The Scottish Borders Licensing Board met on Friday, 20 March 2026, to discuss a variation to the premises licence for the Courtyard Cafe at Kailzie, Peebles. The board unanimously approved the application, which will allow the cafe to sell local spirits from its gift shop and offer off-sales and delivery services.

Variation of Premises Licence for Courtyard Cafe, Kailzie, Peebles

The Scottish Borders Licensing Board unanimously approved an application to vary the premises licence for the Courtyard Cafe at Kailzie, Peebles¹. The application, submitted by Nacho Friend, trading as the Courtyard Cafe, sought to introduce several changes, including the addition of off-sales facilities for local spirits in the gift shop, online and delivery orders, and extended licensed hours.

The proposed variations included:

• Seasonal Variation: The cafe requested to change its seasonal variation from No to Yes, allowing it to be open until 1:00 am on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day, or within any other Licensing Board policy.
• Off-Sales and Delivery: The application included the addition of an off-sale facility in the shop attached to the cafe, along with provisions for online and delivery orders.
• Children and Young Persons Access: The operating plan was amended to allow children and young persons unaccompanied access to the shop area for shopping purposes.
• Licensed Area: The shop area was to be included within the licensed footprint of the premises, with the description of the premises on the licence amended to include the shop.

John Duncan, director of Nacho Friend, explained that the estate had begun producing and bottling its own spirits, including Cayley gin and Cayley rum liqueur. He stated that offering these in the gift shop would be an advantageous and a nice addition for guests and visitors. The extended hours were primarily for flexibility for potential one-off events in keeping with the estate.

Councillors expressed their support for the application. Councillor Eric Small described the Courtyard Cafe as a popular copy and wished them well for the future. Councillor Neil Richards found the proposal logical, and Councillor Tom Weatherston noted that the application was well within policy and did not breach any licensing objectives, with all major consultees in agreement. Councillor Fay Sinclair viewed it as a really good way to expand the offer, and Councillor John PatonDay fully supported the application.

The Convener, Councillor Marshall Douglas, who is also the local member for the area, highlighted that it was a very well run business in an idyllic spot and that the restaurant would continue to attract many people. The application was granted unanimously, with best wishes for the future.