Alan and Pamela Turner, owners of The Black Bull Hotel, have worked hard to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere at this charming family-run hotel in the beautiful market town of Duns. Whether you're staying the night in the luxurious, recently refurbished accommodation or not, your first port of call must be The Black Bull Hotel's award-winning restaurant.

The pub is renowned locally for specialising in fresh fish from Eyemouth, and the à la carte menu offers up a healthy variety of food to suit every palate. Although The Black Bull's fort' is fish, the menu certainly doesn't skimp on quality when it comes to locally sourced Scotch beef, lamb and pork. Dining takes place in the spacious Turner or Spence rooms - the latter can be booked for private events and group parties of up to 16 people. For starters, try the tender hot smoked salmon and prawn gateau. Moving on to the mains, grab the bull by the horns and indulge in a Scotch ribeye steak served with chips, mushrooms, tomato and onion rings. Round things off by cracking into a smooth, rich vanilla and Baileys creme brûlée.

The Black Bull Hotel is poised perfectly in the Scottish Borders countryside, with Duns Castle nature reserve just around the corner; the Lammermuir Hills, popular with hikers and cyclists alike, lie just a minute's drive to the east. Edinburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed are both within a driveable distance. When the weather is fine, sit back and rest your aching feet in The Black Bull's sun-dappled beer garden. This pretty, secluded oasis is popular with hikers who have recently conquered the Lammermuirs, as well as with those wanting to make the most of the 'great British summer'.