Peebles in the Scottish Borders is a charming choice for an autumn staycation, surrounded by forests for hiking and home to a wealth of independent food and drink venues. The historic market town, nestled along the River Tweed, was formerly a royal burgh and the county town of Peeblesshire. It lies just 20 miles from Edinburgh, making it well placed for a day out for those in or around the Scottish capital.
Independent eateries on the High Street
One of the best places to eat in Peebles is Coltman's Kitchen, Deli and Bar on the High Street, open for breakfast and lunch daily and dinner on weekends. The eatery offers views across the River Tweed, with all dishes freshly prepared in-house by head chef Kenny Coltman, his wife Karen, and their team. The menu includes brunch options such as Eggs Benedict, avocado pretzel, sweet potato smash, and bacon kimchi, plus a soup of the day, chicken soup with herb dumplings, and a superfoods salad.
Mains at Coltman's include sole fillets, pork belly, grilled hanger steak, and maple and miso aubergine. Hot sandwiches range from Scotch beef burger to slow-roast lamb shoulder ciabatta and toasted goats cheese open sandwich. Another High Street eatery is Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant Prince of India, a local favourite for decades, offering takeaways and sit-down meals with dishes like East Bengal Chicken Jalfrezi and North Indian chilli garlic chicken.
Tea rooms, chocolatiers, and pubs
For lighter options, The Oven Door tearoom on the High Street is a dog-friendly café offering freshly baked cakes, sourdough loaves, scones, and light lunches like salad bowls and soup of the day. Those with a sweet tooth can visit patisserie and chocolatier Cocoa Black for coffee, chocolates, and cake, or take part in classes at its chocolate and pastry school.
For a pint, the Bridge Inn at the end of the High Street, in the shadow of the Old Parish Church, was previously named Scotland's best pub by the Campaign for Real Ale. It has a friendly atmosphere and hosts regular live music. Another popular pub is the newly refurbished, independently operated Neidpath Inn, just off the High Street, named after the nearby 14th century Neidpath Castle. The inn offers a large drinks menu from cask ales to wines and Champagne, plus pub food including fish and chips, steak and ale pie, Cullen skink, and various burgers.
