November 2023 by Stenick1
I booked for 11 people to have an 8am breakfast on 10th November 2023. The booking was made over the phone on 7th November. The person taking my booking was very polite and competent and confirmed the booking, saying they looked forward to seeing us. We arrived at 07.50am and were told that no booking had been made. I showed them that I had spoken with someone on the 7th but they denied all knowledge. The girl then said that they would pull some tables together for us but we did this ourselves to help out. She brought out crockery and cutlery and then one pot of coffee which did not even give us a quarter of a cup each. We sat and waited until 08.35am before the orders were taken for breakfast. Some came through at 9am. There was no toast, butter, sauces etc. provided. Three breakfasts had not been cooked. I said to the staff that I had been coming to this hotel for several years with this shooting party and had never had any previous problems. One person had ordered scrambled eggs on toast, was given one slice of toast and a very small portion of scrambled egg and this cost £16, absolutely outrageous. We paid for the breakfast which had been served and I informed them that that I would not come back to this hotel ever again due to the service received by myself and my friends. The staff member who took payment did not apologise for the service we had received and actually did not speak.
October 2023 by Tumsh01
I would like to say in all the times i have dined in here and tried almost if not all of the local produce, and thoroughly enjoyed, i have to say we have just had the best pulled pork burgers myself and my good lady have ever tasted outstanding. Thank you
September 2023 by 0barrym
We stay locally in a self catering let but regularly use the Buccleuch Arms for drinks and food. The place is spacious with very large bar and eating area and good car-parking facilities. The staff are friendly and helpful as is the Patron who is convivial and full of local knowledge. The food is tasty and of a good variety and quality and there is a impressive range of drinks. The Big bonus is that it is dog-friendly. Being on the A68 it has easy access and is also good stopping off point on a journey return i.e. Musselbrough Races
July 2023 by Marian1990
We were travelling in our motorhome with our Border Collie and were able to spend the night in the pub car park. The pub was very busy but we received a warm welcome and they managed to find us a table. We were warned that there would be a delay as they were serving a table of 21 and both function rooms were in use. However, we didn't have to wait too long and really enjoyed our meal. They even found time to bring Monty a bowl of water and were clearing the tables quickly. Well done!
June 2023 by future6150
Lovely traditional fresh seasonal food. Menu is changed on a regular basis depending on the time of year. A small but lovely menu as well as a wonderful specials board. Warm friendly welcome. Made to feel like we were locals. Thank you to all the team.
June 2023 by TokyoJimmy
A former Victorian hunting lodge in the pretty village of St. Boswells, the Buccleuch Arms offers a warm welcome, which is what we received when we checked in. The location of this inn is excellent for exploring the scenic Scottish Borders. There are many good points about our stay, the breakfast was good quality and offered plenty of choice, the staff are very friendly and keen to help. We had plans for the evenings we stayed but on both occasions we were asked or called to double check we did not require a dinner reservation so we didn?t miss out in a busy restaurant, which was very thoughtful. The rate we paid was very reasonable and included a bottle of wine on each night. Check out was very smooth. The bed was very comfortable, and or attic room had a view over the garden (we had no issues with noise from bar patrons), and the Velux window opened wide, so we enjoyed the breeze on the two warm summer?s nights we stayed. The bathroom was very small but included a large bath. Our room was a good size with wardrobe, TV, lamps, desk armchair and full length mirror, but being in the attic the roof sloped on one side so walking around the room meant you had to be a little careful so you didn?t bump your head. There were some niggles. The pressure in the shower was very low, a sign in the bathroom gave a tip to boost it, but even using the advice it was very low. The room doors have fire door hinges on them, which were squeaky or tended to slam shut if you weren?t ready, which meant being woken very early at times as early risers left. I hope we didn?t do the same to other guests. The hotel is a little tired, door handles don?t match doors in terms of size and shape, carpets are a little worn, roof hatches exposed, paintwork scuffed etc. but the hotel is comfortable and a pleasant place to stay. The Wi-Fi is very up and down but mostly up. We really liked our stay and the Buccleuch Arms helped to make for a very nice weekend.
June 2023 by FLTL
Fortunately, the only saving grace was the quality of the food, as everything else fell short. The customer service was lacking, with a noticeableh absence of a warm welcome. Despite the presence of five other vacant tables, we were seated at a rickety old table tucked away in a corner near the passageway. Our patience was tested as we sat and waited, having to personally approach the counter to order our drinks and retrieve menus. Eventually, our order arrived, and thankfully, the food was delicious. However, we had to wait for cutlery and again for condiments, as there was a lack of attentiveness from the staff. It was unclear who was in charge, and the waiter's artificial friendliness only served to make us feel like an inconvenience.
June 2023 by DaveEastMidlands
Very disappointed. We were given a tiny, stuffy, claustrophobic room in the roof - the only window being a skylight in the ceiling. Real ale in the bar was hazy and not in good condition. Garden tables scattered with empty glasses, mugs and full ashtrays - not cleared during the 30 minutes we sat outside (no other guests around). "House" Sauvignon Blanc (French) very oxidised and dull tasting. It was exchanged for New Zealand SB which was ok - but (as the waitress warned us) was "infinitely more expensive" - which indeed it almost turned out to be. Our roast lamb dinner was poor and reminded me of 1950's school dinners. Staff friendly, but perhaps "over-casually" dressed. Carpets very shabby. We shall not return.
June 2023 by 481fionar
Stayed for just one night. Our rooms were ready on arrival (even though we were early) a nice welcome from the owner. Bedrooms comfortable. Breakfast was lovely. Staff friendly. The smokers should be moved to far end of car park instead of just outside the hotel, smell of smoke & chatting early in morning not good.
May 2023 by alwaysanothera
Bicycle (not motorbike) touring in the borders and this is the best hotel we?ve visited. From the welcome to the secure bike parks (cleaning and maintenance area), to the rooms and varied menu. Inventive vegan and vegetarian options from the chef who really cares about food. The breakfast is not more of the usual. Excellent hotel and family owned and run. Quiet room too. Blue the terrier keeping everyone in order too.
