Black Bull - Lauder

Built in the 1750s, with an old church hall tacked on later, this famous old coaching inn is something of an institution in the Borders, and a favourite with travellers en route from Edinburgh. Current owners have given the place a sympathetic facelift, with a traditionally cosy lounge bar for real ales and other tipples, plus a choice of more elegant dining areas.

The food offers great value, and the kitchen gives old favourites a short in the arm - thanks to well-chosen ingredients and savvy cooking. Alongside Cullen skink, scampi and spaghetti with meatballs, you might find deep-fried mushrooms in sweet potato and coriander batter, venison bourguignon with highland Burgundy mash or char-grilled fillet of salmon with parsnip purée, chorizo and green beans. Steaks and burgers also have their fans, while sweets could run to sticky toffee pudding or brioche bread-and-butter pudding with organic ice cream.