Taste the Tweed Valley
Sampling local produce adds so much to any visit to the Tweed Valley – with many suppliers shaping the area’s reputation as a delectable and dynamic foodie destination.
It was a wise man who invented beer, said Plato – many (including ourselves) would agree! There’s a long tradition of brewing in the Tweed Valley, with Traquair House Brewery, dating back to the early 1700’s, the oldest of all. Once a domestic brewery located beneath the Chapel at Traquair House, the operation closed in the early 1800’s and lay unused until Peter Maxwell Stuart, the 20th Laird of Traquair began brewing again around 60 years ago.
Maxwell Stewart became a pioneer of micro-brewing, with ales including the Traquair House Ale and Traquair Jacobite Ale (brewed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Jacobite rebellion) now internationally recognised and coveted. Today, the brewery is overseen by Peter’s daughter, Lady Catherine Maxwell Stuart, and their award-winning ales are available in pubs and shops locally, including the Traquair Arms in Innerleithen.
Less historic but just as characterful, Durty Brewing’s life-affirming beers are inspired by the beautiful landscapes of the Scottish Borders and its excellent running and mountain biking trails. Born in 2023, the brewery is the brainchild of outdoor events organiser Durty Events – so as you’d expect, their beers are already firm favourites with the outdoorsy, spirited and adventurous crew! Visit Durty’s lively taproom in Innerleithen and you’ll find a tipple to please everyone – from crisp lagers and pale ales, to mighty stouts and wheat beers.
Further down the valley, Tempest Brewing Co have been creating innovative, craft beers from their home at Tweedbank for almost 15 years. Look out for their best session beers, along with a few special edition brews, at Riders Retreat (Glentress) and at the excellent The Hub on the High Street in Innerleithen. Tempest’s fabulous new tap room is only a hop and a skip away from the end of the Tweed Valley Canoe Trail – perfect for a post-paddle pint in the summer months.
But perhaps gin more your thing? Artisan gin has been giving whisky a run for its money in Scotland in recent years, and no more so than at Peebles Hydro Hotel where the nearby Shieldgreen spring supplies the gleaming copper stills of the hotel’s own distillery.
Named after the year that the Hydropathic Hotel was first opened, the 1881 Gin distillery and Gin School is built on the site of the hotel’s original Victorian swimming pool – a more natural water flows through the building now, and it is this, along with a host of local botanicals, that’s used to craft the five stunning spirits in the 1881 range. Take a tour of the distillery, try your hand at creating your own bespoke gin or just enjoy a soothing G&T in the hotel’s bar when you’re next in the area.
But it’s not all about the drink. The valley is lucky to be blessed with outstanding butchers, bakers and artisan honey makers too.
Forsyth’s Quality Butchers and Bakers are an institution in Peebles, with their legendary macaroni pies helping to fuel the thousands of cyclists who have taken on Tour O The Borders over the past decade. Like Shaws Fine Meats in nearby Innerleithen, Forsyth’s steak pies continue to be the cornerstone of New Year’s Day celebrations for generations of families near and far – their sausages and burgers have kept many a visiting hiker, biker or paddler going too!
If you’re wild about game, Tweed Valley Venison are also a staple around these parts. As well as selling produce at the Peebles Saturday Market, the team supply many local hotels including Cringletie with venison, pheasant and game from across the Tweed catchment.
Relative newcomer The Fat Batard Bakery has already scooped prestigious Guild of Fine Foods Great Taste Awards for products including their chilli and cheese sourdough and mince pies – and it’s clear to see why. The bakery’s always innovative creations will brighten up any Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday spent in the valley.
And finally, for those with a sweet tooth, Peebles Bees and Honey are also seasonal visitors to the Peebles Saturday Market. The artisan honey maker produces runny honey and honeycomb from contented bees in the area, promising ‘the taste of Peebles summer’ in a jar. Now, who wouldn’t want to try a spoonful of that on their morning toast?
Further info
Discover more locally crafted beers, spirits and foods at the The Super Store and Villeneuve Wines in Peebles, and The Hub on the High Street, Innerleithen. And visit our Foodie Champions page to learn more about the chefs and business owners serving up the rich flavours of the valley.