Glenapp Castle
BALLANTRAE
KA26 0NZ
Tel: 01465 831212
Fax: 01465 831000
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(4 user reviews)
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Description
This is a gem of a castle, built in 1870 as a private home and restored to splendour by Fay and Graham Cowan, and now a luxury hotel. The grounds are breathtaking, with 36 acres of gardens and woodland to explore, including terraced formal gardens, azalea pond and walled garden with magnificent 150ft Victorian glasshouses. The castle is opulently furnished in a traditional manner including the dining room with its elegantly set tables and views out over the garden. The kitchen team, with new head chef at the helm, deliver six-course menus based on first-class produce and demonstrating considerable craftsmanship. There are two choices at main course and dessert, otherwise you are in the capable hands of the chef. An amuse-bouche of langoustine in tomato essence precedes seared foie gras, perfectly timed, with red pepper purée and balsamic reduction in a confident beginning. The fish course is next, perhaps seared scallops partnered with lightly spiced aubergine purée and sauce vièrge. The balance of the meal is well judged, the ideas sharp and innovative. Main-course fillet of beef is served with white onion and dauphinoise and a light yet intensely flavoured red wine jus. Scottish cheeses are perfectly kept and precede dessert: rhubarb crumble soufflé with vanilla ice cream. Service is excellent throughout and lunch offers imaginative dishes in a three-course format.
Open/closed
Dates closed: 2 Jan-14 Mar, Xmas
Sunday lunch available.
Restaurant information
Cooking type: Modern British
Chef: Adam Stokes
Number of seats: 34
Accessible for wheelchairs.
Disabled toilets.
Vegetarian meals available.
Children's menu.
Children's portions.
No children under 5 yrs D.
Bedrooms available.
Non-smoking area in restaurant.
Parking available.
Directions
S through Ballantrae, cross bridge over River Stinchar, 1st right, hotel in 1m
Nearest station:
Girvan
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Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae
User reviews
(4 user reviews)
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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
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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
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What a hidden gem. 3 Rosettes is somewhat misleading. Great welcome. Friendly proffesional staff and service. 6 Course tasting menu of the highest standards. Accurate cooking superb balance of flavours. For instance. Sea Bass with fennel and vanilla. A beutiful delicate dish utilising local fish. Rice pudding souffle. A masterclass in desserts. Good wine selection. At £55 per head unbelievable value. Dinned on two evenings consistent through out.
Reviewer: CEL, Midlands
Visited: 11 November 2008
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