[Due to the current situation linked to the coronavirus epidemic , the opening dates of the monuments and establishments mentioned in the article are likely to be modified for the year 2020.]
Is the south of Scotland really underside? After having crossed this region which adjoins England according to flavors, this will no longer be in doubt. This is all the more true in the south of the country, where Scotland begins, land of poets, kings and bloody wars with the treacherous Albion: enthusiasts highlight the best local products, always with in mind the idea of boosting their region and making quality accessible to all. From culinary entertainment by famous chefs to whiskey and gin distilleries that strive for nothing less than perfection, including farm shops and the best tables in the region, here are the must-sees in the south of Scotland to excite his taste buds.
Read also: Ten reasons to (re) discover Scotland
Put your feet under the table
By the Nith River, don't miss the Boathouse restaurant. The Boathouse Restaurant & Shop / Photo press
The restaurant at Cringletie House , which dates from the 17th century, is worth a detour if only for the setting. Placed in the countryside just outside the Edinburgh region, the big house, now a hotel, immerses us in the cozy atmosphere of a lounge worthy of period films. At the table, we offer seasonal Scottish dishes, simple and very well presented, with meticulously sourced products. Vegetarians, vegan and those with specific dietary needs can ask to adapt their menu. South of Dumfries , on the banks of the Nith River, don't miss the Boathouse , which offers varied and local dishes, ranging from seafood to the catch of the day.
A beer to quench your thirst
Born in the Borders is a must for all lovers of craft beer. Born in the Borders / Facebook account
A few minutes from the small town of Jedburgh , known for its magnificent medieval abbey, and the border with England, Born in the Borders is a must for all lovers of craft beer and local gastronomy. The brewery, on the site of an old farm on the banks of the River Teviot, created in 2011, was the 47th in Scotland at the time. There are now more than 140! Since then, a gin distillery has been grafted on Born in the Borders: her name is Lilliard , like the local heroine of the 16th century who waged a merciless war against the English who had murdered her lover. To taste the best products of the region, take a tour in the small restaurant of the brasserie, which serves hearty simple dishes, ranging from plowman's lunch (the plowman's lunch , based on pies, cheeses and raw vegetables) to fish'n crisps and soups of the day, in a rustic and bucolic setting.
The genius gin
Did you know that 70% of the gin produced in the UK is actually made in Scotland? the Crafty Distillery / Photo press
Further east on the border between Scotland and England, near the Gulf of Solway in the Dumfries & Galloway area , the Crafty Distillery is a gem of taste, intelligence and humor. The distillery logo, a lightning bolt that mimics the shape of the map of Scotland, is a nod to the country's genius lightning bolt that has given the world many scientific and technological innovations, and to the state-of-the-art process of making their spirits. The visit to the distillery ends with a tasting of their flagship gin, Hills and Harbor Gin , and their astonishing cocktail distilled with orange and pineapple. Foodies will not miss the Galloway Picnic formula , which includes three local products, such as cheeses, cold meats, fish or jams, for the modest sum of 12 pounds for two people. To be enjoyed, of course, in moderation, while enjoying a superb view of the hilly Galloway countryside .
The return of whiskey to the south of Scotland
The Annandale distillery was established in 1836 and was reborn in 2014 following an extensive restoration project of £ 10.5 million. Annandale / Photo press
After a parenthesis of almost a hundred years, whiskey production is making a comeback in the Dumfries region with the revival of Annandale . The distillery, built between 1830 and 1836, was no more than a ruin when it was taken over by David Thomson and Teresa Church in 2007. After an investment of several million pounds, the distillery therefore reopened in 2014 , and now offers two flagship whiskeys, the fruity Man O 'Words and the peaty Man O' Sword, in reference to the two most famous figures in the region, and even in Scotland: the poet Robert Burns, and King Robert the Bruce. After visiting the distillery and learning all about the traditional making of whiskey, have a bite to eat at The Maltings , the distillery's cafe. On the menu: tasting trays of local products, baked potatoes and appetizing homemade desserts.
Hands on with Ruth Hinks
In Peebles, we will make a chocolate and gourmet stop at Cocoa Black. Cocoa Black / Photo press
Theory is good, the practice is better! We cannot recommend highly enough Cocoa Black , in the charming town of Peebles located about thirty kilometers from Edinburgh, and its chocolate and pastry workshops provided by star chocolatier Ruth Hinks. In his lessons, you will learn everything about chocolate making and you will try to make truffles, lollipops and other cocoa delicacies, always with a cup of hot chocolate on hand. If you have a savory palate, head to the Station House cooking school in the town of Kirkcudbright ( pronounced “ coeur-cou-brie ” , editor's note ), and its courses and demonstrations of Indian, French, Thai or European cuisine. from the east offered by Nick Morris since 2016. We come out with new recipe ideas, but also tips for the preparation of basic ingredients. No more sticky rice, badly cooked pasta, and badly seasoned dishes!
Culinary memories
At Carsluith, stop at Marrbury Smokehouse, to discover the award-winning smoked fish from the wild salmon fisherman and master craftsman Vincent Marr. Marrbury Smokehouse / Photo press
After testing the best of the region's products, it's difficult to leave without bringing it home. Several options are available to you, each more attractive than the other. At The Teviot Smokery , halfway between the shopping town of Kelso and Jedburgh , smoked fish, especially salmon, is the specialty. The products come from the best suppliers in the country, like all the products available in the shop and the cafe. Smoked fish lovers will also enjoy Marrbury Smokehouse , on the Solway coast overlooking the Irish Sea, whose smoked salmon finds its place in the dishes of star chef Andrew Fairlie. Another address that does not compromise on quality is Kilnford Farm Shop . The place was imagined and built by Jock Rome, whose farm has been in the family for 300 years. To counter the decline caused by mass distribution, he imagined a store to sell farm products, located 5 km away, as well as local crafts. Successful bet: the store has become essential, both for the locals and for people passing through, who can taste the products of the farm in the restaurant on site.
Read also: The world in my sandwich… from Edinburgh to Edinburgh by train
Travelogue
GO
1h50 flight for a Paris - Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Two flights per day with Air France, two flights per day with Easyjet except on Tuesdays and Saturdays (one flight per day). A flight on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays with Transavia. Count 100 euros round trip in low season, up to 300 euros in August.
Then by car: Edinburgh - Peebles: 50 minutes, Edinburgh - Dumfries: 2 hours. Glasgow - Peebles: 1h20, Glasgow - Dumfries: 1h30.
STAY
Cringletie House, Cringletie, Edinburgh Road, Peebles, EH45 8PL. Phone. : +44 1721 725 750.
SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course, Heiton, Kelso TD5 8JZ. Phone. : +44 1573 450 331.
Trigony House, A76, Closeburn, Thornhill DG3 5EZ. Phone. : +44 1848 331 211.
EAT, TASTE ... AND BUY
Born in the Borders, Lanton Mill, Jedburgh TD8 6ST. Phone. : +44 1835 830 495.
The Teviot Game Fare Smokery, Kirkbank House, Eckford, Kelso, TD5 8LE. Phone. : +44 1835 850 253.
The Boathouse, Quayside, Glencaple, Dumfries DG1 4RE. Phone. : +44 1387 770 673.
The Crafty Distillery, Wigtown Road, Newton Stewart, Galloway, DG8 6AS. Phone. : +44 1671 404 040.
The Maltings Coffee Shop, Northfield, Annan, DG12 5LL. Phone. +44 1461 207 817.
Kilnford Farm Shop, Kilnford Barns, The Glen, Dumfries, DG2 8PT. Phone. : +44 1387 253 087.
LEARN MORE
Scotland Starts Here and the special food & drink podcast (in English)
www.visitscotland.com and Visit South West Scotland
