A PEEBLESSHIRE pub is raising a glass after winning an award at the National Pub & Bar Awards.

The Traquair Arms in Innerleithen was named as a 'County Winner' at a ceremony earlier this month.

The popular hotel was praised for its service and hospitality – and will now compete for the title of National Pub & Bar of the Year.

Set in a 200-year-old coach house, the Traquair Arms is a family-run hotel and gastro pub.

Jamie Rogers, the hotel's manager, said: “We are over the moon to have been won this award. It really recognises the staffs never ending determination to provide their absolute best. We honestly cannot thank you each and every one of them enough.

Border Telegraph: Traquair Arms in Innerleithn nominated as the Best Pub in the Borders L-R David Rogers, Owner Jamie Rogers, Manager Callum Shouesmith, Chef Craig Harkness, Chef Sally Blaylock, Supervisor Ross Glastra, Supervisor

“It’s not just about us winning the award, this award represents our ever-committed suppliers and our growing community and amazing customers. They make us want to do better for them and we’ll continue to do so.

“The kitchen staff are so passionate about what they do.

“They are a great team with an excellent work ethic who try to support local businesses by buying produce as local as possible. This is without saying the award really wouldn’t have been possible without the input of each and every member of staff.

“Front of house are providing and maintaining a fantastic service, even when under masses of pressure, and the housekeepers keep the bar under excellent condition seven days a week."

The 27-year-old also admitted the coronavirus pandemic has been "very difficult" for the hotel.

He said: “There has been a lot of investment in and around the hotel. The restaurant and both bars have been refurbished in the last three years, plus the beer garden is having some work done at this moment in time.

“The COVID pandemic has been very difficult for us and everyone in the hospitality industry. With all the restrictions in place it has held us back on the things we really wanted to do such as live music, barbecues in the beer garden and themed nights.

"But now it’s time to turn a page and make all these exciting ideas become reality. This award gives 2022 a great start for the season but for us this is only the beginning.

"Thank you to everyone who has made his happen. It truly means a lot to all of us.”