Glenapp Castle
BALLANTRAE
KA26 0NZ
Tel: 01465 831212
Fax: 01465 831000
Send an email
(4 user reviews)
Write a review of this restaurant 
Description
This luxury retreat near the village of Ballantrae surveys the wild Ayrshire coast with views to the Isle of Arran and the granite crag of Ailsa Craig. Glenapp Castle is a romantic Victorian confection of towers and turrets in 36 acres of heavenly grounds that are an oasis of mature woodland and exotic colour amid the native bracken and gorse. The stately interior is all opulence - endless expanses of oak panels, chandeliers, antiques, oil paintings - and the kitchen team rises to the occasion. Dishes here are designed to wow at every stage; cooking is sharp, innovative, accurate and, when necessary, highly technical. The very finest from Scotland's larder, including fruit, veg and herbs from the castle's gardens, underpins the menus, which run from three courses at lunch, to well-balanced six-course dinner menus. An amuse-bouche of carrot and vanilla velouté with liquorice cream precedes a terrine of rabbit and Morteau sausage with home-made piccalilli and hazelnuts. The pace continues with a fish course - pan-fried red mullet with langoustine and minestrone consommé, then a choice appears at the main course - perhaps roasted grey leg partridge with salsify, red cabbage and a cannelloni of confit leg. Perfectly-ripened Scottish cheeses come before dessert: Scottish cranachan soufflé with raspberries and raspberry sorbet. Formal service is correct without being intimidating.
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
Find your way with AA atlases, books and maps
Plan a route to this location »
Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae
User reviews
(4 user reviews)
Write a review and share your thoughts with other users.
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
21
of
35
people found this review helpful.
Did you find it helpful?
Yes |No
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
22
of
34
people found this review helpful.
Did you find it helpful?
Yes |No
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
150
of
167
people found this review helpful.
Did you find it helpful?
Yes |No