The Wheatsheaf

I got a word-of-mouth recommendation from several locals for this restaurant in Swinton. I believe that more than anything there just aren't that many tasty places to eat out in the Borders. Being an urbanite who is making strides to become more rural (at least part of the time) I am still slightly slow to drop my eating out tendencies...so was keen to try out The Wheatsheaf.

The entrance window of the restaurant leaves you in no doubt that they have their share of awards and the location is charmingly opposite the village green. The amosphere is quite formal but extremely friendly. We were sat down at the bar and our orders taken from there, which seemed pleasantly old fashioned. It was a Monday night and absolutely empty, so not really a fair test (worth bearing in mind on busier nights - don't blame me if v different!).

The menu was excellent, with a raft of staple local Scottish meats and fish. I ate a tasty timbale of cold 'hot smoked salmon', prawns and other bits-n-bobs. I then had a very tasty halibut. My fellow dining comrades ate local beef and lamb, which was by all reports quite good. Good presentation, in a modern style but not too intricate/ fancy so as to be irritating.

My inclination is to say great service, pleasant atmos, tasty food: probably a 3.5 star but erring on the side of 4 for goodwill (and the fact that there arn't many options around here).