If you're looking for a dining experience that will give you the wow moment, there's nothing quite like Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire. An authentic Victorian castle, as the ornate building comes into view through the surrounding woodland, you'll be mesmerised by its magical towers and turrets, and once inside, a five-star experience awaits.
There are several spaces to choose when enjoying a meal at Glenapp Castle; most recently updated is The Azalea, an original Victorian Mackenzie and Moncur Victorian Glasshouse built in the 1800s and one of only few left, together with a similar version on the Queen’s Balmoral Estate. Here, diners are treated to an elegant, yet relaxed, atmosphere for trying the finest afternoon tea, as well as coffee and cakes. The space is separated into different dining compartments, each one inspired by botanicals with peach and fig trees positioned throughout, as well as 100-year old grape vines and even a charming pond. For a heartier meal, the Castle Dining Room is a magnificent choice. Rich, coral walls and huge windows flanked by ornate drapery distinguish this space, while chandeliers glitter overhead.
The kitchen is run by Executive Chef Joe Gould who has been awarded three AA Rosettes for his work across a seven-course tasting experience and the a la carte menu. The menu is focused on celebrating the best of Scottish fare with lots of locally sourced produce. The team are proud to share that all fish and shellfish are line-caught or hand-dived off Scotland's West Coast, while all game is sourced from local estates across Ayrshire, with beef, lamb, and pork farmed only 17 miles from the castle.
For those interested in the tasting menu, example of what you might expect include the likes of roasted fillet of Scotch beef, broccoli, caramelised roscoff onion, truffle hazelnut and red wine sauce, alongside pan fried Orkney Bay scallop with cep puree, honey and sherry confit turnip, pickled grapes and walnut foam.