Danielle’s High Street Highlights: 

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Robert Burns and his visit to Coldstream

Born in the village of Alloway in South Ayrshire on the 25th of January 1759, Robert or “Rabbie” was the son of William Burns and Agnes Broun. Roberts early years were spent working with his father and brother on farms in Ayrshire. At the age of 15 he had written his first attempt at poetry “Handsome Nell”, the poem was written for Nelly Kirkpatrick whom he had worked with during the harvest of 1774. Burns was a romantic and a great number of his poems were written about the women in his life but he also wrote and collected folk music from across Scotland. In the 1780’s Burns had planned to emigrate to Jamaica but with the little money he had made farming he could not afford the fare. He was encouraged to sell his poetry to raise the funds for his voyage and in 1786 his first works were published in the Kilmarnock Volume. Robert did not travel to Jamaica as planned because of the birth of twins to Jean Armour. He went onto publish more volumes and quickly became a cultural icon writing in a light Scots dialect of English, allowing his work to reach far beyond the borders of Scotland. 

Robert Burns visited Coldstream May 7th 1787 where there is a plaque on Coldstream Bridge in honour of this. During his visit Robert crossed Coldstream bridge where the river Tweed forms a natural border with England. Upon stepping onto English soil Robert knelt to pray and blessed his native land with these words:

“O Scotia! My dear, my native soil! For whom my warmest wish to heaven is sent! Long may thy hardy sons of rustic toil be blest with health, and peace, and sweet content!”

Sadly Robert Burns passed away at the young age of 37 due to heart problems, but to this day he still remains one of Scotland’s Treasures and he is celebrated every year on January 25th  “Burns Night”.

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• Location: The Hirsel Estate, Coldstream TD12 4LW. It’s a short drive or walk from Coldstream town center, located within the beautiful estate grounds.
• Contact Details:
  • Phone: +44 1890 880180
  • Website: https://homesteadcafe.co.uk/
• Opening Hours:
  • Typically open seven days a week.
  • March-October: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • November-February: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
• Google Reviews/Rating: The Hirsel Homestead Cafe generally has a very good rating, around 4.3 to 4.4 out of 5 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the quality of the locally sourced food, the homemade cakes and scones, and the beautiful, peaceful setting within the estate. It’s often highlighted as a great place for a relaxed lunch or afternoon tea, with the added benefit of walks and craft shops nearby.
• What it’s like: This cafe offers a unique “Estate to Plate” experience, with a strong emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce, much of it sourced directly from the Hirsel Estate or the Tweed Valley. The atmosphere is warm, friendly, and inviting, providing a tranquil setting to enjoy your meal. Beyond the food, you can explore the estate’s extensive parkland, enjoy various walking trails, visit craft studios (pottery, glass, stone carving), and a museum of country life. It’s accessible, dog-friendly (in certain areas), and provides public toilets and picnic areas.

Mad Hatters Tea Room

• Location: 68a High Street, Coldstream TD12 4DL. It’s centrally located on Coldstream’s main street.
• Contact Details:
  • Phone: +44 7896 466145
• Opening Hours:
  • Tuesday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Monday & Sunday: Closed
• Google Reviews/Rating: The Mad Hatters Tea Room in Coldstream has a strong rating, around 4.7 out of 5 stars based on available information. While there aren’t many detailed reviews specific to the Coldstream location readily available online (some reviews for “Mad Hatters Tea” are for different, larger venues elsewhere), local mentions suggest it’s appreciated for its charm and offerings.
• What it’s like: As a tea room, Mad Hatters is designed for a charming and traditional experience. You can expect a cozy atmosphere perfect for light lunches, breakfasts, and especially afternoon teas. They serve homemade cakes and scones, along with a good selection of Taylors of Harrogate coffees and various teas. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely break, a sweet treat, or a classic tea experience right in the heart of Coldstream.

The Collingwood Arms

• Location: Main Street, Cornhill-on-Tweed, Northumberland, TD12 4UH (a very short drive from Coldstream, essentially just over the bridge).
• Contact Details:
  • Phone: +44 1890 882424
  • Website: https://collingwoodarms.com/
• Opening Hours (for dining):
  • Lunch: Daily, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
  • Dinner: Daily, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • The bar is generally open all day.
• Google Reviews/Rating: The Collingwood Arms has a strong rating, typically around 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google. Reviewers frequently praise the delicious food (especially local produce like cured salmon and steak), the friendly staff, and the comfortable, elegant atmosphere. Many highlight it as an excellent choice for both a relaxed meal and a more special occasion, and it’s popular for Sunday lunch.
• What it’s like: The Collingwood Arms is a Grade II listed Georgian country house hotel that offers a sophisticated yet welcoming dining experience. It has a main bar area for informal dining and drinks, as well as a more formal restaurant. The decor often features quality period details, and there are inviting spaces like a reception lounge with an open fireplace and a library. It’s well-known as a “sporting inn” due to its proximity to the River Tweed, attracting fishing groups. They emphasize using local and seasonal produce for their Modern British cuisine. They also have a lovely garden and outdoor patio area for al fresco dining when the weather permits. It’s generally a non-smoking property with free on-site parking.

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The Coldstream Chippy (formerly known as Anthony’s Take Away) is your traditional go-to for classic fish and chips, alongside other fast-food favourites like pizzas, kebabs, and burgers. It consistently receives good ratings (around 4.1 stars), making it a reliable choice for a satisfying and familiar takeaway.

• Phone: +44 1890 882075
• Website: https://coldstreamchippy.com/

If you’re craving Asian flavours, Rajdhani Spice provides an excellent Indian takeaway service from their newly refurbished restaurant. With a strong rating of 4.5 stars, they are praised for their authentic dishes and helpful staff who can often cater to dietary needs, including vegan options.

• Phone: +44 1890 882800
• Website: http://www.rajdhanispice.co.uk/

For Chinese cuisine, Golden Valley is available on the High Street, offering a convenient option. It holds a rating of 3.6 stars, making it a viable choice when you’re in the mood for Chinese food.

• Phone: +44 1890 882006
• Website: https://foodhub.co.uk/coldstream/golden-valley/ordernow

In summary, whether you’re after the comforting crunch of fish and chips, the aromatic spices of Indian food, or the distinct tastes of Chinese, Coldstream provides dedicated local options to enjoy a takeaway meal during your stay.

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