Hawick Film and Video Club

The Film and Video Club tucked away in Hawick is one of those places that quietly keeps local culture alive without much fuss or fanfare. It's a proper working cinema and community space where you can actually watch films in a setting that feels lived-in rather than corporate. The screen shows a mix of mainstream releases and more independent fare - the kind of programming you'd hope to find in a market town that gives a damn about cinema.

Who'll get the most from it? Film enthusiasts and anyone tired of the multiplex experience will appreciate what's on offer. It's not a grand Victorian picture house - this is functional and genuine, which is exactly the point. Families with older kids who want something beyond the usual blockbuster rehash might find something worth a trip.

I'd ring ahead to check what's showing and sort out admission costs, as details are thin on the ground online. Allow an evening for it, naturally, though a quick scout of the programme beforehand saves disappointment.

If you're staying at Stouslie Snugs just outside town - those luxury farm glamping pods are genuinely excellent - this makes for a proper night out that doesn't involve driving far. Hawick itself has decent pubs and chip shops, so you can make an evening of it. It's the kind of local spot that deserves your custom, even if it's just to remind yourself that independent venues still matter.