Cobbles Inn – the new look!
The refitting of The Cobbles Inn by Annika and Gavin is now complete, and the transformation is a masterpiece – a ‘Tardis’ job in more ways than one, jumping the Cobbles a couple of decades into the future and making the space inside double what it appeared to be before.
At the same time the traditional feel has been retained. Years of make-do-and-mend enhancements have been replaced in one go by a properly designed new bar, slate tiled public bar section where the old lounge used to be, and a spacious dining lounge replacing the former public bar, bar and office. By removing the old bench seating and creating slimmer but servicable window and wall seats, the designers have increased the floor area.
From the club’s point of view, the new hard floored public bar would be a great place for fiddle and flute – it even has hard wee window seats in traditional fashion, since fiddlers rarely like to settle down into a comfy armchair. However, our music sessions happen in the other end of the pub, where there is all the space we were lacking before. With 20 or more participating singers and musicians turning up regularly, we are no longer faced with half unable to find space. The hard acoustics of bar end improve the sound in the carpeted lounge end, throwing it back clearly. At the same time the acoustic quality of the new area is not destroyed by the carpeting, and wooden panelling and wall seats do a great job.
Our wide-angle shot does of course make it look even bigger than it is (for the technically minded, it’s the 7-14mm zoom on the Olympus E-510 – equal to a 14mm lens on 35mm film, close to being the widest view you can get and something every estate agent will love). Photographs above by Richard Kilpatrick/RK Media, Hawick & Birmingham – dmc12@btconnect.com.
The new upstairs decor of the Cobbles Inn organised for a large single table function. Photograph by David Kilpatrick/Icon Publications Ltd Kelso – iconmags@btconnect.com.
The upstairs function room is now accessed from inside the pub, no need to go outside and use the staircase door. We shall not be holding Friday night guest concerts except on special occasions in future, as the Cobbles Inn must make some serious income to cover the superb job which has been done on remodelling and fitting. The upstairs room will be occupied by booked functions and parties, or overflow from downstairs dining. With the support of Gavin and Annika, we shall be able to book guest acts to appear downstairs in the new larger space. They have asked that we consider doing this on Saturday nights, with free admission, and the pub sharing the cost of booking and advertising the gigs. Though our committee has yet to sit on this one, we are guests of the Cobbles for our regular weekly sessions and occasional concerts; their commercial needs must come first.
The Cobbles has proved very responsive to suggestions from regulars and as an example, you’ll find Staropramen Czech lager on draught – alongside Erdinger Weißbräu German unfiltered cloudy wheat beer, local Belhaven Brewery and other premium brews with featured ales changed frequently. Together with a new menu and efficient service, it is a venue which any party booking for dining or general celebration will find rewarding. Kelso Folk and Live Music Club is also able to provide or recommend musical entertainment (not all folk!) for any functions booked at the Cobbles.
Come on a Friday night, and from 9.30pm onwards you are guaranteed something musical… if unpredictable, varied and spontaneous! You are welcome to become a part of it. It’s not karaoke, but you can sing along, and you can make requests. You can bring your own instrument.
To call The Cobbles Inn to book dining or check on function room availability, call Kelso 01573 223548, or email info@thecobblesinn.co.uk. Their new website is at www.thecobblesinn.co.uk. For more information about the Folk Club call David Kilpatrick on 01573 226032 or email david@maxwellplace.demon.co.uk.
