From foraged wild mushrooms to dry cured meats from a nearby farm and their own artisan breads, Peebles restaurateurs Amanda and Stuart Clink are passionate about local produce.

Inspired by the Scandinavian way of eating out, they believe that quality food doesn’t need to come at a hefty price.

After four years running the restaurant at Kailzie Gardens they are expanding the business by opening a shop which will celebrate the best of southern Scotland’s larder, assisted by Business Gateway.

“Working with Business Gateway has been fantastic and a real learning curve,” said 34-year-old Amanda. “We wanted to open the shop and market the business as a whole but neither of us had any experience of marketing and we didn’t really appreciate how important it was.

“Our business adviser really opened our eyes and helped us create a marketing plan. He took us through it all step by step and showed us the best ways to market the business with the highest return on investment. The guidance that we’ve received has been invaluable. He also helped us apply for funding which we hope to use towards the costs of opening the shop.” Both originally from Peebles, Stuart, 35, travelled the world as a chef for 10 years before returning to his native town to marry farmer’s daughter Amanda.

“Stuart cooked all over the world including a high end place in New Zealand and then a tiny tin hut in Fiji,” said Amanda. “It was a fantastic lesson in making the most of the indigenous produce available and he developed a real appreciation of the simple pleasure of eating good food.

“The last six years of his time away were spent in Stockholm where there is a wonderful dining-out culture. There are lots of high quality restaurants that are priced very reasonably, and we were keen to offer that here in the Borders.” The couple jumped at the chance to launch their own venture when the lease on the restaurant, set among the beautiful Kailzie gardens, came up in 2010.

“At the time I was waitressing in the Edinburgh restaurant where Stuart worked,” said Amanda. “We were recently married and looking to escape the city to a more fulfilling life. We quickly put a business plan together and secured funding.

“We’re proud of what we have achieved but we’re keen to make the most of what we have in this wonderful location and let people know that we are offering something really good here,” said Amanda.

In 2012 they were awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand status which denotes great food at reasonable prices and is awarded to restaurants who deliver the best value to customers. The shop, named ‘The Larder at Kailzie Gardens’, is located across the courtyard from the restaurant and opens in May. It will be very much in keeping with the home grown spirit of the restaurant.

Amanda said: “We make all of our own food and we always use amazing local suppliers for sausages, lamb, and bacon and cured meats.

“The shop will sell our sweet sauces, chutneys, marinades and fresh soups and there will be a focus on baked goods as it’s all made in-house and really sets us apart.

“This is a lovely family destination as along with the restaurant and shop, we have the gardens which include a play park, fishing and putting nearby. We’ve hosted some great weddings as the setting here is the perfect complement to our food. We would also like to put on more events to make the most of the charming courtyard, perhaps a little local beer festival or Christmas fair.” Business adviser Phil McCreadie, of Business Gateway Scottish Borders, said: “I worked with Amanda and Stuart on their business and marketing plans and helped them decide how to take the new shop venture forward.

“I signposted funding sources available to them such as the Scottish Borders Business Fund, which they applied to, and were successful in securing marketing support as part of their overall business expansion and new market development.

“Business Gateway’s help and advice is ongoing and I look forward to working with them as the business develops even further.” Find out how Business Gateway can help your business by visiting www.bgateway.com, or call your local office on 01835 818315.