Cafe Maelmin - Northumberland

I stopped by for breakfast on my way to the Kelso races and was pleasantly surprised. It was the best breakfast I've had in a long time and definitely worth a pit stop. The fry up was generous and cooked perfectly, with tasty sausages, mushrooms, bacon, beans, black pudding, hash browns, and toast. The staff were friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend paying them a visit - you won't be disappointed. Thanks for starting our day off right!

They say they are dog friendly but they only let in two dogs at a time into said designated area which is a small conservatory area. I was offended at the way our party was turned away due to 2 dogs already being in. So why are there four tables in the dog area and why was one table being occupied by people without a dog! You lost EIGHT customers by turning us away and we found a far kinder reception at the Tankerville arms where the staff were far nicer. We never got to enjoy your lovely looking food and you lost eight orders.

Although the restaurant advertised as dog friendly, we were informed upon arrival that only two dogs were allowed in at once. The staff member who told us this was rude and unfriendly. We decided to take our party of eight and four dogs to the Tankerville Arms in Wooler instead, where we were all warmly welcomed.

Although looking a bit tired from the outside this cafe was a pleasant surprise inside with smart seating, high quality local produce and gifts for sale as well as a decent menu. The scampi and chips were homemade and not frozen and came with a fresh green side salad, coleslaw and tartare sauce for about 13 pounds and in big portions which even I (someone not known for abstinence) only just managed to finish. Well cooked and the service was pleasant and efficient. The cutlery was basic and condiments were in packets and sachets which was perhaps a minor quibble but otherwise very happy.

We ordered a Vegan Sausage Roll and were surprised when a sausage and bacon sandwich arrived instead. I informed the waiter about the mistake and was told that I had ordered incorrectly. The item was eventually replaced, though not very politely, and no refund was offered. This was a costly error on my part that I will not make again.