the menu, along with the quality of the food has been absolutely first class since. Looking forward to a regular weekend visit.

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LosClarks . 2021-05-04

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Had lovely Sunday lunch here. First time in Kelso but so pleased we stopped here for lunch. The staff were so friendly.

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314abib . 2021-05-04

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First time of being allowed to sit in and have a drink and something to eat following lockdown and what a great experience. Really friendly staff, we had some lite bites and coffees. The haggis Bon Bon’s are tremendous, I opted for a white chocolate and blueberry scone , mmmm, plus olives and 3 coffees with complimentary shortbread all for just over £15. Well worth it.

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weldonwares . 2021-05-03

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Today we went to the Cross Keys for lunch. It was the first time we had been since the outbreak of Covid 19 began and we quickly realised how much we had missed going there. The food was delicious and, despite the staff having to wear masks and were kept very busy, they were all so friendly and cheerful. We will be booking a table again very soon.

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eileent106 . 2021-05-02

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We visited the restaurant at the Cross Keys Hotel for lunch. The hotel takes the current situation with Covid seriously with practices in place to ensure safety of customers and staff. Menu provides a good mix of light bites and main meals. Excellent food served by friendly staff.

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BobHope275 . 2021-05-02

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Came for a family meal on the opening day. Love this place, warm, comfortable & the staff are so lovely. We had the best steaks cooked to perfection. The children's fish and chips was absolutely amazing. All fresh ingredients cooked to order. Brilliant relaxed atmosphere. Thanks guys & girls you are doing such a good job, and complements to Monday evening chef's . See you again soon

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A9888EFmcdoodle . 2021-04-26

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Christmas Day without our family was strange but we booked into the Cross Keys for lunch and we weren't disappointed. Lovely atmosphere, friendly helpful staff and a nice meal. I had a very good vegetarian starter - I loved the goats cheese with beetroot and the mushroom wellington was tasty, just as described on the menu. Very enjoyable on what could have been a sad day. Well done all at the hotel.

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peterjG1266FG . 2020-12-31

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We had a lovely Christmas Day meal in the Cross Keys. As usual, the staff were more than helpful, efficient and cheery. The food was very good and the ambience lovely.

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joyceh174 . 2020-12-29

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Eating out on Christmas Day is always going to be weird to me, and doubly so in the middle of a global pandemic. Everything about the Christmas Dinner I had with my family on Christmas Day was wonderful: from the moment I contacted the hotel to book a table, through the communication of menus and food choices, to the day itself. The food was good, the service was excellent, and we all felt safe in the restaurant with all the safety measures in place. The only feedback I'd offer is it would be good to have more than one vegetarian option on the main Christmas menu; of our table of 5, 3 were vegetarian and two of them don't like mushrooms so the one vegetarian option being a mushroom wellington wasn't great. However, the chef came up with an alternative and I'm not going to reduce my rating from Excellent for that one thing.

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ogfadams . 2020-12-29

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The Cross Keys is our local hotel and, since the whole Covid-19 crisis began, the staff has taken extra good care of its customers. From a covered outdoor space, takeaway meals of restaurant standard, to a beautifully planned and executed Christmas celebration lunch, care has been taken for customer safety. And all this hasn’t lessened the cheerful and painstaking service from all the staff.It’s been a great place to eat and socialise in safety.

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janerL3347BZ . 2020-12-29

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First time we've had lunch here. Was well worth the visit. The food was fresh and piping hot. Staff are really lovely, but the establishment does seem understaffed. Waited 10 minutes to be seated and another 15 minutes to be offered a drink. Had we been short on time we would of had to leave, lunch took 1 hour 20 minutes from start to finish. Anyway my steak pie, chips and peas was AMAZING, my husband enjoyed his prawn baguette and fries as well. We will return and 100% recommend. Thank you

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A9888EFmcdoodle . 2020-12-10

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From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, it was perfect we were there for lunch on the 15th and back again yesterday so that tells a story, the food was brilliant it was a 10 out of 10 for all of us.

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GuyTracey . 2020-10-22

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Comfortable seating. Varied menu and the food we ordered was cooked very well. Staff are friendly once you have their attention. Good Covid measures in place.

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377clementinem . 2020-10-10

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We popped in for a coffee with our dog on 8/10/20 friendly staff and good coffee and the chocolate muffin was so light and yummy. We returned for lunch and the gammon and haddock were delicious. We had a wonderful sweet lemon poppy seed with custard and lemon curd. It was one of the nicest deserts we have had in a long time.Quite often when a hotel/restaurant is dog friendly the staff do not bother about the dog, this does not happen at the cross keys, staff make sure that your dog is catered for eg water and making a fuss of the dog. We have not stayed at the Cross Keys yet but we will do next year. Well done to all the staff including the wonderful chef

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L9971QYdenises . 2020-10-09

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had 2 course sunday lunch here today, it was lovely. we were on a day trip and called in on spec, we got a table no bother, with all the social distancing in place. we both had prawn cocktail starters followed by beef and pork mains, they were delicious. the staff were great, fast and friendly, washed down with a couple of drinks, lush.

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gary s . 2020-10-04

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Myself and some members of my family came to the cross keys this evening and it was so lovely. The waitresses were very pleasant and the food was worth the wait, very well cooked, piping hot and extremely appetising. Really enjoyed myself and a much needed trip out for my father in law.

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JenniferRSB . 2020-09-30

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Four of us from two households had lunch on Tuesday. It was the first time we'd been in a restaurant for almost 6 months. Social distancing and signage were apparent, the staff were discreet and wearing face coverings. They made us feel welcome. The menu was inviting and the dishes we choose were very tasty. We will definitely have lunch here again.

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Cheryl B . 2020-09-25

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Always an enjoyable evening at the Cross Keys, the service and food is first class. Definitely an asset to Kelso.

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Savvyhillwalker2 . 2020-09-22

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Staying in the area, we tried the Cross Keys for a quick lunch as it was dog friendly. We had very tasty sandwiches, a cheese & tomato on bloomer and smoked salmon and cream cheese in a toasted wrap. Both were very good, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the premises had made an effort to be COVID secure. And the dog got a biscuit. Result!

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Quest17957742864 . 2020-09-22

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We spent 3 days at the Cross Keys and ate there each night. The food was fantastic. Good atmosphere and tables spaced out accordingly. Staff very pleasant and cleaning for tables etc was first classWe will definitely return

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Magsduff . 2020-09-22

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After a fruitless search for somewhere to eat in other Borders' towns we struck lucky with the Saddlers Restaurant within the Cross Keys Hotel in Kelso. My partner & I both plumped for the 6oz Tweed Valley Beef Burger. And lovely they were too. Perfectly cooked, topped with melted monterey jack cheese with just the right amount of french fries and coleslaw to accompany them. To follow my partner had the Dark Belgian Chocolate Tart and I had the Steamed Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake. Both were beautifully presented and rather yum. We ended our meal with a pot of Earl Grey for me and a pot of Columbian Filtered Coffee for him. Lovely meal in nice relaxing surroundings. Really nice staff.

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Barbara T . 2020-09-10

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We ate out on a Monday evening in a group of 6 family and the place was buzzing and welcoming on arrival. It is rare to see a restaurant so busy on a Monday but we soon found out why!Wonderful food from start to finish and great service all round. As a Coeliac I was delighted to find so many gluten free options.We all ate three courses and every one of us was delighted with our choices. The highlight for me was my main course. A melt in the mouth fillet steak cooked exactly as requested with a naughty but extremely nice garlic butter sauce. Absolute perfection.This was a treat for our parents and we had a relaxed and wonderful evening in their company at this lovely restaurant.I highly recommend a visit if you are in the area. You will not be dissapointed.

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Mainey666 . 2020-08-24

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We enjoyed lunch for two on a sunny Wednesday in August. Busy and popular, so booked in advance; presumably many others were taking advantage of the “eat out to help out” half-price deal at the moment. Good Covid precautions in place, helpful and attentive staff. Plenty of choice on menu with food well-prepared and presented. A successful visit, well done to the staff team.

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Ratherbebiking . 2020-08-19

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Had a lovely lunch here with friends last week. Food was excellent along with the staff. Felt very safe here with all the new measures in place! Will visit again

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Morris903 . 2020-08-10

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The hotel catered for our group the ednam wine club for a burns supper the food and service was excellent

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khasbar . 2020-01-22

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Everything was exactly as described. We both enjoyed the lunch. The staff we brilliant. The chef and his team must have worked hard to provide such a wonderful meal. A big thank you to them all.

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eileent106 . 2020-01-03

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Hubby & I unexpectedly found ourselves in Scotland over New Year and luckily for us, The Cross Keys was one of the only hotels that had accommodation. We booked a 2 night stay which included a Hogmanay Gala dinner, breakfast and a second dinner on Jan 1st. We didn’t have Gala Dinner outfits but were nonetheless welcomed by staff and our fellow guests. The event lacked an MC but was still enjoyed by all the guests. We had a twin room. The mattresses aren’t great but everything else is. TV, Wifi, hot water, kettle, parking and ideally situated to explore the borders and beyond. The hotel facilities are a little tired but the food and service are excellent and would make The Cross Keys my first choice if we were to return. The menus are modern, the food’s fresh and the portions are large enough to satisfy a hearty appetite. The staff were an absolute delight and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the hotel to anybody because I know that they’d be well looked after.

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Littlelight M . 2020-01-03

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We stayed at the Cross Keys Hotel from 30th December 2019 until 2nd January 2020 for the Hogmanay Celebrations. The hotel accommodation was fine the food in the Saddlers Restaurant was great the Hogmanay Gala Dinner menu was fine the staff were all lovely but when it came to the entertainment after it was a different matter. We were expecting Scottish Celidh type music. There was one Gay Gordon's dance and that was it not even Auld Lang Syne was sung and it is sung all over the world at hogmanay . One of our fellow guests did get up on the stage and we did sing it amongst ourselves while the entertainer looked on... he never even offered to sing it or even play the music. Several of the guests had travelled a fair distance to attend what we thought would be a Traditional Scottish Hogmanay .

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217barbarai . 2020-01-03

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We decided to have our christmas dinner out this year and decided to go to the cross keys hotel the staff where very friendly when we went in to book a table and told us how the booking prosess worked. A few months later we got an email confirming our table was booked and to go in with our menu choices. On arival on christmas day the staff where quick to show us to our table the food was exelent we all enjoyed everything we had right down to the mince pie and coffee we will defintaly be going back for another christmas day lunch in the furture.

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stephmitchell20 . 2020-01-03

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Beautifully prepared and presented dishes. New Head Chef has introduced innovative and creative dishes for those who wish! My Braised Featherblade of beef is, I gather, prepared over 3 days. Very comfortable surroundings, and polite, friendly service. Highly recommended!

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LeChissayun . 2019-11-25

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10 of us ate at Saddlers for a family birthday celebration.Everyone’s meal from starter through main to dessert was excellent.We all thought the food was very good.Considering it was a Friday night with a busy restaurant & a large private party to cater for along with our party of 10, we were very impressed with the speed of service on all 3 courses. We all felt the pricing was very reasonable too.Thumbs up from us

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Isla H . 2019-11-12

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Had an meal here with friends food was great. Staff friendly and helpful. Prices very reasonable. I had ribeye which was cooked exactly how I asked the rest of my party said that the meals were excellent

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917calumt . 2019-11-11

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This was our first time to the Cross Keys hotel… We always stayed at a local competitor’s hotel before this.I was delighted with what we found here. The entry, public areas, stairs, bathrooms and bedrooms are very clean, the breakfast is good, and the staff (reception & dining room & bar) is extraordinarily excellent. All are cheerful — willing— thoughtful. For instance, depending on the day, my group of 4 persons was sometimes a group of 5 — when I went down to breakfast this morning, a waitress said to me, “I did not know if you would be a table of four or five today, so we set you up with the table of five.”Delightful! Thank you for that. The weekend buffet included a full Scottish breakfast with the best black pudding I’ve had for a long time — and don’t take my word for it: another customer with a Scottish accent said it was the best that she’s ever had. The buffet also included fruit, juices, toast, yogurt, cereals, pastries. Really good pastries. Like in France. I’m dead serious. I don’t know who makes them, but two bakeries are directly across the street. There is also an “order off the menu” selection — pancakes, kippers, Eggs Benedict, etc.The weather was nice, so we could sit outside at any time and enjoy a cup of tea and soda. The hotel also sells ice cream — get the mango. Dead serious.I’m a morning shower person, and I learned something from the Cross Keys: I had reserved a single room with a bathtub, and that’s what I got. I did not know that the bathtub may not come with a shower-head. The hotel was busy, but the next morning when I requested a room with a shower, the receptionist made it seem like it was no problem for her at all. Bless her for that.Another time I left my mobile phone in a restaurant about 15 minutes away. The Cross Keys receptionist graciously called the restaurant to ascertain that it was there, and then called a cab to take me to pick up my mobile — accompanied, of course, by some well-deserved yet gentle, goodnatured teasing. It’s June and the daylight is long. My room had blackout curtains which was very nice. It also had a small wardrobe (hairdryer inside), a movable desk (2 fresh waters, teas and biscuits are supplied daily), tv & remote, a large mirror, nightstand & lamp, and a twin-sized bed. The shower was hot, the room compact & efficiently functional, and everything was very clean.The lift (3 Floors) works with the key fob and I’m utilizing the internet as I write this. We fit four in the lift, so I suspect a wheelchair & attendant would fit as well. This building was constructed in 1769, so the floors wander a bit. Lots of tvs in the public areas keep me in touch with our president’s doings.Kelso was hot (by Scotland standards) the three days that I was here, and small fans are in each of the rooms to help circulate the air; I never used mine but my niece used hers to cut the Saturday night street noise. “Didn’t hear a thing,” she said. “Slept great!”Next time I come, I’ll ask for an additional pillow.

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heathcote4654 . 2019-06-30

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lovely food all cooked fresh and very reasonably priced. nice decor and surroundings would recommend

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Moandagnes . 2019-06-22

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As the Cross Keys is a big hotel, I can’t understand why I was disappointed to find that the bar here is exactly like a big hotel bar. In other words, it isn’t remotely like a pub, and on a quiet Thursday night it felt like drinking in an empty barn.

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johnhouston2 . 2019-04-15

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My better half and I called in for a bite to eat and had the chicken and ham pie and dessert for £10.This was absolutely fantastic with plenty of meat, so much so I could not finish it. The 2 ladies running the "cafe" part were so helpful and happy. Your doing a great job, a credit to the Crosskeys.

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popladdy . 2019-04-13

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We booked here for 1 night at last minute, have had the Sunday carvery which is lovely so we were expecting a decent room.

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Lynnec16 . 2019-04-05

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Thank you so much for your great service!! We arrived without reservations and immediately they organise a table for us. We asked for surprise drinks and with a friendly smile they came up with drinks that rock our world!! Thank you so much Jeffrey (the chef) for finger licking good food and spiced up to perfection just as we love it. God bless you all. I will recommend this restaurant to each and all!!

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kelvinn2016 . 2019-04-02

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Six of us landed one Saturday morning and we were pleasantly greeted and welcomed for breakfast as non residents. Full breakfast with toast and tea or coffee was good value at £10 per person. Fresh cooked egg of your choice - poached were nicely cooked. Bacon, sausage, beans, mushrooms, grilled tomato, black pudding, haggis and a potatoe scone - all very tasty and nicely cooked. We all cleared our plates and were set for the day. Service was pleasant and efficient - Thank you.

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Dillybop . 2019-03-25

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We came to listen to an informal traditional music session in the bar on a Thursday night. We ate dinner there beforehand. The food was good and portion sizes were appropriate, but nothing spectacular. The menu seemed overpriced, as well. The music made this night for us. My husband and I found exactly what we are looking for. A good three hours of traditional Scottish music in a casual setting. The drinks were good and the bartender was very friendly and helpful. All in all, it was a great night out.

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compton49er . 2019-02-17

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Called in for a meal while staying locally but was disappointed to find the bar area very quiet with hardly anyone else there. There was very little atmosphere or anything to draw potential customers in but I was hungry so decided to stay.

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Ronny48 . 2019-01-20

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We called for lunch here on Christmas Eve.

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marko678 . 2018-12-26

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Food was traditional, ample portions and friendly staff. I had liver, one had fish, and another had a vegetable curry. All very tasty.

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PaulB5146 . 2018-12-02

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fantastic clean airy hotel right in the heart of kelso would defo stay there again .. has a fantastic veiw of the square and the big bolder in the middle of square

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Freedom63679879496 . 2018-11-14

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The Cross Keys is a modern hotel, reminiscent of a Premier Inn but what it lacks in 'atmosphere' is more than made up by the great attitude of the staff and some delicious food ! For those of you who like lamb, take my word for it and go for the lamb twice over (chops & croquettes) ... So very different but so very tasty alternatively if you like pork, the belly & loin combo is also excellent

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Les010565 . 2018-11-02

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Having recently located to the Borders I can say the Oakroom is MAGNIFCENT , Steak Pie or Cumberland Sausage out of this world . We use to live in Edinburgh and were spoiled for places to eat , Great Food , Great Service.

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stevedunn1874 . 2018-10-31

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Ideal place for a quick lunch, friendly attentive staff, but could do with a boost to the catering. Good carvery choices, but over-cooked veg and could have been a bit warmer. Maybe smaller dishes but topped up more regularly.

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fhc1964 . 2018-10-01

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The waitress was accomodating and attentive; offered a high chair immediately whilst we settled in then speedily set about taking a drinks order. The place got busy but they coped admirably and there was more staff on hand. The food was well cooked and presented- I'd argue that the light lunches were a bit too plentiful. Great Fry- up. On the whole we were pleased with everything. I've only given 4 stars and the place needs a revamp and the toilets are incredibly dated.

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James M . 2018-08-16

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What a lovely hotel to visit staff can not do enough for you so helpful spotless throughout food excellent and reasonably priced

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Pat R . 2018-06-29

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My wife chose the ‘mince and tatties’ and I had the cheese and macaroni. Both were good - but my wife’s was better. My side salad was over onioned and sadly I left over half. Service was good and friendly.

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Schoeningen . 2018-06-20

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I wouldn't normally bother writing a review unless somewhere is really good or really bad. Somehow I'm here saying our visit was entirely average. The food was okay, the service was okay, the prices were okay. The place was clean and tidy. And dull. Oh well.

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KimB4652 . 2018-05-20

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We had a snack in the “oak room” which sounds grand but certainly wasn’t. Coffee and cakes were tasty enough and service ok but much nicer places to visit in Kelso

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13garrys . 2018-04-05

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As it was beltin down we dived in here for refuge. The Oak room looks like a spare room in the hotel which was flung together but it is clean.

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BigDez33 . 2018-04-04

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Stayed here a night while visiting friends in Scotland. Room was small but perfect for one person. Yes it took some time for hot water, but they let you know that. It is an older facility, but well maintained. Large variety of breakfast items. Would stay here again.

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rose k . 2018-03-01

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The Oak Room restaurant in the Cross Keys Hotel at Kelso is well worth a visit for a value for money lunch, with two courses at £10 per person. The surroundings are pleasant and the staff friendly.

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Mdubhghlas . 2018-02-25

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Unless you are in a function room specifically tailored for your 'group' it can be quite difficult to accommodate a fairly large group of people in a public restaurant which doesn't impact upon other diners whilst keeping the 'group' together. I ate with a group of friends a few weeks ago & we were catered for very well. There were other functions going on in the hotel & we were served on time & the food was hot. I opted for Xmas dinner for my main course which would have looked a bit more colourful if there had been some greens on the plate but my sticky toffee pudding was delicious. I have seen another review re having to queue at the bar but on the one occasion I went up I got served immediately. Having no table bar service wasn't an issue as a lot of people were driving therefore not drinking & most people wanted to just pay for their own drinks. All things considered I think the CK did a good job

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AngieMWalker . 2017-12-21

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Was really looking forward to our Christmas party last Saturday! However, the service at this Hotel is disgraceful! As an ex-General Manager - there was no organisation whatsoever. Thefood was mediocre, the atmosphere was lacking, the staff were walking about like headless chickens. The actual meal was not served, but thrown at us, I had to wait 25 mins for my Xmas pudding as the Chef had forgotten it! There was no table service for drinks and so you had to leave your food and queue at the Bar with everyone else! Not only was I ignored by 2 of the 3 staff - too busy tidying up to serve! Then the young girl came to me and apologised for the Barman ( who was the senior person) for being rude to me! BUT she had ignored me as well! Would not recommend anyone to go unless you want dull dull and boring served badly!

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ElaineG123 . 2017-12-07

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Was staying near by and the Cross Keys was recommended. It was late and there weren't many restaurant options left. Had the haggis appetizer and fish fry for the main. The haggis was tasty but the garnish...fried turnip scraps was the worst. (They got pea sprouts at the table next to me.) Was solo guest and was seated next to kitchen entrance under a harsh can light. It was weird. The fish was fine. The restaurant decor seemed dated. I think this place is worth only a single visit when staying in Kelso but maybe not the first choice.

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DAuntDeb . 2017-11-19

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The Cross Keys is located in the centre of Kelso, a stone's throw from the Old Bridge and magnificent River Tweed. It's a traditional hotel within easy reach of the famous Abbey popular with tourists as a stopping place on their way North as well as delegates at a corporate function. My single room was compact but nicely furnished with a wonderful shower, hospitality tray and small tv. Although my original booking was on a room-only basis, I had no trouble changing to half board on arrival. Dinner was excellent preceded by one of the best G&Ts; I've tasted in a long while! The staff were first rate throughout and even bothered to ask if I'd like a morning paper. If you're passing through or want a short break away from life's hustle and bustle, I would definitely recommend the Cross Keys.

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merrywanderer2017 . 2017-10-12

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Went for a meal at lunch. first had coffee to sit and relax before noon when they start to serve. Very nice feeling inside . Did not sit in the restaurant section but rather the lunchtime room. A bit dated but inviting. After awhile it was time to order. The waitress had to be beckoned to our table . she took our order, . No smile, no eye contact . Felt a bit uncomfortable. After a wait, the food came and delicious. My husband had steak and ale pie with huge chips. I had beef lasagne, the best I've had in a long time. After finishing, waited and waited to get the waitress's attention. finally we had to call another waitress over who seemed annoyed that we called her to our table which was not one of her tables she tends to. She told our waitress who finally came over and gave us the bill. Our waitress was tall with a blond pony tail. Very unpleasant person. Obviously , we did not leave a tip. We like to go where we feel welcomed and the service is good. Sadly, the service here is not.

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SusanThorkildsen . 2017-10-10

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Situated on the town square. A really lovely hotel with excellent friendly staff. Wide range of drinks and beers and...

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lynn t . 2017-09-22

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Dropped in without a booking - not a problem, Prompt friendly service, good food and pleasant surroundings.

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James R . 2017-09-14

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