Rutherford's Micropub

Simon and Debbie Rutherford converted a former cashmere shop on Kelso's main square into Scotland's first micropub in 2015, spending twenty thousand pounds to strip the space back to a single small room with no television and no music. Paul Mitchell, who moved to Kelso after a career spanning education and hospitality, bought the business in 2021 and has kept its format unchanged. Real ales come from small Scottish and Northumbrian breweries and are served by handpump, with third-pint tasting paddles offered so drinkers can sample several before committing to a pint. Belgian and world beers, wines and single malts fill out the range, alongside basic bar snacks. Seating spills onto the cobbled square in fine weather. The pub was named CAMRA Borders Pub of the Year for 2025.