10 Cosy pubs and restaurants in Ayrshire & Arran
Dip into the cosy pubs and restaurants in Ayrshire and on the Isle of Arran for a hearty meal and a warm up after a day spent enjoying the great outdoors! The nights are darker and summer feels awfully far away, but on a chilly day, nothing quite cheers you up like heading to a pub or restaurant with a log fire and a warm welcome. Here are some of our top places to visit but there are many more, take a look at our Eat and Drink page.
1. GRO Coffee, Irvine
Take a walk along Irvine beach and warm up at GRO Coffee at Irvine Harbour. A home from home vibe, it is dog and child friendly inside and out. Relax in comfort, eat delicious organic food and drink warming winter spiced coffee or hot chocolate.
2. Waterside Hotel, West Kilbride
Seamill beach is a stunning, quiet sandy beach with panoramic views across to Arran. The perfect location for a brisk beach walk and then warm up by the fire with some delicious, locally sourced food at The Waterside Hotel.
3. Crofters, Arran
There are lots of great places to eat on the island especially if you’re staying at one of the hotels like Kinloch, The Douglas, or Auchrannie but one little place worth a mention is Crofters Arran. A friendly bar and bistro that serves quality home-cooked food made from fresh ingredients. Menus are compiled using sustainable and locally sourced meats and seafood, foraged ingredients. Enjoy live acoustic music and their warm authentic Scottish hospitality.
4. The Longhouse, Kilmarnock
A relaxed all-day destination, cosy up at The Longhouse in the heart of Kilmarnock. Buzzworks have other cosy properties across the area including Vic’s on The Vine in Prestwick, Scott’s at Largs and Troon Yacht Havens, The Millhouse in Stewarton and Corner House in Kilwinning.
5. The Lairds Table, Craufurdland
The Lairds Table is part of the welcoming and beautiful Craufurdland Estate. A casual dining restaurant, it is situated in a stunning location on the shore of its own loch. The Laird’s Table restaurant welcomes everyone to come and enjoy a delicious, locally sourced freshly cooked meal.
6. The Dumfries Arms, Cumnock
Situated in the ancient burgh of Cumnock, The Dumfries Arms has played host to many colourful characters over the years. These include Scotland’s national bard, Rabbie Burns who spent many a night at the old hotel bar. These days, enjoy a delicious meal in the warm and inviting candlelit restaurant or take a warming wee dram of whisky in the lounge bar.
7. The Tam O’Shanter Inn, Ayr
If you’re looking for a cosy place to be with great food, you can’t get much cosier than Ayr’s oldest pub – The Tam O’Shanter Inn. Steeped in history with a warm welcoming atmosphere in unique surroundings, it was Rabbie Burn’s favourite inn.
8. Souters Inn, Kirkoswald
A warm and friendly welcome awaits you at the Souter’s Inn in Kirkoswald, Ayrshire. Built on the site of the old school house where Robert Burns studied in 1775, this thatched roof inn has a modern, contemporary interior, with a warm friendly atmosphere.
9. Lochranza Distillery, Arran
On a chilly day, head for the great indoors and take a tour and tasting experience at the Lochranza whisky distillery. Go behind the scenes, learn the art of whisky making and finish your tour with a warming dram or two. The Casks cafe is the perfect place to enjoy warm Scottish hospitality and panoramic views as you feast on the best locally sourced food that the Isle of Arran has to offer.
10. The Cook School @ Home
There are lots of great takeaway options or get your apron on and use Cook School @ Home. If you fancy a cosy night in with a difference, Cook School @ Home classes are a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your own kitchen! Live on Zoom, Head Chef Stuart provides an online, interactive, and fun session where you can mingle with other guests while preparing and enjoying the menu for the evening.
Looking for more adventures?
The Coig’s five routes offer unforgettable experiences around the Clyde Coast and Islands – take a look and plan your next adventure along The Shire, The Shiel, The Arran, The Bute or The Cumbrae!
