Description
The award-winning Cross Keys Inn is a must if you are looking for a traditional, countryside pub at the centre of a vibrant, rural community’s life. Attracting locals and visitors from neighbouring towns and overnight guests from further afield, the warmest of welcomes is always on offer (check out TripAdvisor to see just how well-appreciated that welcome is).
Current owners, Rory and Vicki Steel, set about to rescue the pub from closure and revitalise it for the community, helping make the village a sustainable place to live. The couple has a strong ethos on working with local suppliers and brewers, helping cement its reputation.Location
The Cross Keys Inn is nestled in the charming village of Ettrickbridge, just outside Selkirk, in the middle of the Scottish Borders.
Surrounded by rolling hills and outstanding, picturesque countryside, the pub is at the heart of the valley’s vibrant community life and is where the warmest rural welcome is offered to visitors.
With its multiple award wins, the Cross Keys Inn has become a destination in its own right. With stunning scenic routes from multiple directions, the one to two hour drives from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle and Carlisle make for joyous, jaw-dropping journeys for overnight visitors.Internal Details
The interior of the Cross Keys Inn beautifully blends traditional charm with modern comfort, following a major refurbishment in 2023. Housed in a 17th Century coaching Inn, the space features warm earthy décor inspired by the Scottish Borders, with roaring fires, exposed beams, and a gallery of historic photographs that evoke a strong sense of place.
The pub and dining areas are cosy and welcoming, often bustling with friendly locals and visitors enjoying traditional pub fare and local ales. The bar is dog-friendly and hosts regular events like quizzes, dominoes, and live music nights. There is a snug at the back where young farmers play darts and watch rugby matches on the TV, or local groups use as a meeting space.Fixtures & Fittings
All fixtures and fittings will be included in the sale. All brand assets relating to Cross Keys Inn Ettrickbridge, including digital assets, are included in the sale.Letting Accommodation
The Inn offers seven luxuriously and individually designed en suite bedrooms fully refurbished in 2023, including doubles, kings (all with twin options) and a family room. Each room is furnished to a high standard, some rooms feature baths as well as showers.External Details
To the rear of the property is free customer parking that can accommodate c12 cars. Further free parking is available on Ettrickbridge’s main street.
There is potential scope to develop this land for further accommodation with the correct planning consents.
The pub has a good sized, south, west and north-facing beer garden with 50 covers and a large shed for secure bike storage.
Outside, there are two large tables and benches for watching the world go by and a well-appointed south-west facing beer and pizza garden that’s especially popular in summer.Owners Accommodation
The property has a two bedroom staff accommodation, making ideal for someone looking to live on the premises.The Opportunity
An excellent opportunity to acquire a well-performing business with multiple revenue streams, and capacity to grow yet further. With exciting developments nearby, including a new Center Parcs, a fast-growing international clientele and burgeoning shooting and fishing market for the off-peak seasons, the Cross Keys Inn is ready for its next chapter in a long history.
The Cross Keys Inn boasts unparalleled reviews across online platforms such as TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook and Booking.com since its current custodians took ownership, refurbished, re-opened and breathed new life into the premises. It has been named Best Pub at the Scottish Thistle Awards 2023, 2024 and again for 2025 after representing the South of Scotland at the national finals. It has also been a finalist at the Great British Pub Awards and the National Pub & Bar Awards, both in 2024.
The Cross Keys Inn Ettrickbridge would be well suited to an owner-operator, family business or someone looking to enter the hospitality industry. With an excellent, well-motivated and local workforce passionate about their community’s pub, the business is in an excellent turnkey position.Staff
Staff information will be provided to seriously interested parties.Trading Information
We have been provided with management accounts for the 12 month period ending December 2024 which show a total Net Turnover of c.£500,000. Year End 2025 is set to surpass Year End 2024.
Trading Profit & Loss Accounts will be provided to seriously interested parties after a formal viewing has taken place.Trading Hours
Monday to Thursday
4.00pm - 11.00pm
(Food 5.00pm - 7.45pm)
Friday to Saturday
10.00am - 11.00pm
(Food 12.00noon - 2.00pm & 5.00pm to 8.30pm)
Sunday
10.00am - 10.00pm
(Food 12.00noon to 7.15pm)Business Rates
The Rateable Value as of 29 May 2023 is £11,000. Our client has advised It is currently eligible for full small business rates relief.
Confirmation of actual rates payable can be obtained from the local Authority.Regulatory
Premises Licence
