Glenapp Castle

BALLANTRAE, KA26 0NZ

Originally built for a coal merchant in 1870, Glenapp Castle is a fine example of Scottish baronial architecture. Restored from virtual dereliction 10 years ago, it is now a wonderfully luxurious country-house hotel set in 36 acres of woodland and tended gardens on the striking Ayrshire coast. Breathtaking views of Arran and Ailsa Craig rock add to the romantic allure of the place and friendly, professional staff - headed up by hands-on owners Graham and Fay Cowan - ensure everything goes swimmingly. The dining room has rich red tones set against wood panelling with lots of antiques and atmospheric oil paintings. Booking for dinner is mandatory, such is the popularity of the imaginatively crafted French-rooted six-course menu, with choices for the main and pudding courses only. Expect accomplished, confident modern Scottish cooking, using produce both locally sourced and from the hotel's garden. Baked potato bouillon with Isle of Mull cheddar gnocchi is a first course of real refinement and technique. For the fish course there might be fillet of Dover sole with Ayrshire epicure potatoes, peas and baby wood sorrel; next up an eye-catching main course of breast of Goosnargh duck with soya roast leeks, coriander and duck scratchings. A slow and steady pace is required as the fine selection of pre-dessert (garden rhubarb crumble soufflé with pink rhubarb sorbet perhaps) and local cheeses are unmissable. Work up an appetite or walk off dinner with an amble around the wonderful gardens taking in the azalea lake and walled vegetable gardens with restored greenhouses.

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To create great food is one thing but to deliver food that is sublime is indeed a rare happening. The amount of time, care, love and attention put into each dish is simply stunning. All this utilising the finest produce that Scotland can offer and the very latest techniques in cooking. Service is also excellent and a good wine list tops the package. The Castle and its restaurant is immaculate what more can be said other than we wished we lived nearer.

Reviewer: CG, Leicestershire
Visited: 16 May 2010

29 of 53 people found this review helpful.
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A special place! The attentive waiting staff were informed and displayed a calm, assuredness which belied the difficult task of serving and explaining the tasting menu. The food was excellent, the menu was exciting and the dishes were innovative with a real understanding of flavours and balance. The execution of modern techniques, and their use in the dishes to enhance rather than distract from the main part of the course, seperated this meal from any other we have had.

Reviewer: c_r, Kilmarnock
Visited: 24 November 2008

60 of 123 people found this review helpful.
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What a fabulous place, not only was the accomadation superb and the setting marvelous, the food was simply amongst the best I,ve eaten anywhere in the world and I have eaten at pretty much all the best restaurants. The taster menu delivers course after course of truly delicious food prepared and cooked to perfection and the service was excellent and friendly without being intrusive. My wife and I had a very enjoyable time and will certainly be going back this year.

Reviewer: kirk, Isfield
Visited: 19 November 2008

64 of 115 people found this review helpful.
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