O'ANNE AND O'DAVE RESTAURANT RATINGS for the UK

How we rate restaurants and hotels:		General total score :
We walk in with zero points and an open mind. If an aspect is not remarkable, it gets zero points. If any aspect is remarkable, it gets one point, either way. Add up the points. Simple.		- = we will not return 0 = We won't return unless we are desperate 1 = We will return if in the area 2 = We will go out of our way to return 3 = We plan entire trips to return

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Interesting write up. Their menu was seven pages of entrees, from lobster on down. The minestrone was too tomatoey, but they had Bavarian Beer for Holland and Drambuie. We were constantly watched, and while I know it was in case we needed something, we couldn't help but feel it was because they were afraid we would skip out on the meal or something of that sort. Made us rather uncomfy. Our waiter would not smile, period, and you could see his striped boxers through his pants. Potato skins are just that, nothing fancy, but the meatballs are to die for. Their garlic mayo saved the skins and the meal. They were the only white tablecloth place in the area.

We ate here almost every night while in Falkirk, it was right next door, very convenient, full bar including Drambuie, but then every place in Scotland has Drambuie. Basic wood walled steak house and classic menu. The problem is that once you have tried all their dishes, the food becomes boring. All the dishes are good, just not spectacular. Service borders on terrible, "drinks are on their way" means the drinks might be here during the meal.

Lovely little place, it was the only place open, but we were glad of it. Bright and sunny, quite small with only three booths and seven tables. Everything we had was grand; chili with rice served with cheese and sour cream, the soup was thin but strong. The quiche had a pudding texture but the flavor was good. Three tables who came in after us received their food before we did, but they were quite busy. If we were home, we would return.

My notes are short but the food was good, service fair, full bar, not terribly crowded despite being full up, prices were on the steep side. Reserve required.

Very cheery cafe with a homey kitchen feel, how I would decorate my country kitchen if it were large. Standard Scottish breakfast but these people know how to cook scrambled eggs for an American, my first lovely breakfast in weeks. Bless their hearts. Prices are good, food is even better. We will make a point to return when we return to Jedburgh, our highest compliment.

Within a long walk of the postcard perfect Dunstanburgh Castle ruins, a lovely Robin Hood looking inn and restaurant. We now order mushrooms where ever we go, theirs were equally delightful. Crab soup, potato skins and sadly, no Drambuie. Their Stilton starters were to die for and we now have to go on a quest for white Stilton.

Only three rooms would be the negative point. We did not stay here but will try to next time. The food? Scrumptious. Cozy, confy, friendly bar, good variety of items, good prices. If we lived there, we could be found any day at the bar. Well, if we drank that heavily.

Dreams Tea Shop - casual neighborhood morning eatery
9 Walmgate, York, North Yorkshire, England YO1 9TX

We ate here twice the first visit, and at least once the second. Typical English breakfast, including a blood pudding cake. The waiter looked like Harry Potter, so that was a plus for an eye feast. One of our favorite towns, one of our favorite stops.

Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel - white tablecloth pub
Embleon, Alnwick, Northumberland, England NE66 3UN- website

Lovely, lovely place, crowded, obviously popular. An old building but very updated, very stylish and clean. Possibly a good place to stay if it were not for Chillingham. Dinner and the service was nothing short of excellent. The carrot and coriander soup was delicious, garlic mushrooms and a roasted vegie tart were memorable. David and Joyce had lamb, Bobby had halibut, I wonder what I had? The desserts were scrumptious. Sometimes a place of this nature will be too stiff and formal for our liking, making us feel out of place. We want to relax and enjoy our food, not feel we are on display to the ever so watching servers. Dunstanburgh had all the qualities of an upper class establishment but without the stiffness. We felt welcomed and right at home.

Galloway Arms - white tablecloth family
Crocketford, Dumfries, Scotland DG2 8RA - website

We were staying here, and most of the in-house restaurants are fair, but not outstanding. Gallow Arms is outstanding. We met the cook, Peter Forster, and wanted to take us home with us. The menu is extensive, the atmosphere comfy, service perfect, a full bar, and the food is spectacular, the lasagna, chiken and salmon can be attested to. Add haunted and the place is a true delight.

Glenforsa Hotel - private home B & B
Aros Mains, Aros, Isle of Mull, Scotland PA72 6JW- website

We came upon this establishment by accident. Absolutely lovely, a log cabin dream home in a story book surroundings with lovely people. We ate breakfast and then we were on our way. I think the Scottish consider Americans to be too fussy as the eggs were burnt, the toast and ham were cold, but we would love to return and stay here our trip out. Their website shows you how lovely the place truly is, and much larger than we saw.

La Cappanna - White table semi-formal Italian
596 Mansfield Road, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England NG5 2FS - website

We have been to England and Scotland twice, for a total of over five weeks. Bar none, and without exaggeration, the food at La Capanna is the best we have ever had while out of country, and is nearly better than anything at home. Make sure you try the mushrooms and the carrots. We rarely, rarely award three stars, which means we will plan a tip around eating there, even across the world.

Old Post Office, Linlithgow, Scotland - casual pub
29-31 High Street, Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland EH49 7AB

Very woody, casual, very pubby, felt right at home. Standard pub faire, mushroom soup, crusty bread, steak pie & chips, Haggis, Neeps and Tatties. The waitress was exceptionally helpful, good food, fair prices. Yelp ratings say they have dodgy karaoke, lol!!!

Simply Scottish - cafe
6-8 High Street, Jedburgh, Roxburghshire (Borders), Scotland TD8 6AG

Large store front windows that invite you in for breakfast in a typical, cheery cafe. Home baking, anf family friendly, the little places that make our trips so wonderful. Leek soup and garlic bread.

Travellers Rest - casual family
63 High Street, Workington, Cumbria, England CA14 4EJ

We made a point of returning to this restaurant a second year, literally traveling around the world in hopes to have their chicken noodle soup again. Alas, they were serving vegie soup, equally good, and the best mushrooms this aging mouth and taste buds have ever experienced. We never give out more than one point per aspect and they receive two for their food. The decor is bright and cheery, plenty of room, a cozy atmosphere inside and out, an excellent stop for anyone. Private parking is an additional plus.Highly recommended.

Union Inn- casual pub
Portdownie, Falkirk, Scotland FK1 AQZ

Standard pub faire with an Indian flair. Vegetable cream of croquette, ham & cheese panini (ham & velveeta on a hot dog bun), salad and mac and cheese served quite late but all for £9/$15.

Verdi's Italian Restaurant - pizza
9-7 Golden Square, Beswick Upon Tweed, Northumberland, England TD15 1BG

Lasagna, meatballs, every kind of pizza, garlic mushrooms and breads. Heavenly.  Crowded, bustling, popular. Yummy, yummy.

Waggon Inn - family casual
10 Coalmarket, Kelso, Roxburghshire (Borders), Scotland TD5 7AH - website

Good mac and cheese, beef curry & pappadors, a classic pub with probably reliable food. We would be constant visitors if we lived there.

Wild Strawberry Cafe - casual cafe
52-54 Main Street, Keswick, England CA12 5JT

We stopped for delicious vegetable soup, rarebit and Hungarian goulash. Delicious.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem - pub in a cave
1 Brewhouse Yard, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England NG1 6AD

This was a must see, right down the road from Nottingham Castle where history abounds, from John Lackland to Robin Hood. The pub lays claim to being the oldest pub in England, dating to 1189, and it certainly has charm. Cut out of rocks under the castle, round rooms, dark and cozy, comfy corners everywhere, extensive bar and it would appear a devoted following. Wonderful people watching, the bread to snack on is to die for. I would have taken more pictures but I already screamed "tourist" with my open mouth.

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