The Cross Keys Inn Ettrickbridge has re-opened its doors after a ‘rescue’ led by a local man who has set out to take the pub back to its glory days.
The 17th century classic coaching inn now belongs to Rory and Vicki Steel – and Rory, the son of former Liberal Democrat leader, Lord David Steel, who spent his first 18 years living opposite, appreciated how important the pub has been to the Ettrick Valley community.
“The Cross Keys Inn was always the centre of village life when I grew up opposite the pub, and it was a wonderful childhood,” said Rory. “I remember the place being full of great characters from the area and further afield. It’s that great atmosphere we are working hard with the local community to bring back.”
Despite being the only pub in the village, it had been lying empty for months prior to Rory and Vicki spending more than £400,000 to purchase and upgrade it.
A grant from South of Scotland Enterprise allowed for refurbishments and essential upgrading of key facilities. Since re-opening, five full-time equivalent jobs have been created, giving much needed employment, especially to young people, with further employment being created for the busy summer months.
The Steels reckon that the revived pub offers the perfect getaway for those looking to explore the great outdoors, while knowing they’ll return to comfortable, cosy accommodation and a warm welcome from staff and village regulars alike.
The Scottish Borders is being touted as a go-to destination for those who like to get off the beaten track, but don’t want to travel far to get there – Ettrickbridge is less than 2 hours from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle, and just three from Manchester or Liverpool.
Nearby there’s world class mountain biking, hill walking, fishing, riding centres, driving roads, historic houses and country sports estates – something for all enthusiasts of the kind of wide open environment the South of Scotland offers.
Vicki said: “We’ve been running Aikwood Tower, which is less than two miles from the pub for more than a decade and the reaction from people who come to explore the South of Scotland is always the same – they can’t believe there aren’t more tourists here.
“The rolling hills, quiet roads, family activities and fantastic quality food and drink on offer is as good as you’ll find in any rural setting in Scotland, but often at a much lower price than, say, the Highlands. We hope that visitors to the Cross Keys Inn will agree.”
The Cross Keys now offers seven ‘well-appointed and affordable’ bedrooms ranging in size from a double to large family room. Prices start at £100 per room per night, including full Scottish breakfast.
There is a classic pub menu from chef Ash Barker, using fresh local ingredients where possible. Ash has been part of teams that have collected 4 Michelin bib gourmands during his years at places such as Soho House, Kensington Wine Rooms, Riddles & Finn and Fishy Fishy.
The Cross Keys bar stocks local beers and ales, extensive whisky and gin collections, a range of family games from dominoes to darts, plus two real, open fires for warming up after a day exploring.
