Springbank Tearoom

On the day we visited Springbank Cottage Tea Garden it was a typical Scottish spring day: blue skies, gale force winds and the occasional shower of rain. Tucked into the cliffs sheltering the harbour, the old fisherman’s cottage and tea garden offers a touch of old world charm. Despite the uncertain weather, dining here is always al fresco with umbrellas and awnings providing shelter if necessary. If the weather is unsuitable for sitting outside, trays can be provided  which can be taken to your car.

It offers a range of teas and coffees (including decaf) soup - butternut and pea soup being the day’s special, a large range of filled rolls and toasted baguettes featuring the local seafood delicacies. I had a crab roll which was excellent but could also have had prawns or smoked salmon. Other fillings included bacon and brie, lorne sausage and onions as well as the usual cheese, tuna, egg and so on. Home made scones, hot chocolate fudge brownies, carrot and coffee and walnut cakes were also available. Tunnock’s caramel wafer and tea cakes and blueberry muffins made this a very child friendly menu.

On busy weekends, between 12 noon and 2pm they serve drinks with food only although they are willing to provide takeaway drinks.

Parking is available on the quayside, 20p for an hour! While we were there, a very friendly warden came over and tried to find an unlucky car owner who had ’forgotten’ to pay this paltry charge and give him the chance to get a ticket. Unfortunately the driver had gone walkabout so he would have had an unpleasant surprise when he returned. However, this all added to the charm of the more laid back atmosphere of the area.



Why would I go there?  Excellent, simple fare in a charming setting.

Any Negatives? You are in the hands of the weather!

Before or After
1. Take a boat trip around the soaring sea cliffs of St. Abbs Head. This is particularly fascinating during the seabirds' nesting period from April to June.
  
2. Walk along the coastal footpath which runs from the Holy Isle through Berwick and Eyemouth up to Cockburnspath and which will shortly link the St. Cuthbert's and Southern Upland Ways

3. St. Abbs Head Nature Reserve is to the west of St Abbs’ village and offers good walking.