Salmon Inn, Galashiels

This modernised corner bar has plush seating and decor and was extremely busy with a varied crowd, in terms of age and gender, on the Friday night I visited. The main, rectangular section faces onto the street and there is a smaller, irregularly shaped area at the back. The latter was full of people eating in the early part of the evening, but given over to drinkers later. There was a wide range of draught beers available, including three real ales: Black Sheep, Deuchars IPA and Saxon Gold. On the keg front, this was supplemented by Tennent's, San Miguel, Hop House 13, Carlsberg and Carlsberg Extra lagers, Belhaven Best and Guinness, as well as Somersby and Somerset Strawberry and Rhubarb cider. This is clearly a very popular pub, although I too found it a bit lacking in character.

As noted below this has been renovated to a good standard and consists of a single L shaped carpeted room that follows the bar around and has new looking furnishings. The three hand pumps had one unused, Black Sheep Bitter and Deuchar's IPA. I went for the Black Sheep Bitter (£3.20) which was warm and completely rank. I didn't fancy trying my luck with the Deuchars so left. Decent real ale seems to be hard to find in the area and this is no exception.

Smart grey paint without and within, the Salmon Inn looks like it's had a recent makeover. It looks smart enough, but somewhat lacking in character, as it could have been a modern bar anywhere in the UK. perhaps that's what they were aiming for. It's comfortable and friendly enough, a couple of locals were enjoying their fish and chips and my beer was ok. With a choice of Black Sheep Bitter, Caledonian Deuchars IPA and Holden Golden there was not much to write home about as regards the selection of ales, but perhaps that's what sells in these parts?