Anchor Inn in Dumfries & Galloway

We have visited the Anchor for a number of years and have to say today was our best visit ever. We both had roast beef which was excellent, lovely meat, fresh, tasty vegetables and yummy gravy - one of the best Sunday lunches we have had. The service was great, Jimmy is a very helpful, friendly host, on the ball and attentive despite being quite busy. Would definitely recommend and we will be back to sample the evening meals :)

We spent 3 nights in Kippford over New, spending plenty of time at The Anchor. We had a meal New Year’s Eve afternoon, went to the New Year’s eve party and had lunch New Year’s Day. We had a wonderful experience all round. Lovely food, lovely staff, great management team and a great atmosphere. The staff work so hard and the food was plentiful, hot and very tasty! We enjoyed our stay in Kippford so much that we’ve already booked for next New Year and are taking friends. We’ll certainly be booking the Anchor again for our meals and ringing up for tickets to the party again! Would also like to add that the DJ was fabulous!! We partied until the small hours!! 🤣 Thank you to The Anchor team!

I was hoping for so much more. Lovely spot and this place deserves a good manager who can manage the menu and drinks. There was no real ale in the pumps which suggests poor cellar management as barrels last a long enough time unopened. Some items were unavailable for food and what was there left an underwhelming choice and the food when it arrived wasn’t to the level I’d hoped although reading the previous reviews it should have come as no surprise. I didn’t raise my disappointment as other reviewers have expressed that the manager is something of a tyrant and I think I know who it was from how one person behind the bar was speaking to the employees. January isn’t great for the pub trade, I can only begin to imagine how much further disappointed I’d be in the peak season!

Went for a walk down at Kippford last week and thought it would be nice to get a coffee or tea from the Anchor as there was a sign out front saying the coffee shop was open. We were the only customers and there was no staff around so we tried to double check online if they were open or not. On the website it said they are “open all day everyday” but serve food from 12. We came at 11am so thought it would be fine to get a drink. We could hear music in the back so knew there was some staff there. We rang the bell twice, 5 minutes apart but still no staff came to assist us. Very disappointing.

Visited last week and the Turkey burger,stuffing,and pigs in blankets as well as the steak pie was super well worth the visit xxx

Friendly staff and the food was ourstanding❤️can’t recommend enough. The roast was superb, best I’ve had to date. Book yourselves in, you won’t be disappointed

Stayed for a couple of nights and what a great place, dog friendly rooms which are very clean, comfortable and tidy with fantastic views, great tasty breakfast which is really well presented and well looked after by Jimmy and the rest of the staff. One minor complaint water pressure in shower not brilliant but had worse. Will definitely be booking again.

We have visited this pub many times over the years, different seasons and weather's. Always a friendly, warm welcome from the staff, a fire in the grate and hearty pub grub. Always family friendly and welcome break from a good stroll out along the beach or through the woodland.

After making our voyage from Woolton, Liverpool (Where John Lennon is from), we stumbled upon the quaint, quiet venue that is “The Anchor (Hotel) “Kippford””. Going to keep this short and sweet. We stumbled into the venue at 2pm on the dot, where we were greeted by a young lady (Graze?), she sat us right by the roaring fire (maybe too hot if you ask me LOL). Our baby boy Jack Russel (“Ringo”) was treated to a bowl of water and a hearty biscuit without him having to move a paw. My wife ate. I had food as well! Graze was very attentive and we were introduced to the South African guy Collin (maybe the owner?)). We very quickly became close with both the workers, ourselves and Ringo were quite upset we never got the WhatsApp details of the both of them, but “Let it Be” I guess LOL (The Beatles Reference). My food was good, but the waiters served. We LOVED the Halloween decorations, reminded us of our home in Woolton, Liverpool. Could definitely use a few more though, but we understand the current cost of living crisis. We were (including Ringo) under the impression that the hospitality industry is dying, but clearly the natural stars (Graze and Collin) are stopping this from occurring in Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland, The Anchor Hotel, Kippford, DG54LN. Last time we comed there was a lot of bush on the building, I miss it. Collin please contact me ASAP if you see this, you will always have a home with us here in Woolton, Liverpool. Graze always welcome :-}. Love, Shyanne, Derek and Ringo the rockstar (like the Beetle)

This place oozes character and when the fire is in full flow it's super cosy. I ordered fish and chips which was superb with perfectly crispy batter encasing a large fish. Very family and dog friendly.

What an excellent pub / restaurant. Had a fantastic weekend / experience at this amazing place. Staff were outstanding and experienced and couldn’t do enough for us. Family Run business. Food was Amazing with a great selection for All . Restaurant has nice Decor and the open fire makes for a cosy atmosphere. Brilliant selection of whiskey including a couple of my favourite Caol IIa Malts behind the bar , a nice wee sweet , smoky peaty whisky. Good location with beautiful scenery. Highly recommended.

Stayed at the Anchor on several occasions, certainly noticed the makeover this visit, looks great. Food is excellent especially breakfast, sets you up for the day. Place clean, staff friendly and helpful. Well done to Kelly and her team. Looking forward to next visit. Xxxx

Too expensive for what it is. 9 quid for a whitebait starter which was a very small portion is not on, serving it with sweet chili sauce should have been a red flag. Mixed grill was massively overcooked. Charging top dollar for below average cooking on a simple menu. Service was good, everyone was nice, the bar is lovely, open fire etc. Great place to have a drink but would avoid the food.

Your friends had Sunday lunch here. Food was very tasty and well presented. Staff were very attentive but not over the top. Would recommend if you are in the area check it out. Sat nav sent us down the wrong lane.

Visited the pub several times during our stay to the local area for food and drinks. A cracking pint, lots of whisky's to choose from and a blooming brilliant menu! We had items off the specials menu as well as the standard menu and all of it was delicious. Plenty of options for Gluten Free diners too! Special thanks to Conor one of the Bar staff who was really helpful and friendly.

Very friendly welcome never been before, excellent food dog friendly in bar /snug, enjoyed haggis Bon bons with whisky salad and the anchor burger all homemade

I almost booked here for our stay of 4 nights on the Solway Coast - I am glad I did not; however we went for lunch - it was passable; what we wanted from the specials menu displayed was not available until tomorrow! so why display it? also found the service poor but great spot

We have been coming here for over 10 years. Twice we have visited during this holiday and both times the service and food has been excellent. Special mention to Connor who's customer service and enthusiasm resulted in all customers being looked after including my family. Great place, great food, great service. Thank you. We will see you next year.

We ate here twice during our break away. I have been coming here for 27 years and have seen the Anchor go through good, bad and everything in between. We would happily eat here again. The first night we were seated by the bar and 2 had burgers and I had the steak loaded fries. The portions are huge!! The onion rings are worthy of a special mention!! All enjoyed our meal. Tonight we ordered the Scallops which honestly were cooked perfectly, just melted in your mouth with black pudding and chorizo, my son had the squid. For mains we had 1 x ribeye steak, asked for rare and beautifully cooked, 1x chicken curry and 1x chicken breast from the grill. Curry was homemade, with poppadoms and mango chutney and rice and chips. Curry portion HUGE!! But tasty. Chicken breast was over cooked and dry but everything else on the dish was lovely, especially the Diane sauce. Nice to see this place busy, lovely staff, especially the Australian guy Connor? Very friendly service. We will be back!! (We booked both nights which I’m glad we did because it does get busy)

Group of 4 friends for dinner on a Saturday night. Good menu, lots of choice. Staff were lovely & an enjoyable night. We each had a main & a desert. Mains - chicken was nice, steak loaded fries average (meat slightly dry but enjoyable) & venison burger was ok. Food was enjoyable - not out of this world & different, like most other places. Desert - ice cream nice, Eton mess was awful - blended, rich & like a runny milkshake with little to no meringue. We returned them, offered new ones & staff very understanding & helpful, but decided to leave it. Would return if in the area as nice enough.

Popped in whilst on holiday and had the prawn linguine and the chocolate brownie - absolutely delicious meal and would return. Also the Guinness here is amazingly poured!

The bar staff (mostly students on their summer break) were excellent. The specials were really good as was the ‘bitter and twisted’ beer. However my wife found the fish&chips to be very greasy with lots of bones. Hence only 4 stars overall (but 5 from...

I did not like it here. the fish seemed like frozen rubbish which is ironic for a place named "the anchor" as I would assume this incinuates nautical themes. I think I would like to raise anchor and sail as far as possible. The owner...

Love this pub. Great food and service whilst watching the boats roll past. What more could you want. Highly recommended the chowder.

Disappointed with food and atmosphere. Expensive lunch not expected quality. Think we will vote with our feet.

Went for Sunday lunch time meal with family and friends (15 of us in total 5 children 10 adults) all meals were pre ordered for 1.00 at bang on 1.00 we were all served the food was excellent and the staff friendly helpful. Would recommend...

Quite a few options listed on the menu were gluten free. I had the gluten free fish and chips, cooked separately and my normal husband had the most delicious seafood chowder with garlic bread. We would definitely return if we're in the area again, in...

Went for dinner 17.06.2023 as pre booked 2weeks prior. Meal both ordered steak on chips, Tasty as it was the presentation was poor, seemed to be all just thrown on plate with onion rings on top. Service shocking, cutlery wrapped in napkin laid on middle...

Booked for 2 people at 7pm for my husband's birthday. Arrived, told our table was ready for us, led to seats & told someone would be over to take our drinks order. We waited around 15 minutes then decided to go up to the bar...

We had completed a circular walk to Rockcliffe and on our return we had lunch in The Anchor. It was a hot day but we ate inside to keep our dog out of the sun. We had the Cajun chicken burger and the Anchor burger...

I have to say I am absolutely appalled with the behaviour and unprofessionalism of the management of this establishment I went here to have a quiet meal which turned out to be a disgraceful episode of what can only be described as someone trying to...

Off the scale and seafood to match anything I have eaten on the West Coast of Ireland. I simply went for two starters, white bait and salad, with scallops chorizo at the same time. I can honestly say right up there with the best I...

We came across the Anchor on our return from a brilliant Kippford walk along the water's edge. The food was excellent and served quickly. We were able to sit outdoors and watch the world go by. Obviously a very popular spot during the warm weather...

A delicious meal. We were a large family booking and seated in the newly renovated restaurant; it was a great table sat in the window overlooking the estuary. Kids meals had a great selection to choose from.

We stayed for a night and breakfast, and would definitely stay here again. The owner was friendly and accommodating, and the breakfast was superb. Ample parking, comfortable rooms and a beautiful setting: for it's class, this a great value place to stay. Highly recommended.

The Anchor is perfectly situated with fabulous views. The staff are all friendly and the meals excellent. We recommend the chowder and the chicken sizzler. Our room was clean and nicely furnished again with views over the water and the hills behind. We also love...

We have been back to the Anchor Hotel several times, and we are never disappointed. The food is always excellent, it's super cosy and the staff are very responsive and attentive. The fire was roaring on our visit and our dog thoroughly enjoyed it.....along with...

We stayed here at the beginning of January and we really are struggling to understand some of the bad reviews that have been left! We arrived and were greeting by friendly staff who quickly showed us to our very clean room looking over the estuary...

Not a nice place to go very dirty pub and not nice staff left straight away soon as I could get my feet to move off the sticky floor stay away

We have been coming to this pub for over 16 years, we booked a table on the New Year’s Eve ready for New Year’s Day ,my husband was in the night before and had spoken to the owner about our booking as it was for...

We booked a meal for 25 people to celebrate a special occasion Communication was great and they were able to provide us with a great menu, accommodating both vegetarians and vegans. The quality of the four was fantastic, as was the service and it was...

Just enjoyed lunch at The Anchor Hotel. The Seafood Chowder was awesome. Staff friendly and the setting was great. Would recommend as a perfect stop for a bite to eat whilst enjoying Kippford and the seafront.

The food was of reasonable quality for the price. The was a distinct lack of hygiene and the staff did not clean the tables after people finished their meals. You would think this would be a priority after the Pandemic

We visited here this weekend for dinner at 7pm. on Saturday. Still waiting for food at 8.20. Noticed in the front restaurant that no table had any food at all from 8pm. Wondered what the problem was. Nobody said anything. We waited...and waited. Totally unforeseen...

Visited with my dad . Had fish and chips , fish was tasteless and batter was greasy and soggy. Chips were dry the best part was the frozen peas! Staff didn’t seem to know what they were doing also did not ask how our meal...

Staff were not helpful. Refused to give us table set for 2 even though it was empty. Got tabke for 4. !!!And we had pre booked. Got an old bottle of tomato sauce which had solidified. Merely covering bottom of bottle. Scampi mushy. Not enamoured...

We went today and I ordered their weakest lager - £4.95 a pint and a coke £3 a pint with seafood chowder @ £17..95 while my wife had a chicken ciabatta for £10.95. The chowder was effectively cheap shrimps…not prawns….potato and I think a small...

First evening in Kippford so decided to go down the road to The Anchor, sat outside watching the boats go past. Food ordered and drinks brought back outside and soon the food arrived promptly. I tired the steak pie which was really tasty, my wife...

Thank you for a wonderful stay. The room was clean and well provided for. The meals were top notch...beautiful presentation but smazing flavours

The service was shocking, extremly slow and staff were not friendly. The soup lacked any taste, the batter on the fish was soggy and the Chowder was split, it lacked flavour, had hardly any fish in and was served on a plate! To top it...

I did not realise there was a separate entry just for the restaurant at the Anchor so I included my comments on the woeful service, under the same headline, in my review of the place as a whole.

Stayed for two nights in The Anchor on a recent visit to Dumfries and Galloway, Room had a fabulous view over looking the water. Spotlessly clean and spacious. Staff were excellent,so friendly and accommodating also with out labrador Poppy! Food was delicious, we ate there...

Thoroughly enjoyed another relaxing weekend in Kippford … wander down to the Anchor for lovely food & drinks. Our dog is even more / as welcome as we are, super friendly and efficient staff. Fresh, delicious food and well served drinks. Only tiny comment would...

We have eaten here several times in the past and it has been ok. When staying in Kippford last month we decided to do so again and, as it's always busy, I phoned to book a table for 6 p.m. the following evening, Tuesday. This...

We recently adopted two dogs from Eastern Europe. One is fine. The other, 18 Months and still wary. So a barking match ensued following the entry of a bigger, quiet boy. However, the staff were great. Keen to assuage our anxiety for others! Thank you...

Having visited The Anchor several times a year for many, many years we were pleased to note the new management and how busy they appear to be. Knowing this week could be particularly busy I called yesterday afternoon to book a table for this evening,...

Traditional British pub, serving typical British pub food but it’s quality food. Friendly welcome too. It’s not massive so booking a table is highly recommended.

Went for a family meal and the food was delicious and atmosphere vibey. My father is disabled and in a wheelchair and staff went out of their way to make sure we were all comfortable and looked after, can't thank them enough. Also allow us...

We have used the anchor on many occasions over many years. Will not bother again after a rude and could not be bothered attitude from the bar staff after calling in for refreshments.

Busy, popular pub in Kippford, went as a family for three evening meals in a row, very large portions, good atmosphere and friendly staff, only negative is the amount of salt they put on the chips before serving. Make sure you book a table, better...

Visited The Anchor restaurant on a dreary Tuesday for lunch, we called and booked even though we were advised there weren’t many other bookings. Arrived and we were greeted with friendly staff and a lovely fire.. had read reviews on portion sizes so decided to...

Me and my partner visited for late lunch and were thrilled with the food, service and surroundings. It was our first visit to the Anchor and we will definitely be making many more visits in future! Excellent food (Classic Burger and Mac n Cheese), great...

Had a wonderful walk from Rockcliffe to Kippford and decided to treat ourselves to lunch, on entering the place it was absolutely buzzing and very busy, we could not find a table and were about to leave when we were approached by a very friendly...

Last review of the anchor I posted was glowing, we’ve been going for a long time and the new owners have made a huge difference. Went in today for food and drink, got a table, then went to the bar to be told by the...

Great service, friendly staff and excellent food Under new management who have improved the hotel and now it feels a happier friendly face to visit. It was always good but now it’s great.

We absolutely love this amazing place! From the friendly staff and management to the instantly warm welcome for people and their dogs…. and lovely atmosphere! Kudos to the new management who have clearly worked their socks off to create an authentic local pub offering and...

It pains me to write this review as we used to look forward our visits to the Anchor when on holiday in the area. Unfortunately though, after a recent change of management, the standards have dropped on a number of levels. Firstly the menu was...

I had booked a night away at the Anchor Hotel, for my husbands birthday . All the Staff were very friendly and Gary & Kelly great hosts. Our bedroom was spotless and bed really comfy. All the meals we had were delicious, a great atmosphere...

Have being going to the Anchor for over 20 years. Have had three meals since the new owners took over. Every meal has been delicious and of a much higher standard than it used to be. Very pleasant welcome and better service. Tables that used...

Booked for dinner when we were out for walk with dog and we were not disappointed. Tasty haddock and chips and steak pie dinner with lovely fresh veg. Profiiteroles were probably not needed after the hearty meal but looked too good to miss and were...

Excited to try this after it being taken over………..but still the same menu as over a year ago. On entering it was cold, taken through to an empty back dining room ( had a fire, but was not on) and it was freezing. No background...

Had Highland Chicken , husband has steak and ale pie , daughter had macaroni cheese . All three meals were gorgeous. Vegetables with main meals really good and value for money . Definitely worth a visit

We booked a table for my partners birthday on 25/10/21 . I had forgotten to mention we had a dog at time of booking but they were very quick to accommodate us with our dog. We have been coming to Kippford for generations & I...

Lovely place to visit. Amazing food with a nice atmosphere and very generous staff. Will definitely be returning!

Went for a family meal on October 23rd at 7pm. Arrived on time and got order taken by 7.15pm, tables around us were getting orders and meals before us, 1 hour later waitress came back to us saying they had lost our meal order and...

We’ve been going to the anchor for over 20 years and it’s now coming back to the way it used to be. Friendly staff, table service, excellent food, and a welcoming atmosphere. In a short space of time the new owners have done great job....

Pub is a good building with real fires. Only 2 real ales. The food is nothing special and not cheap. I wouldn't go here again.

Had early tea at the Anchor. Good choice on the menu and well priced. Meals arrived very quickly, they were ample portions and tasty home cooked. Service was fast and attentive. Could do with a better choice of real ales (bottles will do) Sulwath is...

Totally agree with one of the other reviews!!Abousulutly terrible experience very disorganised abrupt dark/cold/dry atmosphere from the owners lucky that my husband is humerous!/made us feel most uncomfortable most unwelcoming we have been for alot of meals and this was by far the worst due...

Great atmosphere, cosy pub allowing dogs, we arrived was fully booked and they squeezed us in for food, was good quality pub food, my brother had Venison and said it was top restaurant quality, has been taken over by new owners a month ago, everything...

Had evening meals, three times during a week in Kippford. Staff were very helpful and courteous. Good range of food at reasonable prices.

This pub is right on the waterfront with views of the hills beyond. The menu is smaller than previously. I tried the vegan burger on one visit but the burger was of poor quality. The rest of the meal was tasty. On the second visit...

I’m really surprised about the mixed reviews on here for the anchor. We are in Dumfries and Galloway on holiday. The last 2 days we have eaten here, the foot was great, generous portions and good service. Will come again and will recommend to others.

So we purchased a holiday home in Kippford and all summer long we have visited this pub nearly every weekend and been blown away by the food BUT far from it over the last 2 visits….changed menu, no availability unfriendly staff Visited last night with...

We have been holidaying in D&G for many years and always visit The Anchor at least once for a meal. We had two visits this holiday. The first was as a party of 6 on Monday 30th August. We didn't book until that day and...

Fully enjoyed our food tonight! Even though it was a busy Friday night, the food was amazing! Ive Been coming to the anchor for years and it’s been a very long time since I’ve enjoyed the food. The new management has done an amazing job...

We stayed here for 4 days and had breakfast every day and evening meal. Both meals on all day were outstanding I particularly recommend the chicken sizzler.If warm enough serene views from outside tables whilst enjoying your meal and a wee dram and blether.

We have visited before on our annual trip to Scotland; usually in February. This time we came in the summer. Reassuring Covid precautions, great menu, fantastic food - recommend the fish and chips particularly. Service was excellent and staff were friendly and efficient.

Decided to give the ANchor a go for evening meal more for the excellent location. I had crab which was a tiny bowel of crab meat drowned in some kind of sauce presumably to make it go further. It was ok but compared to other...

We stayed in Kippford for a week, eating out three times. We tried to eat here on one occasion but as soon as we asked about allergies, the man serving got much less friendly. Firstly we asked if there was information about menu items and...

Sat out the front on a beautiful evening with our snoring dog , food was super fresh , quick to the table after ordering even tho the pub was busy , food was great and we all cleaned our plates !! Well done guys

Very nice restaurant ideally located in the middle of the town. Very nice food and lovely service! We'll certainly be bac and would very much recommend.

Our first visit to The Anchor since the start of the lockdown in 2020, and we found the same lovely welcome from Sharon and all the great staff team. Fabulous food - crab on toast, seafood chowder and a superb Sunday lunch to name but...

An impromptu visit on a lovely day brought us to this establishment which has an enviable location The best item and freshest seemed to be the crab and toast which looked fresh and hopefully local Otherwise the food was very much beige and not much...

We had a drink here and were impressed by the great view from the seating outside the hotel. It was a hot and sunny day and reminded us that you dont need to be abroad if the weather is nice. Seemed as though we were...

Service was friendly and the food was good. It was busy with most tables booked for later but they squeezed us in with plenty of time before the next customers arrived. Only weird thing was the starter and mains came at the same time as...

Having reserved a table for two plus a dog we eagerly looked forward to my birthday meal . However on arrival only to be told we had not made a reservation. Luckily they were not busy and we were told to choose any table that...

Love the cosy bar its old fashioned but I like that about the anchor, the food has unfortunately gone down hill since my last visit I never saw the lovely owners on my last visit I wonder if this has something to do with the...

No Covid track & trace, no social distancing and staff and guests not wearing masks when moving around, directly flouting Scottish Government regulations. Should have realised food might not be much better when I say the bowl of sauces in packets at the table -...

Just checked out of the anchor this morning and had a fantastic 3 day b&b. Our room at the front had a beautiful view of the estuary and tables outside at front of hotel were lovely for a beer in the evening.Our dog was made...