Off The Square in Scottish Borders

Had the most amazing Afternoon Tea today from booking the whole experience was fantastic, the selection and amount of food was brilliant and great quality, there was so much foe 2 people that we didn’t even attempt the sweet treats and brought a tray home for later. The staff were lovely and very friendly. Would definitely recommend.

Called in here on arrival in Kelso. Baguettes nice and soft, tasty fillings, quality crisps and homemade coleslaw. Lovely!

Loved this place. We were recommended by Kelso Antique Centre just across the road, glad we asked. Good food, lovely helpful staff and a good atmosphere. Very busy little place , we were lucky to get a table, worth being patient or pre-book. Prices were competitive. All in all a nice experience. Would definitely go again.

We had a brilliant visit with you today, thank you! Staff were exceptional attentive and so friendly without being intrusive. My husband says it’s the best Scottish breakfast he has had - and that is some compliment. My meal was equally delicious and our two dogs were treated like royalty. Cannot recommend highly enough!

I attempted to go there for lunch today but because I was alone and there appeared to be only one table left for 4, this was obviously an issue. Whilst I stood in the main entrance, in view and hear shot of other diners, I was told that it would need to be ok'd by the owner/manager, at which point I said never mind and left. I appreciate they wanted to fill the table, but the way it was done was not very nice. I would have quite happily moved to smaller table if a bigger party had come in. I certainly would not go back, or recommend it.

Excellent coffee and a bacon baguette to die for.... Great stop between Carlisle and Duns....😊👍 Will certainly use again.

We came after reading the reviews and were not disappointed For lunch we had jacket potato’s 1 with tuna and 1 with Thai chicken Both were very tasty and a good size with salad and crisps on the side Staff were friendly too Would return if in the area

Had an absolutely delicious lunch. Food was amazing, service was fabulous despite them being short staffed. Couldn’t sit indoors as it was full but it was warm enough to sit outside and the lady serving us brought cushions to sit on and wiped the rain from the table! Highly recommend the Stornoway stack (sooooo gooood) and mum had the jumbo sausage baguette which was also amazing. Pot of Ringtons tea to top it all off 😊 Very reasonably priced too. Only issue was when someone lit up a cigarette very close to us while we were finishing up so the sooner smoking is banned in outside eating areas the better as far as I’m concerned 🤞🏻

Great Scottish Breakfast. Say no more.

Breakfast was UNREAL. Absolutely fantastic service, everyone was friendly and chatty, even though they had just opened! Cakes looked amazing but I was too stuffed to try any. I'm definitely coming back here next time I'm in Scotland! Worth the trip all on its own

Lovely stop for a coffee when we visited Kelso. We had a drink and a cake, and the cakes were not only delicious but there was a lot of choice and they all looked amazing, it was difficult to choose. Service was fast and with a smile. If we pop back to Kelso we'll definitely pop in again.

Lovely cafe, we went for breakfast, I had eggs Benedict and my sister got the breakfast stack. Very nice food, good atmosphere, nice staff.

Fancied a quick lunch and found this cafe as it had space to sit outside set back of the pavement. We ended up sitting inside though as they allowed our dog in. The staff were amazing. Very friendly and even gave our dog a sausage! We ordered a small breakfast for our daughter, a jacket potato and a panini as well as having a side of chips (which were unneeded as the portions are a good size). All the food was lovely and very reasonably priced. The cake we took home was also beautiful and a good size. It’s a shame we’ll not be back in the area h til next year but we would hesitate to come back

Very busy so book if you can but you can probably get in if you are prepared to wait for a while. The specials are very good, well prepared and presented and the service is excellent. The Stornoway Stack is particularly good.

A good breakfast and enjoyed sitting outside people watching

Really nice coffee The bacon roll cooked to perfection The cherry and coconut scone amazing next time I am back in kelso I will definitely back

What a great find this place was.We were on a mini break and stopped in Kelso for a wander about.It was a lovely day and we happened upon this place,that had some lovely seats outside.The service was great,mum said her cheese scone was "yummy" the scrambled eggs(although they were the strangest I've seen)were lovely,BUT the highlight was the bread that came with it...was the best i have tasted in a long time.Worth a visit

Great little cafe in kelso,cannot believe it took us so long to go.nice flat white,and huge slices of cake,nice service from ladys and girls.will be back

Would be better if the staff didn't chew gum when taking orders and was always taught you don't clear tables till everyone is finished eating. As I was still eating my meal and the young lad wanted to clear my plate spoiled the whole meal

Great little place for food, especially when you can sit outside with your dogs. The staff were very attentive and even give the dogs some treats

Only had a scone and cup of tea but enjoyed it, the ladies serving were very plesent. They had a good selection of cakes. Set in a lovely town on the borders.

Absolutely lovely traditional breakfasts, very pleasant staff. Nothing is too much of a problem for them. Even when it's busy, they're very attentive and helpful Great selection of cakes too!!

Lovely food and service, reasonable pricing too and could get parked easily. Highly recommend.

Lovely wee place for a bite to eat, I had the burger brunch which was very filling, so no room for cake... Next time I'll plan better.

Delicious cakes and scones. Cheese and treacle scones both recommended

Today was the first time I'd visited but my parents come here when in the area. The staff were all so lovely. The food was delicious. I had a chicken goujon wrap and mum had a breakfast roll. Both items were so fresh and cooked to perfection. We had the two tub chairs near the back of the restaurant and for me personally on crutches and struggling with a hip these chairs were so comfortable for me. I can't wait to come back again when I'm next in the area next month. Thank you for a lovely dining experience. 06/01/2024 Back again today whilst I'm the area. Service fantastic, food hot and delicious. Thank you.

1st time here. Won't be the last time , absolutely amazing 😍

Lovely little cafe excellent food and friendly, helpful staff

Great wee cafe. Always full. Amazing food and their cakes are too die for.

Originally went because the had a beautiful girl working there sadly she left but the food is superb the specials are always worth trying.

The breakfast is outstanding. Great coffee.

Had a fabulous all day breakfast here. The traditional Scottish breakfast that my husband has was fantastic - haggis, tattie scones, black pudding etc... I had the vegetarian breakfast and it was excellent. Very hearty and very good value for money. Our dog was made welcome and they even brought over some biscuits and water for him. Very friendly staff and nice atmosphere. A great find in Kelso.

Arrived around 9.30 after a 5 hour journey to attend Kelso races. Don't know if it was because it was race day but very busy, some tables even reserved. Ordered full breakfast, didn't take long to come, by far the best cooked breakfast I've ever had, 2 sausage, 2 bacon, fried egg, Tom's, mushrooms, beans, black pudding, haggis, hash brown, potato cake and toast all this for £9.50, all served with a friendly, welcoming smile. If I was coming to Kelso again, I definitely pop in for a superb breakfast. 👌

Great food & nice polite service

This was our first visit when we popped in for a hot drink & snack. Apart from getting great coffee & a fantastic selection of fresh & tempting cakes/traybakes, it was the lovely atmosphere and outstandingly friendly & helpful service that impressed even more. We left feeling like valued customers and loved the banter of the waitress - just a lovely lovely experience. Can't wait to return to try other goodies on offer.

Great little cafe, had the haggis,brie n cranberry panini 😋, food very good , and friendly staff.

The food was dry,the staff seemed like we were in their way and treated us as such.Greggs has a nicer atmosphere and is ALOT cheaper.The tables were squashed in,you couldn't get a wheelchair in.Wouldnt recommended for the price and how depressed the staff seemed.

We were a group of 5 cyclists last Wednesday (26th September) on day 3 of our Castles and Coast cycle tour. We had a lovely stop off for refreshments, soft bacon rolls, and decided last minute to purchase your Ginger Traybake, to continue our journey. I can’t praise enough how amazing this cake was...suffice to say on a very wet ( 30 more miles) afternoon...it was the best I’ve ever tasted. Thank you so much xx

First time visiting. We wanted breakfast and having read the reviews, decided to call in. Wow! Absolutely wonderful hearty traditional breakfast and good value too. Ringtons tea was a bonus. Would certainly recommend this friendly cafe. We can't wait to return.

A lovely little place, food was delicious, staff were so very nice, made us feel very welcome. Will come back again next time we visit Kelso. Blueberry scones were really nice. Big thumbs up, and a thank you to the lovely people that work there. X

Made very welcome lovely server delicious soup and sandwich would definitely recommend.

Nice wee Cafe that has a good atmosphere and is clean, warm and inviting with excellent service and lovely friendly staff. Plenty of parking in the Square which is only a minutes walk away. The fried breakfast is the best that I've had so far in a Cafe and is reasonably priced too and filling. Highly recommend.

Nice wee Cafe that is clean warm and inviting, has a good atmosphere with excellent service and lovely friendly staff. Plenty of parking in the Square which is only a minute walk away. The fried breakfast is the best that I've had so far in a Cafe and is reasonably priced too and filling. Highly recommend.

Lovely food staff very friendly would definitely recommend.

This busy café is, as the name suggests, just a few metres from the focal point of Kelso, the main square. The welcome is friendly and the atmosphere is cosy. Everyone we encountered had a cheery smile and was eager to help. We sat at a corner table - great for people watching! Even as the place filled up, staff still had time for everyone, and food was delivered without delay. As for the food, our breakfast was beautifully presented, wonderfully fresh and really tasty. The coffee was just perfect. This is exactly what a town centre café should be. We wouldn’t hesitate to return.

Unassuming exterior hides a little gem. Lovely helpful and efficient staff, great value food, offering sandwiches, baked potatoes etc. Delicious fresh food. It was nice to be able to sit outside.

Bel locale con tavoli nel giardino e all'interno. Abbiamo preso 1 teiera di the per 2 e 2 scones alla fragola accompagnati da panna e marmellata. Personale gentile. 8.80 £

We had coffee here in the morning (the coffee is strong, tasty and good value) and went back again for lunch. Excellent value tasty lunch. Staff are so friendly and helpful and made our little dog (who is nervous) feel welcome with a sausage treat! When it started raining they were straight outside to help us move our food and drinks inside even though they were very busy. Would not hesitate to go back next time we are in Kelso.

My daughter took me to this place as she has been before, wonderful atmosphere and despite being very busy got served very efficiently and the food was excellent, the salad was so fresh and the coleslaw was especially good my tuna melt was delicious and I really enjoyed my visit, will definitely be back

Lovely staff and very tasty food. Really enjoyed our visit and will definitely return! Also a good menu and quite reasonably priced, thank you !

Very friendly ,great atmosphere super staff

stopped for lunch here on a cycle day out. Very friendly - quick service - good gluten free options and reasonable value. Would def recommend and return.

Popped in for tea and cakes. Excellent with a pleasant outdoor seating area as well. Friendly and efficient service 🙂

Lovely little cafe literally just "Off The Square" had a really nice piece of Victoria Sponge with my pot of tea. Well worth the visit if you are visiting this lovely little Scottish town.

On a trip out from Alnwick to Kelso, we returned to this cafe we had first visited a few years ago with our dog. That time we had sat outside, today we couldn’t get a table outside, so sat in. Husband had been eager to get a ‘proper Ploughman’s’ and luckily, this was on the specials board. I ordered a baked potato. The cafe was really busy, no spare tables while we were there, but our food arrived without too much delay, and was obviously freshly made. Both meals were tasty, with great portions. The staff were all lovely and friendly, even though they were so busy and as many local people appeared to be dining, it looks as though it’s a much loved place. Very reasonable prices too…will be back next time we’re up here.

Excellent food served by really friendly staff who made such a fuss over bonbon stornoway stack the tastiest thing going and wifey had bacon and brie toastie absolutely delicious and huge portions bonbon loved the plate of ham aswell

Wonderful, friendly eating place. Staff are extremely helpful and food is great. Highly recommended.

Found this little gem on a day trip to Kelso popped in for a light lunch sat outside in the sun plenty of seating area order taken by a very pleasant young lady food came quick hot and very enjoyable you could tell that it was fresh and homemade

Highly recommend, lovely helpful staff and food is first class. Afternoon tea yet again outstanding with quality sandwich fillings. Thank you 😀

Good fast efficient service. Friendly staff. Food is both nicely presented and tastes good. We'll worth a visit

Busy place but the ladies serving were superb and very helpful. Braw fish supper too!

The ladies on shift were extremely busy but buzzed around like bees to keep all the patrons happy. They did it all with a laugh and a smile too and made us feel very welcome. My son and I both had fish & chips with a big (very generous) pot of tea, which was delicious and did not break the bank. I'll gladly go back next time I'm in the area. Oh, and happy birthday on the 11 July to the waitress whose name I sadly didn't catch.

Brilliant place! Hardworking and pleasant staff. Good is really nice and reasonably priced. Well worth a visit

Yummy cherry bakewell 'cake' and a smooth americano coffee 😋

Lovely place, great homemade scones, great coffee, and the service was excellent. It was a really friendly welcome. Comfy outside seating and dog friendly outside.

We were just about to give up on lunch in Kelso when we stumbled upon off the square, they had just finished serving but kindly said they could make us a toastie. The food was lovely, nicely presented and fresh. Also the best cup of...

Fab lunch here. Defo worth a visit!!

Great food & pleasant staff. The warm salad is especially good.

Fantastic friendly staff & relaxed atmosphere. Delicious food

My husband and I were made feel so welcome from start to finish. Such a lovely cafe with delicious food. Fish Tea was amazing and we both enjoyed the homemade Blueberry and Lemon Cheesecake. Best cheesecake we have ever tried. Thank you

Great food and the staff are lovely, looking forward to going back

What a great wee place. We were looking for somewhere for lunch on Easter Monday, and happened on this one. Very busy, but luckily we got a table. Their home made soup was delicious, as was the panini we had. Great, friendly staff and good...

Very friendly staff and good service. I had a pot of tea and a flapjack which were excellent and the breakfasts being served to another table looked very tasty. Can definitely recommend a visit.

It's a shame I can't give a better description of the excellent customer service and food I got here with the star system. The staff are so friendly and helpful, we were asking for pens to do forms and scissors for cutting photos. They helped so much!! The food is to die for and really, really good. Don't sleep on this place it's amazing

Having read very good reviews on Trip Advisor we decided to visit Off The Square for breakfast. We were a party of three and each of us had the full english and toast. The meal was very tasty and filling. The service was very good...

Very friendly staff and good service just feels a bit lacking in space x

WE had booked a lunch at Carolines Coffee Shop, but now closed. She recommended `Off The Square` 19 Horsemarket & we were not disappointed, allowed Bailey the Cavapoo to join us. An error in my meal, but quickly rectified by the proprietor. It was Linda`s...

Called in for lunch. Excellent value and a good choice. Server was especially friendly and helpful. Food was very good. We can recommend it.

Found this hidden gem today. Great food reasonably priced very friendly staff can't wait to go back.

When we moved near Kelso we made a point of trying every cafe in town and our favourite is Off the Square. Great coffee, scones, cake and more if you want lunch. Friendly staff and reasonable prices. The only disappointment is that sometimes there are no tables available, as it is quite small inside. Summertime you can sit outside.

Worth a try. This is a decent café/ restaurant in the centre of Kelso. The food is very good, decent portions and nice and hot when required. The staff are friendly without being intrusive and the place is clean. The prices are very reasonable, affordable to all. There is limited space inside the café but more outside (not advisable in the cold weather) which is dog friendly. There is disabled access ♿ and toilets. Give it a try.

Nice cozy cafe with good food and coffee, dog friendly too.

Lovely dog friendly cafe ...beautiful food and coffee ....charming staff ...will definitely be back ...thank you ....😊

Wonderful traditional breakfast with a pit of tea. Friendly service and efficient.

The best coffee place! Friendly staff, family atmosphere, dogs always welcome and never short on a choice of food !

Lovely food and friendly staff. Great atmosphere.

Excellent service and very friendly staff who were very warm and welcoming. Lovely and clean and nicely decorated. Food was absolutely lovely and very fresh. Lovely cakes on display which all looked delicious and fresh as well. Would highly recommend and will return when next in Kelso.

We can recall this place being Border Meringues a few years ago, and yet again we weren't disappointed. Friendly staff and atmosphere, great coffee and dog friendly, not that it mattered to me as my dog was at home. Will definitely call again.

if your passing through or a Kelso local this is the best cafe in the town. The food is Always fresh and of a good quality. The staff are great and go out of their way to make sure that your taken care of. worthy of mention are the beautiful home made cakes...none of which have any calories 😉..

The lady serving us was lovely. We sat outside on a sunny October afternoon. The food was good too..

Came across this place while looking for a lunch venue. Staff where very welcoming and soon found us a table. It was very busy but the service was 1st class. Husband had the Ploughmans which was recommended by the waitress. Massive plateful. I had a...

Food was amazing staff fantastic

Great toasties and lunches, good service and a friendly cosy atmosphere ❤️

Just a quick stop for tea and scones. Very nice and friendly waitress.

We have visited this cafe several times and always had a good value for money meal. I have to say was a little disappointed today. Ordered the ploughman’s with pork pie and a pot of tea. To start with the cup was dirty then the...

Had real difficulty finding an all day breakfast in Kelso as it had turned 12pm and the lunch menu was being served everywhere. Stopped here and asked if we could still order this and they asked the chef. Such a lovely breakfast, delicious haggis. Really friendly and helpful staff. Will stop by again albeit earlier this time! Thank you ladies!

What a great find, called with family who all ordered different things. Service was great, all food arrived at tables together in great time. All very happy with food, the breakfast wonderful. Very reasonably priced and staff were very welcoming. What more could you want?

What a lovely reception we received when six of us turned up soaking wet on a bike ride following a downpour of rain. So welcoming to us. Not only that but also delicious carrot cake, made on the premises and great coffee too. Would highly recommend.

Lovely to sit at table with white parasols outside in sunshine, it's set back from main pavement, still get the buzz from the main street the small restaurant behind is warm and welcoming too Food good with a wide choice

Excellent breakfast, very friendly and attentive service.