PEEBLES is "arguably the best cask beer town in the Borders", according to a specialist industry publication.

In its winter 2024 edition 'Pints of View', the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) magazine for south east Scotland gives special praise to The Cross Keys, The County Hotel, The Crown Hotel, The Bridge Inn, Neidpath Inn and the Tontine.

Currently, the Tontine Hotel is relocating its bar from the dark space behind reception to a “nice room with a garden view”.

The Wetherspoon-owned Cross Keys is still on the market but remains open trading as normal.

CAMRA says Melrose and Kelso are not far behind Peebles.

In Innerleithen, Durty Brewing Tap Room is now open and CAMRA says is a welcome addition to The St Ronan's Hotel and The Traquair Arms Hotel.

Durty Brewing generally has two real ales and use their own brewery located behind the tap room.

Tempest will be moving from its current base in the Tweedbank Industrial Estate to nearby Tweedside Park with the new brewery and tap room due to open in the spring of 2024.

The Crook Inn, near Tweedsmuir, has opened “Wee Crook” as a cafe.

This is phase one, with phases two and three to follow. Phase three being the main building itself.

A CAMRA spokesperson said: “The Crook Inn is one of a number of pubs claiming to be the oldest in Scotland, with evidence of a licence back in 1604.

“Not a bad pedigree – we wish them well."

Both The Waterloo Arms at Chirnside and The Horse and Hound at Bonchester Bridge are under new management but continue to keep two Real Ales on offer.

The Fisherman’s Arms, at Birgham, has new tenants, Chris and Jacqui, who have introduced Abbot and Old Speckled Hen, and are looking to feature local brews soon and recently achieved Cask Marque accreditation.

CAMRA also congratulates The Cross Keys Inn at Ettrickbridge with up to three real ales for winning “Best Pub” in the national Thistle Awards.