Russell's

‘Russell's is owned by the Russell family and run on the principle that if you like things just right, we're here to provide that ourselves’, and it fully lives up to this promise.

Set at the corner of the square, it calls itself a restaurant but it changes throughout the day, moving from coffee shop in the morning, to light lunches at mid day, and later offering afternoon tea followed by high tea.

The tearoom provides a touch of luxury, as you step onto a thick green carpet and into a light and beautifully furnished room. There are curious, two tiered pedestal tables for two people, the lower tier being used to store the sugar basin or other pieces not required and so clear space on your table. The other tables are an eclectic mix of wooden dining room furniture. The crockery is similarly individual to the establishment. The walls are tastefully decorated with flower paintings, local scenes and display plates, while a high display shelf hosts many of these plates as well as figures of birds. Many other knickknacks are on display as conversation pieces, should the need arise.  Fresh flowers are everywhere, and the excellent decoration even continues down stairs to the loos.

Cakes, scones and shortbread are all baked on the premises. The light lunches include a Laird’s Lunch with various cheeses, excellent smoked salmon home made tomato chutney and mayonnaise and a lot more (Mr B declared it was the best he has ever had). Open sandwiches, salads, quiches, Chef’s Specials, salmon in all its guises, border lamb and beef, prawns, avocado, melon and pineapple are all fresh and beautifully presented. On Sundays they feature a speciality ‘Border Roast’. The cream teas include a scone, pancake with jam and cream and shortbread. The traditional afternoon tea includes sandwiches of your choice and a cream meringue, as well as the above.

Why should I go there? Everything you imagine a tearoom should be.

Any negatives? A tendency to overindulge.

Before or After: 
1. Visit Melrose Abbey
2. Enjoy a walk along by the river.
3. There’s a more energetic walk up the Eildon Hills to the east of Melrose.


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