When we called The Horseshoe Inn to book a table in the bistro we had a lovely, friendly chat with Vivienne and were left with a great impression which was strengthened on our arrival with a warm, friendly welcome. Softly lit, comfortably and cosily furnished, we were taken past the lounge area to the bistro which also houses the traditional bar. As the restaurant serves from 7.30pm we had to place our order by 7.15pm but had been assured that the table was ours for the evening and we could relax and enjoy the ambience.
Staff are efficient, careful and friendly – the Romanian head waiter being professional, efficient, charming with a hint of humour. It was only later in the evening when attentions seemed to be directed at the Restaurant that service was a little distracted. Silver service seemed to be the standard.
Venison Casserole
I ordered the Venison casserole (£14.50) and the Kiwi had the Rump of Lamb with couscous (£14.50) and both plates arrived quickly. On a cold winter’s night I can’t imagine what could be better than this Venison casserole with peas, caramelised onion, cranberries and carrots which hit the spot, with a generous amount of meat although it was a little dry in places. The Kiwi enjoyed his pink Lamb, a warning given that it was served pink, with citrus cous cous but he found it was a little on the frugal side of portioning.
Rump of Lamb with cous cous
For dessert I opted for the Apple and Rhubarb Crumble with Cinnamon ice cream (£5.75) which was lovely, with tart fruit and crunchy crumble. The Kiwi had cheeses, up to four choices from the board. Disappointing that a bistro/restaurant of this standard offers off the shelf biscuits with cheese – I would expect some freshly made walnut or soda bread and homemade oatcakes in this sort of establishment! Why go to the bother of bringing in cheeses from France, Ireland and England and then just bung some supermarket biccies on the side to eat with cheese? Dried figs and an apple chutney did make a lovely partner to the cheeses.
Rhubarb & Apple Crumble
We finished our drinks in the lounge area which is a lovely, comfortable, relaxing way to finish dinner at the Horseshoe Inn. Vivienne and her partner, French chef Patrick, have a great partnership here of comfortable, casual-smart bistro or upmarket Bardoulet’s Restaurant. As well as the food there are rooms available for B & B – double room from £50 per person, per night. There are some deals, like dinner, bed and breakfast available mid-week from £75 per person per night. Certainly I would like to try Bardoulet’s Restaurant….sometime.
The Horseshoe Inn, Eddleston, Peeblesshire, Scotland T: 01721 730225
