Rhymers Tower Coffee Shop and Restaurant in Scottish Borders

Enjoyed a lovely lunch here. Staff welcoming and friendly. My croque madame was excellent as was my Dad's omelette. Mum chose a bacon roll and it was served just exactly as she wanted it. Lovely Folkingtons fruit juices - you must try the mango!

Great food and great service 👍 👌 Everything is cooked to order and is worth the wait. Friendly service and the cafe is spotlessly clean.

Stopped for lunch at this lovely little cafe. It's right on the A68 next to a petrol station and supermarket and is really convenient. It's super clean and tidy and has a large menu to choose from. It's table service and the staff were very friendly. We both had scampi which was delicious, it was proper scampi made with langoustine tails and served with homemade chips, peas and tartar sauce. We had tea and coffee and the bill came to £34. Very reasonable highly recommended. The toilet is downstairs but there is a handy stairlift if required.

Wow. What a little gem. Full Scottish Breakfast, hot and very tasty. Fantasic service, attentive to detail. Very well run, organised and Sophie is awesome. Well done and Thank you.

First time we have stopped at Rymers Tower Cafe for a break. We had the Bacon Rolls which were absolutely delicious. We will definitely stop by again.

Stopped here on way home for a breakfast. Service was excellent pricing spot on, breakfast out of this world. All freshly cooked so well worth the small wait. We had the small breakfast and to be honest it was more than enough as we are pensioners. It looks small but seating also available downstairs and outside at rear. Don't drive past.

Absolutely beautiful food. I had eggs Benedict and my partner had a full Scottish breakfast. 10/10 from us both, left very satisfied.

Lovely place, food was freshly prepared and cooked very nicely, a warm welcome too - nice people. Had the soup of the day, ham hock, delicious. Kids had burgers, homemade and excellent chips. Thank you

I went here and enjoyed the meal with my elderly father. As you can see , he enjoyed his Scampi and home-made chips ( beautifully presented ) Would go back.

We went for brunch and had a beautiful meal. cooked to order, lovely fresh ingredients perfectly served with friendly and attentive service. Will definitely be returning. Thank you.

Best fish and chips I have ever taisted excellent 😋 would recommend it to anyone. Staff very polite

Finally Stopped here after passing many times on our way to Scottish Holidays. So wish we have stopped before!! Husband had the excellent Fish and chips and I had the Roasted Veg Pie. Was surpised when told we would have a few minutes extra wait because Chef had run out of Pastry and was making more- impressive that not a "Brakes" Special. But when it came... WOW a superb Puff pastry crust as light as a feather and a well flvoured and interesting filling. Thankyou so much! (I am a food teacher. Please come and teach my classes how to do that in the time!) Lovely little cafe and pleasant, friendly staff. Looking forward to our next northward journey... will be coming up at Christmas for a stay in the area and am hoping to introduce my Dad and daughter to that menu! Hope you will be open! Thanks again

This is a little gem of a place, it has a superb outside space with a waterfall and pond. The food is quite exceptional, all freshly cooked. Definitely worth a visit it really is a hidden gem

Wishy washy coffee so then I had a pot of tea which was also wishy washy the bacon roll was nice. I won’t be back. Teas and coffees are key to any cafe

Amazing little cafe food always cooked fresh definitely worth the the wait chicken burgers are out of this world fill you up for the day great size portions and the home made sauce is brilliant would recommend anyone travelling through Earlston stopping off here

Excellent service from staff treated like a vip food cooked to the way I asked the wife really enjoyed the chicken burgers and the daughter enjoyed her panini waited a while but that's what u expect when food is cooked fresh would recommend anyone going here well worth the prices 😀 😋

Popped in for a coffee and a snack. Disappointed at the service we received when we hinted we wanted cooked food. Pushed the scones and cakes so we just took a couple of cakes £12.40 for 2 coffees and cakes!! Crazy prices Customer entered after us and asked for a takeaway coffee and cooked food to takeaway and got a sulky response to their request for food! It shouldnt be an inconvenience to cook food if you have a menu full of hot snacks and shouldnt make your customers feel bad for asking either no matter what time of day it is :(

I stopped to break a journey as a treat today, travelling alone, mid afternoon, on a snowy Saturday. I LOVED IT! Very clean, nice welcome, good coffee and my croque monsieur was really good. Super fresh cooked chips and a nice salad. The apple pie looked good but I was refuelled and on my way. I’ll be sure to come again with company. Everything was peaceful and not fussy. Easy parking, a wonderful place! The way things should be. No corporate flashing lights, just hospitality delivered well with great food and service.

We always like stopping for a meal at this restaurant with their wide ranging menu. Service efficient and friendly. Food is good quality, perfectly cooked and presented

I have visited here twice since it has been taken over by different owners - food nice enough but have to wait rather a long time in between ordering and eating our meal.

We popped down to the Borders and on the way back went into Rhymers. It was not busy, but the food took about half-an-hour to arrive. Our meals were well presented, decent quantity and tasty.

Love their squirrel drinking chocolate, excellent toasted sandwiches and choice of alcohol in shop to buy, nice and quite.

My wife and myself called in today for bite to eat. I had the chicken curry with wild rice and my wife had scampi. Not only was the food served professionally but it was fantastic. The lady that took our order was very friendly and so efficient. The place is a definite place to stop off.

The food was delicious, the toilets were clean and the ladies behind the till were all smiles. Their sticky toffee pudding is delicious coupled with Scottish ice cream See pic for the cafe menu,

It was freezing cold outside and we decided to go for lunch. I had the chicken curry and my birthday partner got the beefburger. The food was amazing and really fullfilling infact i struggled to fininsh my curry. With the curry came popadom and chutney. This chutney was similar to what weve had on our visits to india it was beautiful and homemade by the chef. The portions that were coming out for other customers were large its definately value for money. Btw they do beautiful cake too. I recommend a visit for sure and we will definately return.

Second time we’ve had breakfast here when visiting our sister. Great to find that the EB is consistently fabulous. Porridge, coffee and pancakes also fantastic. Staff are friendly and very efficient. This cafe/ bistro really deserves to do well.

The best breakfast I’ve had in ages. Full Scottish Breakfast all freshly cooked and served by a very nice lady. Thoroughly recommend especially if you want to avoid microwaved sausage and bacon that’s been cooked 3 days in advance!! A perfect breakfast. Will definitely be...

We normally go to France for our our wedding anniversary but due to the vagaries of Covid went to Edinburgh. As a highlight of any French trip is a croque madame lunch imagine our pleasure at stopping here for lunch and finding croque madame and...

went along for a late lunch the menu is much smaller than before but it is all cooked to order i had a steak and onion panini husband had the gammon they were both lovely staff were nice and helpful will be returning soon.

Delicious Breakfast and very helpful Staff, Was staying the night in Earlstone and this was a great spot for breakfast,

We popped in for a breakfast before a long car journey and we were not disappointed. It’s recently been taken over so we weren’t sure how it would go down as we loved the food before. The menu is much smaller but still with plenty...

Had a wonderful breakfast in this bistro which has just been taken over by new owners a few months ago. The French chef makes the best Eggs Benedict I’ve ever had and my sister-in-law’s pancakes were delicious. Top notch coffee too from Brodie’s of Edinburgh....

Great location for a quick coffee & a catch up with friends. Nice & relaxed atmosphere with a large selection of cakes.

Stopped by for a quick spot of lunch during a family outgoing. Food was tasty, service was top class. Highly recommend the chicken burger & selection of cakes. We even ordered some tray bakes to take home. Kids loved the fish pond out the back....

Super little place. Friendly staff,clean and lovely food! :-) Definitely recommend this little cafe.

A lovely atmosphere and a lovely lunch! The menu has something to suit everyone, I was there with my friend and daughter and we all ordered something different on the menu, starters and mains. We were not disappointed! The food was freshly prepared, cooked perfectly...

This place has really gone downhill since being taken over. Poor menu really overpriced. I have never seen this place so quiet I was there on Saturday morning.It’s a cafe not a restaurant. Limited opening, used to be busy on a Sunday. I can’t see...

Had a lovely lunch with my Aunt. The staff serving were very attentive. The food was great..omelette & chicken salad both with chips. Presented beautifully. Live locally so will be back soon.

We had a meal which was not up to the usual standard , as it has been taken over by new owners who seem to be trying to fix something that wasn’t broken . Poor menu.bring back the old menu as in steak pie ect...

Every time we come here, we are always greeted warmly by John! The food is always fantastic, and cooked freshly to order! Even though it was super busy, and they were short staffed we received amazing service. Such a fab little restaurant, keep up the amazing work! Will be back, time and time again

Great place to plan a break in Journey, freshly cooked excellent food & service is brilliant, all staff with facemasks

I love coming here, and want to make a point of doing so more often. On this occasion, I came out with a friend for lunch. There are two things I particularly love about Rhymers: 1) the value for money. Its very reasonably priced. 2) the variety on the menu. There is a lot on the menu, both for light lunches, and main meals. Today, we had a main meal. I went with steak pie, and my friend a lasagne. Both very tasty. Ice cream, and chocolate spong with custard for afters. Really cannot fault it.

Popped in for a snack, eventually shown a table and we were just left, he never came back, got sick of waiting so left, will not be back.

Called in for a big breakfast , the cafe is clean and welcoming, We had two full breakfasts with tea & coffee, all very good . Served quick and everything was nice and hot . We would definitely return if in the area again

i come here a lot, and it’s super cheap and you get very good service. i love eating here as i can enjoy the nice atmosphere and great food.

This little cafe on the A68 is a friendly place serving drinks and a varied menu of foods. Go to the downstairs seating area and you find yourself next to the ruins of a 13th Century stone tower.

We needed a break on our journey northwards and happened upon this place.Would have been easy to miss as the place is bigger inside than apparent from the road with downstairs and outside places.We only had a couple of coffees which were good - seeing the food being served we decided to visit on our way south the following day - only to (luckily) realise that Monday is an early closing day.If we visit Edinburgh again this is a reason to follow the A68 rather than A1

We often drive past on our way to Lauder, this morning we decided to pull in. Ordered to breakfasts, lattè and tea, came to around £16.Wowwwwwww fresh, tasty, filling and great value for money. We loved it especially the mushrooms. Huge choice of food for vegetarians and vegans.Very clean, light and airy ... fab parking and east access for prams and wheel chairs .... will defo use again . Lovely polite staff

First class service and food served by well mannered staff. You will have to wait a wee while for your food but truse me it is well worth waiting for and yes it is well cooked and presented.My wife and I try to travel over to Earlston once a month to enjoy, WELL WORTH IT

We were on the way to St. Boswells for a break when we decided to stop for lunch. We came across Rhymers Tower by chance. The staff were friendly and helpful and the food was excellent and reasonably priced. We were advised of the fact that food was served fresh but the meal was delivered in reasonable time and was, indeed, fresh. If you've got the time to have a relaxed meal this place does exactly what it says on the tin. It also enjoys excellent parking.

After walking the dogs nearby we decided to call in here for lunch. It was a Sunday afternoon and was busy when we arrived. By the time we ordered it had quietened down considerably so ordered two main meals and two cold drinks at the counter and then paid for the food. The menu is varied and I have to say the food coming out the kitchen looked absolutely delicious - however, this is where my praise ends in this review sadly!!We sat for 45 MINUTES waiting on our food to arrive. A table of 4 people arrived 20 minutes after we ordered and they were served their food before us??!! I returned to the counter and complained to a young girl who looked very embarrassed - when a female came out the kitchen and barked at me “I’m on your order now”. No apology - nothing. I politely informed her we were not waiting any longer!! It does state on the menu that they do not sell “fast food” however, 45 mins wait in a quiet restaurant is just ridiculous!!!I requested a refund which has honoured and the lady at the counter also refunded the cost of our 2 cold drinks which I did thank her for as there was no need, but it was a nice gesture. Incidentally - the Coke cans were marked 79p (clearly from the Cash & Carry) but we were charged £1.60!!??Will most definitely NOT return. Poor attitude and poor customer service (apart from the lady at the till). Save your cash and go to the garden centre a couple of miles further down the A68 - slightly more expensive but worth every penny!!

The way to get this review to 5 would be to allow dogs in. I was staying locally and up for a dog show and had been recommended Rhymers. I must say the choice on offer was amazing and I decided to phone in an order and collect at a given time. I waited in -°c weather for my order outside with a dog for over 20 minutes . We were shaking with cold by the time the food arrived. Having said that - it was probably one of the best lasagnes I have had! I did explain I was waiting outside with a dog not in a car.

My husband and I stopped here for breakfast after a friend recommended I had a bacon and fried egg sandwich which was fab not often you get sandwich’s now a days normally rolls my husband had the all day breakfast which he really enjoyed it was well cooked and very tasty. Will definitely stop again and maybe try a lunch next time

We have never been in here before for a meal so thought we would try it today, had a lovely meal fresh cooked and served by lovely people, we will certainly be back, we live only up the road certainly missed this one

We stopped here for tea and cake. What a great find. Huge pot of tea and a wide choice of cakes and biscutes. The do main meals too. However we needed respite from the rain and would definately go back again when next in the area.

I ordered a milkshake and much to my disappointment I was served a drink which could be best described as strawberry flavoured milk! The drink had absolutely nothing to do with milkshake ... when I confronted the young girl at the counter I was informed that this was in fact a milkshake.

What a lovely little find... Went by the reviews on here and it didn't disappoint... I was particularly excited for the homemade cakes and they lived up to expectation. From the outside it really doesn't look all that and I probably wouldn't have stopped had I not seen reviews beforehand. I had scampi and chips with salad and it was lovely. Rest of the family had jacket potato, chicken curry and the mixed grill. The mixed grill price of around £7 something is amazing... Yes it doesn't include and actual steak but how would it for that price! All the food was enjoyed and service was good too. The cakes were gorgeous... So much selection. Whilst we were there the cafe was consistent with customers so can tell its a popular haunt for the locals maybe. If I lived on its doorstep I would have been popping in regular too. On our next visit up to Galashiels we will no doubt pop into here again

Have eaten here many times - and will continue to do so - and have never had a bad meal. Extensive menu, all freshly prepared, fantastic value. Excellent for a late lunch; can be very busy at lunchtime. The only time I have ever complained about this place is the one time when I went there and it was closed.

Called hear whilste we were out and about for the day. The place was pretty ful but we found a table on the lower deck and ordered the food. My wife is gluten and dairy intolerant so she ordered ham, peas and chips, whilst I ordered a quiche salad. We then sat there for about 25 minutes until the food arrived. My wifes "gluten" free meal was delivered as a steak pie and my quiche salad was nothing more than a piece of quiche with a couple of lettuce leaves. We immediatly complained and the waitress took them away saying she had brought the wrong order.

My husband and myself have just enjoyed a few days in Jedburgh and on our travels found this little gem, so good we visited twice. The food is excellent, well cooked and very reasonably priced. The owner and his staff are very helpful and friendly, nothing was too much trouble for them. We highly recommend this lovely very clean cafe.

What a lovely place this is , the owner was so friendly & helpful, great home cooked food huge selection so something for everyone , being a small eater I asked if possible for a small breakfast which was no problem at all , ate here twice brilliant value for money , a must visit will be returning next time we are in Scotland

During our stay in the Borders we visited this little gem on two occasions for an early evening meal and breakfast on our last day. Great food, great price, lovely service a definite must visit if your in the area 😀👍

This is a nice little cafe and I really like it , you need to be patient as they cook everything fresh , but it’s well worth the wait . The staff are lovey and helpful as well , the owner often comes over to your table for a little chat which is nice ....

Had an appointment again in Scottish Borders and decided to come home a different route as had to deliver a birthday card to Earlston. As it was lunch time we thought we would stop at Rhymers Tower Coffee shop for a light lunch. So very glad we did as it was delicious and very reasonable priced. Hubby had a flat sausage sandwich which also had a small salad and coleslaw on the side, and he had a mug of coffee. I had a ham salad sandwich with salad etc on the side and a pot of tea. The bread was lovely and fresh and the sandwich was absolutely full of ham, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and hard boiled egg. We will be back next time we use that route to come home.Highly recommended.

Alongside the main road next to the service station so you can't miss it. Don't be put off by first impressions it's lovely and welcoming inside. Very popular with locals. The one cafe where you can't say that they don't have something you like. The menu is probably the most extensive we've ever experienced. It was a perfect rest stop for us on our way southwards. Might have to stop driving on the A7 and use the A68 so that we can always stop here.

Never had a bad meal it's always great and fantastic menu lots to choose from. Staff are friendly and pleasant

Was very doubtful when I first went into this coffee shop! But I loved it. Gorgeous scones and lovely coffee would love to go back and have some lunch there, the menu is extensive with amazing dishes on it. Very friendly service. Next time my son is playing against Earlston Rhymers I will definitely volunteer to take him. Earlston is a lovely little Borders village.

Fantastic food and staff are very pleasant and helpful. Everything is cooked fresh to order. You may have a bit of time to wait but won’t be disappointed. The food is always delicious. I have also had a takeaway from them and found out they deliver to your door. Great place to eat and fantastic service.

The staff make the place. Welcoming atmosphere, good quality fresh food and spotlessly clean. The outdoor area is lovely in summer

The coffee shop offers friendly personal service, great selection of food available all day, free parking, the food is cooked to order and is very good. Prices are reasonable.

We regularly stop by this place for breakfast to set us up for the day. It is excellent quality at a very reasonable price. The cakes always look amazing but we have never had room to try. We must change our routine and call in sometime for coffee and cake rather than Breakfast. Great Staff.

Called in this morning for breakfast on way to work. My tea arrived immediately, but my breakfast about 20 mins later. The cook apologised and said there had been a bit of a mix up in the kitchen (and the menu does say they offer good food cooked as fast as they can, not fast food). In some ways I was quite happy to sit looking at Rhymer’s Tower, an amazing feature in the back garden, but I did want to be on my way a bit more quickly. There is no WiFi either; this could be useful for many folks stopping for a break on the A68. But the breakfast was wonderful, tasty, well-cooked, not at all greasy, and i’d Return to try the steak pie.

It's one of my favourite breakfast spots when in the Borders..... always good quality and spotless. The fact they are always busy speaks volumes and a large menu range. Give it a go

The breakfast is great value and lovly , don’t wait long at all service is good , the cakes look stunning allways too full after my all day breakfast to have any , soup is £2 a bowl . I stay on mull and a bowl of soup is 4.95 -£6.95 , it’s a must if your traveling threw

Needed a rest and a drink so stopped here and glad we did. A very friendly, clean, warm, comfortable little cafe. The staff are welcoming, polite & friendly. The food is excelent. I had the Tweed Haggis amd tea. Both first class.

Have driven past this cafe many times. Went in today and wow! It's so good. Only filter coffee available but it was fresh and very good. Tempting home baking on display and a lovely menu, very reasonably priced. The cafe is spotless with seating on two levels and an outside terrace where we sat, looking right at the Rhymers Tower which is interesting. The menu has a useful historical explanation at the front which is helpful. The door to the kitchen was open - I could see inside and it was gleaming and spotless. Will return for a meal without a doubt. Excellent.

I would give this place a 3.8 if I could.

Luckily spotted this little gem whilst held up at the traffic lights outside...so glad we did!

Cafe food but very well cooked.

Have been coming here for years, and always been full of admiration for John and Lynda and their staff. Lynda's food is out of this world! Never known a harder working couple. Will be devastated if they leave! Thank you both for many, many years of warm welcomes, brilliant food and happy satisfaction! All the very best to you both!

Very inviting warm friendly welcome- nice inside and outside seating. Outside has old tower and a water feature so very relaxing to sit out. Lemon meringue was good - could do with being a bit more lemony.

Visited here with my friend. It’s like a Tardis inside. Downstairs seating as well as outdoor, over looking the Tower. Lovely latter and reasonably priced.

Used this often as a stop on way North. Always found the menu extensive. The food is good basic fare at very reasonable prices. Staff friendly. Seating somewhat compact, but as service is prompt, never there for long.

Wife got special I ordered light lunch could not ask for more was really nice and tasty. Took a little time but does say don't do fast food do GOOD FOOD, would visit again and off menu as choice is massive cater for all palettes

My brother recommended this place and I'm glad he did. I have problems finding things to eat when I'm out for lunch due to intolerances, but they had a great selection! The portions were generous, I actually ended up having to eat my granny's tatties that accompanied her steak and kidney pudding. We'd definitely stop again!

Great choice, super, friendly service, easy parking, very reasonable charges. Nothing too much bother.

We enjoyed a lovely lunch at this beautiful neat and welcoming coffee shop and restaurant. There are plenty of parking, good access for disabled people and the staff is helpful and very friendly. The food and price was so good and the best lamb curry we had in months at a restaurant in the borders. We will definitely go there over and over again.

My wife and I stopped of her for breakfast on our journey home.

We enjoyed the fried haddock (fish and chips), scampi and lamb curry. The owner and his wife were very friendly. The setting is comfortable and quaint. The restaurant was full, attesting to how good the food is.

We were heading to Hexham and needed a snack to keep us going. Stopped here and we were not disappointed. Cheese and onion toasty and a breakfast toasty. Both very tasty and quickly deliver d to our table. Lattes some of the best I have ever had. Cakes very yummy.

We had not been at this restaurant for years and so it was with anticipation that we went in to see how it was doing. We got a delicious meal which we did wait ages for but we could see that every table was full and people were ordering carry out food too.

we arrived at 12.30 on sunday 26/11/17 and yes was reasonable busy took our seat, placed order at the counter. people coming and going all the time, but i heard the girl saying to other customers that the soup was finished, however a couple that came in after us . ordered soup and sat down. was sitting opposite the counter, by the way this is now 40 minutes after we arrived, the girl plated up 2 soups i thought great heres our food coming, no wrong the couple that came in after us got the soup, which is now finished wheres my soup. went to the counter and said to the girl her response youve got to be kidding me. so im sorry to say that the whole experience was dreadful and the standard of service appaulling .

No complaints about the food, and it's good value. When it arrived, that is. 45 minutes for fish and chips. Maybe they were short-staffed that night. As it was though, we skipped dessert, which was a pity since I fancied the jam roly poly. Maybe next time!

We sat downstairs over looking the old tower and garden. It was a nuisance having to go back up stairs...

Fish and chips are delicious. Great choice of cakes too. Good place to stop for a well cooked meal or...

Visited with my step dad for breakfast, all frezhly cooked to order, not a big wait as we were quite early, very clean establishment, very friendly staff, I would highly recommend this to anyone, even if you just want a coffee & toilet stop, very helpful too

Brilliant cafe selling really good food, cakes and tea or coffee. The food is made fresh and they have a huge choice of meals to satisfy your appetite. The cakes are home baked and mouthwatering. There is parking so don't drive past, you'll enjoy every bite

They have a good varied menu and great home baking. You may need to wait a we while for your meal but it is all cooked fresh.

I believe in giving places a second (or even third) chance and it was with some hopefulness I went into Rhymers Tower Coffee Shop and Restaurant again whilst visiting the area.Unfortunately the quality of fare has not improved and since my last visit I have given this style of food the epithet of 'Cuisine du Iceland' and I don't mean the country.I suspect that, apart from the cakes and drinks, everything is delivered in large boxes from a freezer truck and subsequently converted into meals utilising a large and very hot deep fat fryer.With this in mind I decided to try the chicken curry which for me was quite a unique experience. I think the last time I tasted a chicken curry like this was when a company called Vesta sold chicken curry kits in the 1960's and 70's. No, hang on, I tell a lie - the Vesta curry was loads better.This 'curry' consisted of a glutinous sauce covering overcooked chicken breast pieces, slightly pepped up with curry powder, a slack handful of dried fruit and believe it or not - canned pineapple rings! I don't know if this was a multi-purpose chicken dish that is served up in it's various guises with the addition or taking away of different elements. Unfortunately the onion, spices and flavour had been missed out from this one. The man from Del Monte definitely said no.Why keep going back I hear you ask. Well try driving round the area for an hour and see if you can find anywhere else to have a sit down, reasonably priced lunch. You will struggle, believe me.Also I'm the eternal optimist and as I have family living in the area I keep going back in the vain hope that it will have improved.If you do go, take pity on the lady behind the counter. She takes orders, makes drinks, delivers the meals, clears the tables and takes the money whilst three others hide in the kitchen producing the sort of food this place serves up.Also they seem to lack the skill to get the timing right so that everyone on a table gets their meals at the same time. My family had our lunch in instalments. Two of my kids had finished their meals, my wife was half way through hers before the final two dishes turned up - pretty rubbish really so I am being generous with 'Average'.

Once a year I come to visit family in Earlston. I always look forward to my tea at Rhymers. The service is always good and the food is always hot and delicious. The atmosphere is of a cosy nature. I wish we had a reliable coffee shop near to where I live. Thank you