The White Swan Hotel

On our next UK visit, the kids want to come back, and I'm trying to make it happen. We had a couple of really good evenings and meals at the White Swan while staying just outside Duns. The lady behind the bar was lovely, and so were the other patrons. My 12 and 13yo pretty much lived on Mac and Cheese while we travelled around the UK and eventually returned to Australia. Even now, other Mac and Cheese gets judged as either "yuk" or "almost as good as the White Swan". So far, nothing has matched it, let alone been better. Thanks, everyone.

We only had lunch, so I can't comment on the rooms. We walked in to a lovely welcome, and the staff were so pleasant and friendly. The portions were huge, which we needed after a long walk, though even I couldn't finish everything, including those last few chips. Everything tasted fresh: the meat had no gristle, and the vegetables were just a touch al dente, how I like them. The garlic mushrooms were enormous and tasted like fresh mushrooms, unlike the watery, tasteless ones I've often had. The lasagne was very nice, and my steak and ale pie was gorgeous. We'd happily come back for more. Would recommend.

The shortbreads left by the kettle with the tea and coffee are something we remember fondly. Our room was quaint and very clean, with a great bathroom. The old building was clean and homely too, and its creaky floors and slightly lopsided feel gave it rustic charm. We only stayed one night, arriving quite late, but the staff were very friendly and accommodating. It was a really nice experience. We wished we'd had longer to explore the area and try their pub, so we'll certainly visit again.

The meal was dry and completely tasteless. The pub landlady was rude and seemed uninterested. She coughed over our drinks, too. Very unfriendly, and we won't be going back.