There's been a hive of activity lately in the Smiths kitchen! Our talented team of chefs have been busy putting the finishing touches on the new spring à la carte menu!

The Famous Blacksmiths Shop is well known for elopements and runaway marriages - but did you know it also holds the imagination of many a writer, intrigued by the charms of our wee Blacksmiths? Gretna Green has appeared as a destination ever since the introduction of the very Act which popularised our wee corner of Scotland back in 1754! Turns out that Gretna Green isn't only of interest to the historical novels....it's also frequently present in pop culture from across the years!

February may bring snow and cold....but you can keep the inside of your kitchen/home warm with delightful rich dishes and mouthwatering treats!

In February, one sees the end of the season for #game and the beginning of early fruits and vegetables. #Rhubarb is a firm favourite with many a cook this month! #Seafood is a perfect catch (sorry - we couldn't resist!) - especially for #mussels!

End of season is the perfect time to try something new...just like this Quince Jelly! We've convinced the chefs at Smiths Hotel to share a recipe for it .....

Hands up if you fancy some home baking? Everyone? Well, time to pop down to the Old Toll Bar in Gretna then!

Our very own Toni has been busy mixing and stirring away creating new recipes to share...from tasty soups, baguettes and wraps to tantalising traybakes and cakes!

Gretna Green has been a draw for lovestruck young couples for many a year....with distance a mere detail in their plans to marry!

Although times have changed, history and tradition are still alive at the Famous Blacksmiths Shop - couples from all over the world choosing to 'elope' over our beloved anvil!

This week for one couple, Toni and Christopher, there was an extra special twist to their modern day elopement....the presence of a Dutch television crew filming for a weekly history programme called Andere Tijden (Changing Times)! They were busy filming for an episode airing in February, "On the run to Gretna Green", which will be broadcast the week of Valentine's Day....and tells the tale of Dutch couples who ran away to Gretna Green in the 60s!

We had a very exciting day last Thursday.....when we welcomed local and national media and a very special artist to a grand unveiling!

Thursday saw the unveiling of the Art Anvil decorated by Glasgow School of Art student Erin Colquhoun in celebration of the Scottish same sex marriage law coming into effect.

It's Christmas Time Again......at Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop! We're definitely getting into the festive mood here....trees are up and the carols are playing!

Whether you're a fan (we've all spotted them eagerly awaiting the first decorations in shops!) or dreading the crush of crowds, it's getting to be time to tackle that Christmas shopping!

Struggling to start your Christmas list? Here at Gretna Green, we're spoilt for choice...and we thought that we'd share some of our favourite quirky gift ideas! Perfect for that hard-to-buy-for friend or family member we all have....or for sending a wee bit of Scotland overseas! Ideal for stocking stuffers to...

FOODIE FRIDAY - SEASONAL DISHES - SALSIFY

Welcome to #November - time for #hearty dishes ideal for #warming even the most dreich night!

But what's in season this time of year?? The kitchen here at Smiths Hotel has heaps of #seasonalveg.....and they've picked one to share ........#Salsify!

Never heard of Salsify? Nope neither had we.....it's a relative of the #parsnip - can be #boiled, #mashed or #fried! Perfect for adding to #stews and #soups! It's in season from October through to January....time to check your local #farmersmarket!

You may have noticed several recipes and food-related posts have appeared on our Smiths Hotel facebook page lately.....

The kitchen here at Smiths was looking to get more involved with social media ...so we put our wee noggins together and came up with the idea of #FoodieFriday......which is officially starting today!

If you've popped into our wonderful wedding bureau lately, you may have spotted two new faces amongst the team!

Meet Lianne and Teri....who recently joined the team this past August - Lianne from Smiths' reception team and Teri from Hetland Hall where she had been the wedding coordinator.