A NEW venture near Borders General Hospital is providing the perfect innings for hungry diners.

The Cricket Club Café has been launched on the grounds of the hospital to cater for hospital workers and patients as well as cricket players and passers-by.

The opening followed discussions with Melrose Cricket Club about an MCC clubhouse reboot by giving it a fresh new look and adding a catered kitchen.

A key figure in the café creation was former Melrose rugby player and Watsonians Rugby coach, Gordon Smith who gutted much of the previously tired-looking clubhouse and added many of the colourful furnishings and cricket memorabilia.

Since its opening on October 21 business has been buzzing with customers raving over the quality of the food and the specially sourced coffee.

Sue Moffat, a regular customer, posted on Facebook saying: "Soup, fresh salads, juices, coffee and absolutely delicious homemade gelato.

"A complete transformation for the Melrose Cricket Club. Well done Gordon!"

A post-game treat for the MCC cricketers on Friday meant the players could also give their seal of approval.

Tricia Paterson, a main worker at the café, told us: "Some of Melrose Cricket Club team came to visit the new cafe on Friday evening.

"Everyone thought it was great and they enjoyed the pulled pork rolls too. It was brilliant to see them, and we look forward to more functions with them in the future."

The Cricket Club Café is open Monday to Friday, 7am to 4.30pm, and is situated on the edge of the cricket pitch nearby to the Borders General Hospital in Melrose.