The Horse and Hound Country Inn lies at the heart of Bonchester Bridge, which is about twenty minutes drive from Hawick and Jedburgh.
Easy to find, as it rests on the main street and is a beautiful shade of pink. I think more houses and buildings should be colourful it makes for a cheerier world.
Inside the lounge and bar areas have just recently been tastefully refurbished, offering a cosy country Scottish Borders welcome. Complete with tartan carpets, lucky-badger taxidermy and Sex Pistols portraits. I love tartan carpets. I would actually consider having one in my own house, but I have to make do with kilt wearing instead.
The Horse and Hound offers nice meals at reasonable prices, I've only sampled the fish and chips so far, so cannot vouch for the rest, as the chef is new and so is the management - TripAdvisor reviews prior to 2017 do not apply!
The Horse and Hound is a handy place to stop off as you make your way through Rulewater, especially if the sun is shining. I've watched some fantastic sunsets sitting at the picnic tables out the front as the sun rays sink over the quaint sandstone cottages and winding roads. To the rear there is an outdoor paved patio area too. Its quite popular with bikers as a place to gather and regroup after a cruise over the Carter Bar or from Keilder Water, for cyclists and walkers too.
One of the most traditional and yet remarkable sights this pub still offers is the occasional horse tethered outside. Photographic perfection. It makes me think more buildings should offer horse tethering, as I for one, would venture into town just for the delight of tying my pony up while I nip in for a sandwich. Only with mine there's the danger that he will follow me in and start eating everything in the shop.
There is further parking to the rear of the building, if you drive past the pub on your right, go over the bridge and take your first right at the red letterbox.
Unfortunately overnight horse stabling is not available, though there is a blacksmiths just across the road where you can also tie the knot while you wait!
Think Pink! The Horse and Hound, Bonchester Bridge
