WHAT
Café, Bookshop and Deli
WHERE
A68, Junction St Boswells; 1 minute
WHEN
Tues-Sat 9am-5.30pm (café 5pm)
Sun 11am-4.30pm (café 4pm)
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Disabled access
Free WiFi for visitors
Vegetarian or vegan options
Gluten-free options
Organic
Parking available onsite
Recycling/sustainability practices
A magical combination of books, gifts and food, and a previous winner of Britain’s Best Small Shop, The Mainstreet Trading Company (books, café, deli and home) should feature in every journey via the Borders. Browse the fabulous bookshop before refuelling on dishes inspired by the recipe books it stocks - something from the 'Cookbook of the Moment', perhaps.
Baking happens in-house and the gluten-free Tunisian cake is particularly good. Try the tomato, cumin and fig soup, a pastrami and leek-jam sandwich or an equally tasty seasonal special. We loved the understairs book burrow where kids can listen to audio books among piles of cushions.
In the courtyard at the back a former barn has been reimagined. The shop, in the old wine cellar, is stacked to the rafters with woven baskets, enamelware, French soaps and beautiful stationery. The deli is an Aladdin's cave of taste from local and indie food producers; the cheese is the star of the show.
The Mainstreet Trading Company,
Main Street, St Boswells,
TD6 0AT
Tel - 01835 824087
Email - Send email to The Mainstreet Trading Company
Web - www.mainstreetbooks.co.uk
Buy The Extra Mile Guide
The Extra Mile: Delicious Alternatives to Motorway Services is your essential glovebox guide to good food on the move. The guidebook is a great gift for motorists and foodies who prefer to avoid motorway services and boring, big-brand food. Find independent cafes, pubs, local coffee and tea shops and lovely farm shops near motorway junctions and main roads. To improve your journey, support small businesses and discover real local flavours, order your copy today (edition 4 published March 2023 and available now).
