The Exchange Bar, Hawick: A Victorian Pub with Historic Charm

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Historic Victorian pub in Hawick with original wood panelling, ornate cornices, and a cozy lounge for live music and community gatherings.

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The Exchange Bar

The Exchange Bar in Hawick is a historic Victorian pub nestled in the town’s West End, known for its original dark-wood panelling, ornate cornices, and a welcoming, traditional atmosphere. Dating back to the mid-19th century, it occupies a former Co-Op building and features a large single room with ceiling roses and a bar counter from the 1880s. The bar offers a cozy lounge for social events and a taste of local heritage in the Scottish Borders.

A brief summary to The Exchange Bar

1 Silver St, Hawick, TD9 0AD, GB
Click to display
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Try the real ales recently introduced, which have become popular despite the pub’s traditional focus.
Visit during Sunday folk sessions or karaoke nights in the back lounge for a lively local experience.
Admire the ornate cornices and original dark-wood panelling, key features of the pub’s Victorian heritage.
Note the historic water engines in the cellar, once used to pump beer to the taps using air pressure.

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Getting There

Bus

Local bus services connect Hawick town center with nearby towns and villages, with stops within 5-10 minutes’ walk of The Exchange Bar. Typical journey times from surrounding areas range from 15 to 45 minutes. Tickets cost around £2-£5 depending on distance. Service frequency varies, so check schedules in advance.
Train and Taxi

The nearest railway station is in Tweedbank, approximately 30 minutes by taxi to Hawick. From the station, taxis take about 20 minutes to reach The Exchange Bar, costing roughly £25-£30. This option is suitable for visitors arriving from Edinburgh or other major cities.
Car

Driving to The Exchange Bar is straightforward via the A7 road. Parking is available in nearby public car parks within 5-10 minutes’ walk. Note that parking may be limited during peak times. Fuel costs vary; expect around £5-£10 for local trips. The town center is pedestrian-friendly.
Walking

If staying in Hawick town center, The Exchange Bar is accessible on foot within 10-15 minutes over mostly flat terrain. The route is suitable for most mobility levels and offers a pleasant stroll through Hawick’s historic streets.

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The Exchange Bar location weather suitability

Any Weather
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Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about The Exchange Bar

A Glimpse into Hawick’s Victorian Heritage

The Exchange Bar is housed in a mid-19th century three-storey tenement building that originally served as a Hawick Co-Operative store from 1839, predating similar ventures in England. By 1885, the building transformed into the Exchange Bar, becoming a social hub in Hawick’s historic West End. Its Victorian roots are evident in the architectural details preserved inside, making it a notable landmark in the town.

Architectural Elegance and Interior Features

Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by an impressive interior dominated by original dark-wood panelling that stretches from floor to ceiling, complemented by intricate cornice work and decorative ceiling roses. The bar counter, believed to date from the 1880s, was crafted by cutting into the panelled wall to form a gantry, adding to the pub’s unique character. Though the panelling was once concealed behind plasterboard and wallpaper from the 1960s to the 1980s, restoration efforts have revived its historic charm.

A Social Venue with a Cozy Atmosphere

The Exchange Bar features a comfortable back lounge, a modern addition to the original space, which hosts parties, occasional karaoke nights, and Sunday folk sessions. This lounge offers a relaxed setting for locals and visitors alike to enjoy live entertainment and community gatherings. The pub maintains a traditional feel while accommodating contemporary social activities.

Historic Brewing Traditions and Unique Features

Though not primarily an ale-focused pub, The Exchange Bar has introduced real ales that have gained local popularity. The cellar holds two historic water engines once used to pump beer to the taps using air pressure until 1981, a fascinating relic of brewing technology. The pub’s connection to local brewing heritage adds depth to its character.

Location and Local Significance

Situated at 1 Silver Street, near St Mary’s Kirk, the pub was once adjacent to the Corn Exchange, a reminder of Hawick’s commercial past. The building’s listed status and inclusion as a pub interior of special national historic interest highlight its cultural and architectural importance within the Scottish Borders region.

Welcoming Yet Traditional

The Exchange Bar is popular with locals and visitors seeking an authentic Scottish pub experience steeped in history. While children are not admitted, the pub welcomes adults to enjoy its historic ambiance, live music, and friendly atmosphere. It stands as a testament to Hawick’s rich social and architectural heritage.