Why Can't We Get It Right?

Yesterday we went over to Mellerstain House near Gordon for an art exhibition. We'd been invited by Andrea Geile who makes very interesting piece for the garden using rusty metal. She had a few pieces in the garden but the bulk of the exhibition was paintings and some ceramics. We enjoyed looking at both the art, and the people, and especially enjoyed the garden which is lovely.

When we'd finished we decided to try the 'tea room' for a light lunch. Inside they proudly displayed an award from Scottish Borders Council saying they were highly commended in the 'Tastes of the Borders 2007' competition. We were encouraged! When our jacket potatoes arrived they were dire and summed up everything about why we struggle with tourism locally. I had coleslaw and bacon, which turned out to be shop bought coleslaw of the cheapest kind with a slice of bacon laid across the top. Mrs. H. had cheese and a spring onion chopped up on top of it; there was very little of it and it was the cheapest 'orange' cheddar. Both were accompanied by a 'salad garnish'. A few bits of yellow lettuce and a quarter if a tomato. We sat outside in a courtyard area that was tatty, inside it was dark and smelled of frying.

It's a shame that one of the most lovely houses and settings in the Borders is let down in this way. We both resolved never to go back there again for something to eat.

p.s. The tea was stewed!