Moffat sits a couple of country miles off the main M74 (M6) route between Scotland and England, about half an hour or so into Scotland if travelling north. The town’s an excellent stop for travellers. It’s a lovely market burgh, full of independent shops and local character. The locality offers much to do: Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders reach out on either side. We’d certainly recommend a holiday in the area as an alternative, perhaps, to the Highlands and are happy to promote Scotland’s southwest as one of the country’s greatest assets. In Moffat, parking is easy and free and this old coaching inn-type hotel sits right in the midst of things. Old it may be, but many of the bedrooms are city-sharp and smart. And if it's fishing or country sports, walking or wide spaces you're after... there's plenty of advice on tap at the hotel.

Step up under some waving flags and into a wood-panelled Reception area where you may be welcomed by owners Margaret or Simon, or one of their very friendly team. Clan wall plaques and a shining suit of armour add character. There’s an open plan Lounge area with free wi-fi – ideal for a business rendezvous – where coffee and snacks are on the go all day. The hotel’s Bar is a cosy affair with a touch of country sports to it and boasts a selection of around 50 Scotch malts plus, we hear, a 'breakfast whisky'. Which would doubtless go very well with the fine porridge (whisky really does). Food is served here as an alternative to the comfortable and rather Scottish Restaurant, hung with local pictures and paintings, which is at the other side of the reception desk, through glass doors.

Bedrooms range from adjoining accommodation suitable for families or small groups to sleek and contemporary bedrooms fully redesigned for 2008. Some rooms have only just become available. On the ground level are 5 Garden Rooms which offer easy access to your car (parking is available in a courtyard) and a sheltered area allows smokers to puff in peace. But we were especially impressed with the new look rooms which offer a light, contemporary style and come with thoughtfully finished, gleaming bathrooms of a high standard. Rooms offer comfortable beds with fresh white linens, excellent tea / coffee tray with Scottish biscuits, flatscreen TV, good lighting, modern armchairs – some in white leather – and plenty of attractive finishing touches. There’s local information, too. Room 205 is a good choice of Double Room on the 2nd floor with a charming view out over the town; it has a bath with over-shower. If you fancy a double-sized shower, book room 204! Room 202 is a very smart Twin Room and has a roomy loo with over-bath shower. The Garden Rooms are a mix of contemporary and classic styles but all looked comfortable although the bathrooms in the new rooms are swisher. Owner Simon is a photographer and we think they'll soon be adding some big local images to the new rooms to add a sense of place.

Food’s a strong suit here and if you get to know the characterful and cheerful owners you’ll understand that it’s just the way they do things. Choose to eat informally in the Bar which offers a light lunch, snacks all day and the full dinner menu, too. You might fancy Steak & Stout Pie or a pasta dish, for example. We’d recommend you enjoy dinner in the cosy, traditional Restaurant as it’s excellent value at £25 and if you’re here on inclusive D, B & B terms it will include a canapé served at the table, followed by 3 courses. Ingredients are fresh, many are local and we’ve seen prime Glenkens organic lamb and Buccleuch beef on the menu. If you fancy a steak, then you can go for it. The à la carte menu offers around 5 options per course and ranges from trad and modern Scottish to a touch of Italian pzazz. The kitchen’s own smoked salmon comes much recommended. A ‘Highland Melt’ offers a char-grilled 8oz Buccleuch beef steak with creamy garlic mushrooms and melting blue Cambozola cheese atop. We’ve savoured every mouthful of tender local lamb and a recent venison dish was full of bright flavours and of a high quality. Vegetarians are catered for and a recent main course was Italian Plait - roast Mediterranean vegetables topped with Ricotta cheese and asparagus spears in a puff pastry parcel. Desserts are largely home-made / baked and feature local ice-creams. There’s an underlying country quality to the food and service and it surpasses expectations at a 3-star hotel. The wine list is nicely done and offers a range good enough to compliment the food.

Breakfast is served in the Restaurant with its views to the double-width main street of Moffat. Creamy porridge is delicious and like all main items is brought to the table. It’s a traditional start to the day and grilled items are tasty.

Gary McLean says…
“I'm an advocate for the southern counties of Scotland, and Moffat is very well-placed as a touring centre. A few days here would be an ideal choice for an interesting break. The Annandale has been upping its game of late and now provides the smartest rooms in Moffat. Plenty of room choice, too, from sparkling modern city style to a quiet, tucked-away Garden Room with space and courtyard access. The food is good and gets our GoldPlate™ in 2008 for the full dinner menu as served in the dining room proper. Great value, and all freshly made a few paces away in the hard-working kitchen. A small hotel on the up and a great choice if you need refreshed, rested and well-fed on a trip north to Scotland (or south, of course) and need a non-travel-lodge type place just off the main cross-border route. It's not posh, rather it's comfortable, and the new 4-star standard accommodation and the food are decidedly better than a few 'posher' local places we can think of."

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