Glenapp Castle in South Ayrshire

Glenapp Castle präsentiert sich auf seiner Website mit einem atmosphärischen Promotionfilm, der Weite und gepflegte Tradition suggeriert. Das Anwesen gehört zur Relais&Chateaux Vereinigung und ist für seine Küchenleistung von AA mit 3 Rosettes ausgezeichnet. Damit zählt es zu den Top 40 Schottlands. Alles sprach dafür, eine Reservierung zum Abendessen zu tätigen. Die 30 minütige Anfahrt endete zunächst unverhofft an einem verschlossenen Tor, wofür es gute Gründe geben mag. Statt einer freundlichen Begrüßung kam aus der Gegensprechanlage eine Ansage vom Band: „ Wir sind zurzeit nicht erreichbar. Bitte probieren Sie es später noch einmal.“ Ein weiterer Versuch nach angemessener Wartezeit brachte das gleiche Ergebnis. Das reicht normalerweise, einen Haken hinter die Angelegenheit zu machen und umzudrehen. Dennoch entschieden wir uns, dem Haus noch eine Chance zu geben, und benutzten unser Telefon. Auch hier landeten wir auf einem Sprachcomputer, was uns wenigstens ermöglichte, nach automatisiertem Weiterverbinden doch noch eine menschliche Stimme zu erreichen. Solch ein Vorgehen lässt jegliche Professionalität vermissen und gestattet keine Erklärung. Selbst bei Personalmangel steht der herzliche Kontakt ganz im Sinne der sprichwörtlichen schottischen Gastfreundschaft an erster Stelle und kann durch entsprechende technische Ausstattung von jedem Ort aus bewerkstelligt werden. Was ferner ärgerlich aufstößt ist fehlende Transparenz. Was sich seit Jahren auf der Insel breit gemacht hat ist eine letztlich doch nicht so ganz freiwillige Abgabe für den Service, was deswegen überrascht, da zuvor die Bedienung inklusive war und vom Gast durch ein Trinkgeld ergänzt werden konnte. Das Thema ist immer noch umstritten. Vorbildliche Restaurants weisen auf diese „Discretionary Service Charge“ und deren Höhe vorab hin, so dass der Gast entscheiden kann, ob er dort überhaupt einkehren möchte. Ein geläufiger Aufpreis ist 12,5 %. Dem hohen und besonders qualifizierten Personal im gehobenen Segment wird dadurch Rechnung getragen, dass das Speisen hier an sich schon teurer ist als in einem Gastropub und sich daraus, auch durch den Genuss von Wein, ein absolut weit höherer Betrag für den Service ergibt. Hier in Glenapp Castle erfährt der Gast erst nach der Bitte um die Rechnung von einem vorgehaltenen Tablet, dass sich sein Verzehr um 20 Prozent verteuert. Dieser Betrag ist der Höhe nach aufgrund unserer hier gemachten Erfahrungen mit dem Service und auch im landesweiten Vergleich bei weitem nicht gerechtfertigt. Bei den aufgeführten Kritikpunkten handelt es sich nicht um individuelle Ausrutscher an einem turbulenten Tag, sondern um fehlende Führung. Die Küche konnte das nicht ganz ausgleichen und hinterließ einen soliden Eindruck. Die Einschätzung, ob dieses gastronomische Erlebnis wirklich zu besten Schottlands zählt, bedarf sicherlich mehrerer Besuche.

The Castle is the epitome of old-fashioned, high-quality fine dining in a castle hotel. The dining room is lush and lavish in its décor and the food is Michelin-star level. The menu is full of traditional staples that fuse French and Scottish cuisine, and are executed excellently.

Visited Glennap for lunch on Sunday 5th March as a treat, the website describes the restaurant as "a leading destination for delicious cuisine, with its fine dining and 3 AA Rosettes" and there is a link to an appealing 3 course sample lunch menu so expectations were reasonably high. The building itself is very grand and the well kept grounds looking beautiful and worth a stroll around even late in winter. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. The problem is the menu we were offered bore no resemblance to the sample menu online, what was on offer was soup and sandwiches, cheese burgers, steak and chips. We had travelled quite some distance and didn't really have time to consider going elsewhere so went ahead and ordered from the menu thinking that these pub grub staples might be delivered with some 3 star rosette finesse, they were not. The food was decent but unexceptional, the service was fine, the real issue is with the misrepresentation on the hotels website, we drove out of our way for a special treat and ate something we could have had for half the price in a local pub. Also, Glenapp might want to consider changing the background music in its dining room, you can't please everyone and I don't have a problem with a little light classical music while eating but when it includes Chopin's Funeral March it does nothing for the atmosphere, even if it did make me laugh.

Really great lunch. Food was very good - one of our party is gluten free and they accommodated this without any problem at all. The building is stunning and we enjoyed having time to have a pre-meal drink in the lovely drawing room. It’s pricey but for a special occasion it certainly didn’t disappoint and the lunch is good value for how high quality the cooking is. Service was excellent from the first call to enquire. One of our party has limited mobility and they we able to help her access the building though a different entrance (which was great given that it is a very old building).

Glenapp Castle is very special and that is exactly how it makes their guests feel from the moment they step in the door. Our suite The Orkney was stunning, although before we were shown to a rather dingy room on the ground floor, when the manager realised that we were not happy, without hesitation or us having to ask, he immediately showed us to The Orkney. The evening meal was excellent as was the breakfast. A simply magical castle !

A visit for lunch while touring the area. Service and food as good as ever. Dining with a view of Ailsa Craig followed by a walk in the immaculately kept grounds. This is luxury.

I will start off by saying that we spent a lovely afternoon at Glenapp Castle. The scenery, buildings and staff were top notch! However, we decided to have afternoon tea in the recently opened glass houses to the side of the hotel….. what a beautiful setting. The staff were attentive and friendly, however the afternoon tea itself was very disappointing. We were presented with six tiny sandwiches to start, which had poor quality, unimaginative fillings, served on supermarket brown and white bread. I am afraid that this was it for the savoury course. The cakes and scones which followed were a little better and nicely presented, unlike the sandwiches. With the cost of the Afternoon Tea, Glenapp are competing with other luxury hotels such as Gleneagles which provide a very much higher quality Afternoon Tea. I think the whole offering could have been improved with some artisan sausage rolls and lovely canapés for example. I so much wanted to love it, as the staff and the ambience of the hotel are fabulous. With a little imagination and some thought as to the quality of the ingredients, it could be wonderful, but for now, they are missing the mark.

We stayed with friends in the apartment. Everything about the castle, grounds and food was top notch. What really made our stay however was the amazing service from Dominic, Alex and Ethan. Dominic went much further than the extra mile to make our stay unforgetable and we really cant thank him enough for what he did. The following comments are completely trivial in respect of our wonderful stay, but the Castle could consider ensuring that all rooms have vanity mirrors and phones. The rooms were also very warm and the windows couldn't be opened more than an inch or two. Overall though an absolutely superb week that we will remember for a long time.

From the friendly welcome at the front door by Victoria, to the wallk in the grounds, to the aperitifs with accompanying piano music, to a truly memorable meal with outstanding service from Alex and Jessica (overseen by Nelio) to the tea and petit fours, we had an absolute ball. My pavlova with Glenapp summer berries is my stand-out dessert of 2021. This is country house dining exactly as it should be.

Everything was fabulous! Afternoon tea and dinner in the glasshouse. Room in the castle was stunning and spotless. Breakfast in main castle. Grounds beautiful. Staff friendly And welcoming. Loved it!

We chose to have the 3-course menu on each of the 4 nights we stayed. The alternative is a 6-course tasting menu in the dining room, or eating a la carte in The Glasshouse in the grounds.

We have visited many wonderful Restaurant and this, without doubt is one of the best. Very well done to all. Loved it. Will definitely go again

An amazing gastronomic dining experience with service to match. Each dish was beautifully presented and were a taste sensation.

Highly recommend. We found this unexpectedly and it is fantastic. Lovely welcome from hotel reception who directed me to the traditional tea rooms in the walled garden. Lovely lunch and cakes looked great sadly to full to oblige! Young lady serving was excellent in tea rooms. Gardens and grounds beautiful and the dog loved it! We will be back and thrilled to see they have dog friendly rooms 😊

Beautiful castle, professional and friendly staff, great kitchen, unbelivable garden! Its great to stop by 2-3 days, and enjoy the luxury!

Have wanted to visit since November and booked a Mother's Day lunch for me and my mum we were greeted by a lovely member of staff in fact all staff were lovely friendly the lunch was amazing the surroundings inside and out was beautiful me and Mum felt like princess and wished we were staying the night we will be back

I had a one night stay here after a long 8+ hour drive from London. We arrived at the main gate around 5.30pm and were given instructions on how to get to the castle itself. On the dark drive up the lane we saw a deer which was quite sweet. Upon arrival at the castle front we had two men (Flav and Michael) greet us, take our car and park it, while the other took our luggage to our room. We were shown around the beautiful castle, where we would be eating, the drawing rooms, library then our room.We stayed on the bottom floor with a garden view, we had a humongous bed in a gorgeously decorated room, the curtains were stunning. We had two bottles of water (one still and one sparkling) waiting for us, and a wonderful welcome pack which included a personalised letter welcoming us to the castle and things to do in the area, the weather forecast for the week and a map of the property including walks etc. There was also tonights menu and wine pairings on the bed to have a look at. I had left something in the car and the staff graciously collected it for me and brought it to the room. Next was dinner, we headed to the drawing room half an hour before our dining slot, had a cocktail each (YUM!) and decided on our meals, I must say I already knew what I wanted as I had a good look at the menu on our bed! We decided to do the 3 course dinner (£49pp) and add on a wine pairing for each course(£14pp approx) I won’t go into detail about the food because this review is already way too long but it was absolutely amazing, I have never tasted food like this in my life! You will not regret dining here. All the flavours go so perfectly, everything was just purely wonderful. The canapés and carrot&coriander soup at the start were also a wonderful surprise! Flav and Michael during the dinner service were extremely professional and informative. I throughly enjoyed the whole experience, they made it very special! The dining room was set up very lovely also, it had a wonderful feel to it, and we also got talking to a lovely couple called Fiona and Stewart from Glasgow who are regulars at the castle, such a wonderful bunch of people here! They have a wide range of DVDs you can borrow for free also! Breakfast the next morning was nice, nothing special compared to the evening service but it was nice Above our bathroom must have been the kitchen or maybe a staff room area as you could hear almost constant movement and walking around, didn’t bother us though. Overall this was an out of this world experience for my partner and I. We thank the staff for such a nice night! We will be back.

We visited Glenapp to celebrate a family wedding, it's location had been known only to the bride and groom. On arrival we were met by hotel staff who greeted us like royalty. After signing in at the visitors book we were shown to our room. This was a very tastefully decorated room as would befit a Scottish castle. From the window we looked over the gardens and (weather permitting) Ailsa Craig. There are various walks around the castle grounds which at this time of year are stunning with the changing autumnal colours. Back inside and the wonderful staff attend to your every need. The traditional Scottish breakfast will keep you going throughout the day but there are many other options available. The food served here is truly amazing and each menu is carefully thought out. As someone who didn't like lobster, salmon, deer or fish I can confidently state that I am now a convert. The presentation and the flavours are worthy of a Michelin star. The hotel laid on a clay pigeon shoot for the gentlemen and the ladies were treated to a morning of creating their own unique fragrance. A truly unforgettable experience for all the right reasons. Thanks to everyone at Glenapp.

We celebrated my dad's 80th birthday on 1st October and could not have wished for a better experience. The staff were very attentive and well trained and went out of their way to make the occasion memorable and an experience we will never forget. We had private dining and the chef made a delightful birthday cake which we all enjoyed. 6 course gourmet dinner was exceptional and the staff who served us were extremely pleasant and professional. My parents room and uncles room had a sitting room in between with stunning views of the gardens and Ailsa Craig. We were served sandwiches and scones in the drawing room after a stroll in the stunning gardens. Glenapp Castle is a unique place which takes you back to a bye gone era of opulence and grandeur, a truly amazing place to relax and recharge with staff who go out of their way to make your visit and truly exceptional experience. Glenapp is a unique and magical place that will capture your heart, a place where you feel very much at home with friendly and relaxed staff who go out of their way to ensure your stay is memorable. Thank you John and your amazing staff for everything.

Amazing place , fantastic staff , the healing beauty of nature make the experience at Glenapp Castle unforgettable . Going back is already in our wish list , don’t miss the opportunity to live a fairy tale experience for one night if you travel around Scotland !

Good service but not asked the type of tea or coffee we wished to havePoor selection of sandwiches which could have been made at home Nothing special at all! When the waitress poured our tea it went in the sugar bowl which she did not offer to change Two men in our party were left hungry and underwhelmed by the cakes which they said were too many and not enough sandwichesThe toilets open out to the main hall by the front door and the door is left open so you are on view washing your hands and repairing your make up Fir the money paid I don’t believe it is good value

Das Essen ist gut, der Service auch. Die Küche könnte duchaus mehr wagen und die Gerichte (noch) kreativer gestalten.

Fine dining from limited menu that changes daily. Great selections - prepared to your liking. Attentive staff dedicated to making your every meal a special occasion. Went with large family - they were all thrilled with this unique experience!

Lovely afternoon tea in the grounds.....strawberry tart was delicious.....scones huge with the freshest strawberry jam ....just made that day. Lovely attentive services do beautiful surroundings.

We booked to have dinner at the Castle on my husband's birthday. The evening was lovely - the setting, the service and the food. We were met at the door and shown to a table in the lounge area. There is a set menu with limited choice, which was hard to make as it all sounded so lovely. The main course we choose was 30 day aged local beef - which you could have eaten with a spoon it was so tender. Wine list extensive, we had a fabulous Rioja Gran Reserva. The meal was leisurely, we were not hurried at any time and, after tea and coffee, welcomed to walk round the grounds. It was such a perfect evening we did and it was a lovely experience - Ailsa Craig was hanging in mist (photo below) in a lovely rosy sunset. It was my husbands birthday and the staff made a point of celebrating it with us which was lovely. Very good experience start to finish.

Maybe my own fault expecting too much because previous visits to the tearoom in the walled garden have been verging on perfect - but we were really let down this time.

Il castello piu' bello di tutta la Scozia in cui soggiornare.

I booked afternoon tea for two at Glenapp Castle for my sister's birthday. Booking was made via email and at the time of booking was asked if we had any special dietary needs. As we both eat most things, the answer was no. The booking confirmation provided all the details regarding directions and entry to the estate. On arrival at the gate we called in as instructed and were given further directions then we were met at the entrance by one of the team. Our welcome and whole afternoon couldn't have been more relaxed or friendly. We were encouraged to look around and the view from the dining room was stunning, as it was a beautiful day. We ordered a drink and then our sandwiches arrived and the fillings were advised. Then we were ready for tea and cakes. To my delight, pastry forks were provided as well! This may not be a big deal for most people but for the majority of afternoon teas I've experienced, you have to use your teaspoon for some of the cakes which is annoying. Everything was served at our own pace and while the staff were always visible they were not intrusive. A second pot of tea was no problem either. We were assured that any leftover cakes would be packed for us to take home and despite a valiant effort, there were a couple we just couldn't finish so home they came with us. Afterwards we took a leisurely walk around the gardens and although the tea room was closed (it was 6pm by this time), the lady in charge opened it up so we could have a look inside. Without exception the team at Glenapp were friendly and welcoming which very much encouraged us to agree we would be back. Is it expensive- yes. Is it worth it - yes. If you want a run of the mill afternoon tea in the city surrounded by hustle this isn't for you. If you want a lovely, relaxed experience, that feels exclusive and special from the moment you're at the gates of the estate, then this is the place to be.

We love Glenapp and what the previous hoteliers did to restore it and return it to life and the new owners have kept up those standards. We have stayed twice before but this time were part of a group having tea and scones. They were very good indeed. later we were treated to a tour of some of the unoccupied rooms which are glorious, as we found when we stayed. And it was so pleasant to meet staff who have been part of the Glenapp team for years.

We travelled to Glenapp for lunch with high expectations as we had been before for lunch & dinner in the time Adam Stokes was the chef.The food then was excellent, sadly now very ordinary, dishes that could be easily cooked at home & a very limited choice.Prices charged at Michelin star rates for food that does not match up.Also noticed the standard slipping on small things like cushions not plumped up (as soon as you moved previously!) & the intercom at the gates not working so no one is waiting for you as previously.The only redeeming feature apart from the drive down & the surroundings of the castle was the very nice young waiter who could not have been more helpful.Very disappointing & won't be back for the food.

We stayed here for 3 nights and the food was consistently excellent at all meals. The fish is fantastic - most of the produce is locally sourced - canapés and amuses bouches were imaginatively presented - breakfasts were fabulous - thanks to kitchen and waiting staff alike!

Had dinner last night and it was a fantastic experience from start t o finish. The staff were friendly, helpful and on hand at all times to give a first class service. The restaurant was very relaxed and beautifully decorated with comfortable chairs and plenty of room. The food was brilliant and served without rushing giving plenty of time between courses for chatting and relaxing. We will definitely be returning for evening like this. We cannot thank the staff enough for making our evening which was to celebrate the two mens birthdays a wonderful and enjoyable evening. One of the party is on a low sugar diet and the chef made a low sugar dessert especially for her. You can't say that about many restaurants.

The dinner for the castle has a Michelin rating which was well deserved. Each course was as good as the one before. More quality than quantity.

We popped into Glenapp Castle on the ecommendation of a friend, nice one thanks mate. The castle gate are electronic just approach with care and take the drive to the top. the Castle itself looks amazing as you park the car. The Tea room is...

great service. outside tables for a nice day and quaint tearoom in the walled garden. staff are lovely. food great particularly the scones with jam and cream. gardens are lovely too. a great day out. dog friendly at outside tables.

Wonderful castle with well trained staff. Delicious food. Leah informed us of an upcoming meteor shower that night. Wonderful local knowledge and guest attention. Whether you are grouse hunting or honeymooning they appear ready. Beautiful gardens with a qaint tea room.

We ate here as we were staying for a night and had an incredible six course dinner. The food was five star and well worth going here to eat. I think you may be able to eat here even if you do not stay. Check...

El propietario de nuestro ser y estar en la zona por haber recomendado el té de la tarde en el castillo y pasear sus jardines, y por lo tanto reservado un lugar para nosotros en la tarde. Por lo que sé no se puede conducir...

No es fácil de encontrar, fuera del circuito turístico, pero bien vale la pena el esfuerzo. Mi esposa y yo tuvimos una preciosa taza de té (Crema de buen té, scones con mermelada casera de ruibarbo y crema de leche) con amor en el pequeño...

Una experiencia maravillosa, llevé a mis padres para el almuerzo para celebrar un cumpleaños con retraso, lo que una tarde encantadora, toda la experiencia fue perfecta, el castillo es el cielo en Glenapp las colinas, la comida era perfecta, el servicio incomparable, el personal es muy amable, simpático y servicial. Este lugar es una visita obligada para los entendidos de la comida, para aquellos de nosotros que buscan un buen servicio y por la perfeccionista que ama para disfrutar en un entorno maravilloso. ganas de visitar la sala de té

Es una joya que es este lugar. Servicio excepcional con un personal amable y servicial y la comida para morirse. Llegar aquí lo antes posible para una estancia relajante y un entorno aislado donde el descanso y la buena comida es el nombre del juego. Excepcional! !

Went here for afternoon tea for Mother's Day and wasn't disappointed. The food and the service was exceptional . I had my elderly parents with me and the staff couldn't be more helpful. After tea we went for a walk round the grounds which were lovely . Would definitely recommend a visit .

What a gem. We stayed here for three nights with a couple of friends as part of their wedding anniversary celebration. From the moment you enter the gates, rest and relaxation hits you. The staff are incredibly professional and friendly and make you feel at home immediately. Every room is tastefully luxurious. A lovely touch that dog treats were left for our dog as a welcome too. All the food is locally sourced and cooked by traditional methods. We ate here three nights in a row and had a perfect meal every night. The menu changes each night so there is huge choice. The staff are also very knowledgable about the extensive wine and whisky list. And the Scottish grill for breakfast is a must, with views of the sea and Ailsa Craig from the dining room. This is the place we booked after our terrible customer service experience at Isle of Eriska hotel ( see my review from Oct 2016). Thank goodness we did as this is a very special place we will be returning to in the not too distant future. The setting aside, it's the staff here that make this a particular delight.

Just returned from Lunch at Glenapp, what a wonderful experience. EVERY detail was perfection, from the warm welcome on arrival,all through lunch and the walk through the gardens. Absolutely magnificent, post refurb everything is immaculate.We were given a tour of one of the rooms which match and surpass anything I have seen in some of the best hotels in the WorldAs a picky veggie I am hard to please but every course was amazing, the service, presentation was also World class. A rare gem and an experience hopefully to be enjoyed many times.Thank you all for a wonderful, special afternoon.

As a Christmas treat i booked afternoon tea at Glenapp. We had an absolutely wonderful time. From the minute we were welcomed at the entrance to the moment we left we received first class customer service. The food was delicious and plentiful. My favourites were the butternut soup, the marvellous veggie "sausage" roll and the raspberry jam. Hats off to the chef at Glenapp. We had to take some food home as we just could not finish it. I certainly recommend it and plan to go back in the not too distant future.

Very nice..good ....good....good atmosphere. ....friendly ....people's. ..and helpfulness. From the staff.Would you like your patio and out side of house dinner good..drink good...very clean and ....helpfully done decorating. Very nice indeed..

Amazing. From the moment greeted at entrance by Jon the manager. A truly warm welcomeStayed in the Countess of Inchcape suite. Had a glass of champagne on arrival. Beautiful gardens, fantastic views of the whole coastlinePre drinks in the sumptuous lounge. Gourmet dinner second to none. Service in dining room superb. The whole experience oozed exuberance..After dinner returned to main lounge and sat by Log fireFull Scottish breakfast in the morningOn the whole fabulous stay and thank you to Jon, Hugh and Andreas for thei excellent hospitality and service. Nothing was too much troubleWill definitely stay there againA truly memorable stayIsabelle and Calum MacDonald. Stayed 27th August 2016

Hemos disfrutado mucho de los dias que estuvimos en el castillo de su cocina. Tanto los almuerzos, cenas y desayunos fueron espectaculares.

The food was amazing, one of the best meals I've had! Comparable to many top Michelin Star restaurants, but with Glenapp you have the added benefit of being in stunning surroundings full of character and charm. The service was impeccable, the team really want to make your visit memorable and they certainly achieved this with me - I will definitely be back!

We had a lovely family meal at Glenapp. We had the set menu and asked them to do a wine flight with it which was of course fantastic. The staff were great, the attention to detail was second to none. The food was cooked fantastically. And we were even given a lift back to the cottage we were staying at. Amazing experience which I would recommend. Hope to return.

Estávamos para uma diária neste hotel com jantar.Comida boa, mas simples. Nada me chamou muita atenção.Achei estranho pois assim que sentamos à mesa já nos serviram o primeiro prato, sem ter um aperitivo do chef...nada.Primeiro prato; creme de aspargos...gostoso, mas comum.Depois uma salmão (de toda a Escócia foi o que eu menos gostei)Segundo prato; risoto de beterraba, que foi o que mais gostei...delicioso!!!Terceiro prato; pato...a carne estava no ponto, mas faltou sabor.Sobremesa simples, mas gostosa.O café da manhã foi PERFEITO!!!Voltarei neste hotel simplesmente porque minha estádia foi perfeita, mas não pela comida.

Arriving at Gelnapp you feel that there is something really special behind the high steel wrought iron gates.A 3 minute drive up road between the trees and gardens the entrance is like Downton Abbey where the staff await your arrival at the entrance.The staff were few however super impressive and top class.My wife and I travel extensively and are privileged to have experienced many 6 star international establishments.Gleam- was right up with the best of the best. Posh very posh.I do not like tasting menus however the 6 course meal and cuisine served was out of this world.Unhurried and simply superb.Expensive as one would expect.The bedrooms were an experience and the bathrooms generous old spotless and maybe not to everyone's taste. I personally do prefer modern bathrooms.We loved the experience and for those with a larger budget or wish to experience how royalty live or wish to have a mental romantic weekend this is the place to be. It services both young and old tastes. Only 90minutes by car from Glasgow.This is a must do bucket list experience. Do it!

Excellent place beautifully decorated for Christmas ,met at front doo and escorted to lounge for canapés and drinks , fantastic service ,food and surroundings .

The meal was very good though not fantastic - ie 4 star rather than 5! Waiting staff were excellent -friendly and attentive without being overly so. Formal decor and log fire - lovely. Only downside was lack of atmosphere in the restaurant. We were the only people for quite a while and no music so not quite as relaxing as it might have been. However a very enjoyable meal - and the owner even gave us a lift back to our accommodation in Ballantrae :)

Glen App Castle is a top class hotel and restaurant, one of the very best in the land. If you don’t want to spend 500 or more pounds on their bed and breakfast you can go there for the (affordable) lunch, which is what we did last Sunday. Warning: you need to book in advance, and the place is hard to find even when (like us) you have the OS map and two sat navs in your car. But email communications are good, and they will send you navigational details. When you reach the place, passing first through the wrought iron gates (speak through the intercom and they will eventually open) it’s breath-taking – a romantic Scottish baronial castle, a real gem with one of the best walled gardens and Victorian greenhouses in Scotland.We were met in the car park and escorted to the lounge where we enjoyed the amuse bouche and drinks in the comfort of huge and comfy couches. There is a great selection of top class journals and the Sunday Telegraph. Not much for those of us with left-leaning political views! The Gin and Tonic was huge (Hendricks gin, of course, comes from just down the road in Girvan, and is the best in the world!). The wine list was magnificent and eye-wateringly expensive. It’s a small and restricted menu, but they catered well for our veggie person. We had two energetic infants with us, and we were nervous about damage to antique vases etc. But the staff looked after the youngsters well, and made sure they were happy food-wise. It’s a small, very restricted, menu and portions are small, very nouvelle cuisine (well, it’s only lunch). If you want a proper blow-out Sunday lunch with Yorkshire pudding, chips etc. then go to Girvan instead. The dining room is elegant, restored to its original 19th Century style. For some people, it might be a little bit overwhelming. The large oil painting of a rosy-cheeked young boy is a talking point, albeit a bit unnerving. We liked the staff, they were friendly and accommodating.The starter was wild fungi risotto decorated with truffle slices (delicious), the main course was beef strips with delicately prepared vegetables, the pudding was pannacotta and ice cream. All were prepared and presented with meticulous care. I loved them all. But I’m not sure what would happen if you didn’t happen to like one of these courses. Overall, our visit was a memorable experience but not something I’d want to do every week.

We were given a Virgin voucher for afternoon tea in a castle, there are only five you take tea in....so being in Scotland we had little choice but Glanapp. The house is quite magnificent, the staff very friendly but the afternoon tea was a disappointment. The scones, well I have never seen scones like that before...the chocolate cake measured about .5 inched square and the compote....well it wasn't a compote..it was jam with an inferior plain yoghurt poured over it. Tinned ham in the ham sandwiches and a very poor cheese in the cheese and tomato...Glenapp is Not the place for afternoon tea

We had dinner on our first night at the Castle. It was outstanding, service was first class, we felt really looked after by the staff. Each course of the 6 course dinner was absolutely delicious.The restaurant is definitely worth a visit if you want to treat someone special with a culinary delight.

Best scallops I have had in years for the appetizer, the entrees were outstanding and beautifully presented. Chef had very good and reasonable wines paired both by the glass or bottle. Watched the kitchen staff select items out of the gardens that later accented and appeared on our plates....very fresh! Very large breakfast enjoyed the next morning as well.

Had a recent dinner visit to Glenapp Castle restaurant and was greatly impressed with the latest cuisine. I am a great Martin Wishart at Leith fan but have to say that the menu we had was fine dining at its very best and could hold a candle to Wisharts without a problem. Faye and staff are so lovely and attentive and the food was very tasty but yet had thought and excellent presentation.... so full marks to the chef Tyron Ellul who has brought Michelin star quality all the way top marks to him!!

We had been given a voucher as a present for a gourmet lunch at the hotel. Because I knew it would be a limited choice I told them of my dietary requirements because I am on dialysis. When we were given the menus mine was different to my husband's although they had obviously chosen things that suited my needs. They even considered this when serving the canapés.We both had the same starter of a warm pork fillet salad which was quite delicious. I then had cod to follow and my husband had the guinea fowl. I chose cheese for dessert whilst he had a chocolate dessert. He normally never has chocolate desserts as he finds them too sickly but this he said was wonderful.Again when we had petit fours with coffee they obviously considered my diet as no chocolate was in sight.The castle itself is a beatiful baronial castle. Indeed it felt like visiting some of the National Trust places that we had seen on the way. The staff were very pleasant and very professional and made you feel welcome. This is definitely somewhere to go for a different experience.

First impression of Glenapp Castle is a wow factor but it's a pity we didn't think that when we left. The staff were over attentive but somewhat detached. When posed with a problem they just smiled. The food was poor. They need to serve more vegetables for each person. The roast potatoes were meagre with one small slice of carrot. The Yorkshire puddings were black and tasteless. What we got for the price was not acceptable and I think the owners are having a laugh at the customer's expense. Overall not impressed but I have to say the gardens were beautiful and well maintained.

Lovely place to visit with fine dining to go with it Followed by excellent views over to Ailsa Craig and beyond And well turned out gardens to relax inA hidden gem best describes it

We were greeted at our car and from then on everything felt very special indeed. The young woman who looked after us was friendly, attentive and added to the experience. We were escorted to the beautiful lounge overlooking the gardens, with Ailsa Craig in the distance and treated to some champagne and beautiful sandwiches, cakes and scones. The tea and coffee came as often as you wanted and all the while the service was so attentive. We finished off our afternoon with a lovely walk around the grounds. Would love to return here for a longer stay in order to sample the restaurant.

Went here for a family festive afternoon tea.Welcome was great.Service fantastic.Nice add ons including delicious mulled wine, mince pies and a nice christmas cracker.Great environment and experience!

From the moment we arrived we were well looked after. We arrived at the gates where we were guided through the the grounds and told someone would meet us at the door. We were greeted and asked where we would like to have our tea. We decided on the library. Whilst we were the only people there it didn't lack atmosphere with the warmth of the fire & the views over the sea. Service was faultless. Sandwiches & cakes were lovely and fresh as you would expect, only disappointed we couldn't finish the cakes! We finished with a walk around the grounds, I would probably go back in the summer to see the gardens at there best although the autumn colours were lovely. Would be happy to recommend.

Lovely afternoon tea of freshly made variety of sandwiches, delicious cakes and caramel yogurt dessert and bottomless pits of coffee. Was like being on the set of Downton Abbey!! Only downside was it lacked a bit of atmosphere as we were the only two there, all other guests being out for the day. Staff were very attentive.

1 hour from Ayr and along, what can be a very picturesque drive, the coast. This is a fabulous venue for a special lunch. Excellent service, once you have navigated the mysterious entrance instructions, we were greeted by two very welcoming staff who were friendly yet discrete in that up market dining kind of way.It's a grand place, once you get upstairs. A good sitting area where you can have drinks and admire the views over the front or back gardens. We had a fabulous, sunny Scottish day which was even better. It's quiet and tranquil and feels like it's from a bygone era.Don't expect a buzzy atmosphere in the dining room. When we were there, there was only one other couple in the room. It could have felt a little awkward as it was quiet but I enjoyed it. The food was expensive yet good value for fine dining. We had the set lunch at £39.50 excl. wine.This covered three courses plus extras (amuse bouche, coffee and some petit fours to end). I had a delicious risotto to start then roast beef followed by local cheeses. It's not a big portion kind of place, it's delicate, well presented, good tasty food with excellent, discrete service.We were shown the recently, re-furbished rooms. Very nice suites. Nice if you have the money and want an extra special treat. I'd recommend lunch especially for a special occasion.

The excellent staff make you feel welcome at Glenapp Castle. The food was of a good standard but not exceptional. We took the opportunity to walk round the peaceful gardens which must have been spectacular in their heyday. We also viewed some of the suites which were lavish in their size if not their fitments. If you have the chance to visit Glenapp then do so its worth the time and money. Lunch with a modest bottle of wine was £60 a head with the only real disappointment being the coffee which was poor in the extreme.

Having received a generous gift voucher for this venue I booked Sunday lunch with much anticipation. Our visit exceeded all expectations. This is fine dining at it's best. Glenapp Castle is an exquisite building, set in the most beautiful gardens. Thank you to all the staff who made us feel welcome and served us with a smile.

Good food, maybe just a little bit too chic. The castle has beautiful grounds and friendly staff, lacks a bit of personal warmth, although driving us back to our B&B was great service

I have never been to Scotland before and never experienced afternoon tea, we are all so so pleased that we experienced both at Glenapp Castle :)From the moment we rang to book and Aileen was so helpful, to the moment we were brought back to our cottage it was outstanding and more than we could have ever hoped for.Amazing is the only word we could use to describe it, the sandwiches were divine, the cakes beautiful and the staff were wonderful xxStunning and an absolute must xx

We stayed at the Castle (see comments under hotels) and had paid the additional 25 pounds to upgrade to the full tasting menu. The meal was very good overall. The lamb entree was actually a little tough which was surprising but everything else was excellent. Service was suitably attentive and efficient. The dining room has large windows befitting the extremely high ceilings and is an attractive artistocratic space. Given the Michelin Star, the meal was expensive which was expected, but overall we were not disappointed.

For a special meal this restaurant is difficult to beat.Service as expected was first class but the food was exceptional and full of exciting and interesting flavours.

A beautiful day, and a delicious lunch in lovely surroundings. Staff welcoming and informative. The chef has to be complimented on his Risotto,beef,trout, and a dessert to die for! We will return with pleasure. M@M Sutherland 23.06.145

I can't describe it, you just have to experience Glenapp yourself. One of the most amazing nights. Without a doubt the best meal I have ever had.We had drinks in the library, played board games, ate, unfortunately we were unable to stay, but I will definitely be staying the next time I visit!

I had hoped that our lunch at Glenapp Casle would be memorable. It was for all the wrong reasons. The food was unappetising and unappealing,There were only two choices.The courses practically indistinguishable,and the dessert little more than a small ice-cream with two pieces of ? pineapple and a sliver of chocolate. We chose not to wait for coffee. We have in Ayrshire very many establishments, hotels and restaurants serving first class meals.This was not one of them. I would not recommend this hotel.

The restaurant is a lovely room in the castle, with views out to the sea. There is no choice in courses except for the main, where the choice was grouse or brisket. Grouse is an extremely strong tasting bird, which I think you would either love or hate, and everyone in our party was in the latter category - I'd be surprised if this is unusual.The first course was Ettrick smoked salmon, which was lovely, probably my favourite of all the things we ate. Cod came next, which was unmemorable, then pork jowl with chorizo which was memorable for all the wrong reasons! There seemed to be a lottery on whether you got meat or just fat on your plate, if you got the meat, it was nice, otherwise, not. The beef was lovely, slow cooked brisket in a rich dark sauce, with a piece of fillet to add value. I was then too full to have dessert or cheese, both of which were well enjoyed by those who managed to find a space.Wine recommendations from the waiter were very good.

Have had a few dinners and lunches at Glennapp and have never been disappointed absolutelyOutstanding food and service may not be the cheapest but worth every penny food flavours and balance are fantastic wine menu excellent hotel itself fantastic as are the grounds the Glennapp is up there amongst the best in the country.

On this day we had one of the most amazing experiences have ever had and the memories will stay with me forever.We were very kindly given a lunch for two as a gift. Saturdaymorning we spent some time grooming and putting on some style and grace before we headed off for the drive down the coast from Ayr.After a drive up from the gates, in beautiful woodland and parkland resplendent in Autumn's colours we were met by one of the staff. We took up the offer of a walk in the gardens before our lunch and met the michelin star head chef Adam Stokes returning from the herb garden with ingregients for our dinner. The views and gardens were only matched by the glorious weather.We returned to the Castle for our lunch and were seated in the drawing room served with canapes and drinks in preparation for our meal. Lead through to the Dining room by our waiter we were treated as honoured guests and given the best table in the room with views down the glen and out over Ailsa Craig.To say that what followed was divine would not be doing the food justice. I have dined in expensive restuarants but this was something that outclassed every food we have ever been lucky enough to taste. Each and every mouthfull from canapes to coffee and petit four at the end was a delight and a privilege.We were attended to with a level of service that was unparallelled. Our ever want and whim attended to, however without it being over inclusive, or too much attention. We felt part of the experience and not just punters. Our experience was one of pleasure not only of the food but the whole day.I can only say we intend to return, to partake further of the experiences this wonderful place has to offer.

My wife and I have eaten here on 3 separate occasions. We had the 6 course taster menu each time. The food is amazing. The balance of flavours and the execution of the dishes is spot on. The fist time I ate here ranks as the best meal of my life.The hotel and its setting are beautiful, with a view of the Ailsa Craig out the window impressive to say the least. If you are in the area you should go and eat here. Really.

Location and setting gorgeous. We booked a meal for four as a special treat on holiday in the region. The meal was well presented and the staff attentive and informed. My main course of grouse consisted of 4 small fillets of breast, one of which was so high that it smelled off, I thus cut a small taster for each of my companions, all of whom agreed. Obviously I mentioned it to the waiter who apologised, but we were a little surprised that the chef didn't bother to come and chat. Desserts were disappointing. Meal for four with wine and apperitifs (for 3) amounted to £400.

I had booked the Glenapp Castle well in advance to celebrate my husband's 50th birthday and was not disappointed. As we drove into the property on a rainy evening, we knew were in for a magical evening. We were met at the car with an umbrella and were ushered upstairs for cocktails and canapes in the drawing room. We then proceeded to the dining room, where we were presented with course after course of the most delicious, thoughtfully prepared food. As each course was brought out we were given a brief description by our most competent waiter, Martin, and if we had further questions, he was happy to answer them. The food is amazing - the combinations of flavors was inspired and so deserving of the Michelin Star they have earned.

Family meal at Glenapp in July. Obviously the place cannot be faulted for location and layout. Atmosphere is quiet and understated which will probably suit most folk but I found it to be rather sombre and too serious. Foodwise was a bit of an issue for me. I did not expect gargantuan portions but this was ridiculous. My wife eats like a bird so the portions were absolutely fine for her but for the rest of us it was a case of too little. The Glenapp experience is one that we were all looming forward to but it flattered to deceive I'm afraid.

Service and knowledge of the staff with regard to the menus very good. Food excellent. Presentation wonderful. Would have been better to have had a longer rotation on the meals, having stayed 5 nights, we found the menus repeated. Nevertheless it was very good.

The whole lunch experience was a delightful fine dining treat. From the moment you enter the castle gates you are treated as a special guest. The menu ,though no choices ,was perfectly balanced. (When booking they do check if there are any foods you have issues with which is a nice touch.) We had super canapes to wet the appetite. Loved the terrine starter and the lamb main course was just delicious melt in the mouth. The cheese course we would give a miss the next visit as we felt not worth the £16.00 supplement. Slightly predictable choices of cheeses. But the peach souffle and raspberry sorbet was perfect finish before coffee and brownies in the lounge. All the food was beautifully presented by the many charming staff. The pretty grounds and gardens are well worth exploring after lunch. Lovely treat!

From the drive up to the castle you just knew it was going to be special..... And it just got better. This is Scottish food at its absolute best , perfect marriages of ingredients and flavours and expect the unexpected ! I would congratulate the whole team , who manage to make you feel very welcome , and of course the chefs who are working behind the scenes to create plates of sublime food. Top class and well deserving of the Michelin star

The staff could not have been more welcoming and we were shown to a lovely salon to peruse the wine list and the menu. The maitre d' was attentive, charming, and informative. Service in the restaurant was just as accomplished, the food was superb and the view from the dining room is a dreamscape. Foie gras and scallop starters were followed by an exquisite veal composition with "milk and honey" dessert at the end--and we did not want it to end. There is a wonderful wine list with vintages to satisfy the most discerning of tastes. And yet,the bill seemed very reasonable for such a magnificent lunch.

I cannot speak highly enough of the service and food at Glennapp. From the moment we arrived and the lady met us at the door we were treated like lords. Attentive doesnt cover it.The quality of each course of our lunch was exquisite. If you want to have an experience which is like no other...go to GlennApp.

We booked to have an afternoon tea at this hotel. We were greeted at the door on arrival and taken into the drawing room. We had pre ordered one set of sandwiches plain as I'm not keen on mayonnaise or mustard. After ordering our tea, they had a superb selection to choose from, we sat back in sumptuous surroundings and relaxed. Our afternoon tea arrived with the plain sandwiches served separately and had flavoursome fillings encased in soft, springy bread. The shortbread was heavenly, so light they melted in the mouth. A good selection of cake and the cream, scones (warm) and jam superb. The service was efficient and unobtrusive with nothing to much trouble and fresh tea made when required. The gardens were worth a stroll around and it made for a wonderful afternoon treat.

We travelled a long way to see if the accolades attributed to Adam Stokes and his team were justified. Simply stunning. Each and every course built on the former and left one in no doubt about the talent of this man. Add into the mix, the ambience of Glenapp Castle and the warmth and professionalism of the Staff and you have a combination that truly demonstrates, excellence. Graham & Lynne Johnson.

It’s impossible to truly write a review that comes close to explaining the full Glenapp dinning experience. The location, the Castle itself, the reception rooms and dinning rooms, the service, the carefully chosen wines, the welcoming staff and the simply world class food make this one of the most important places that any foodie will visit.The Chef Adam Stokes and his team are total masters in turning beautiful local fresh produce into the most absolutely amazing dishes. Glenapp Restaurant really is up there with the very best in London and Paris Michelin will surely be placing a second star there soon.

I comment on the preceding review as a guest over seven years at Glenapp Castle:If you book a set menu and receive and peruse that menu prior to the booking then what do you expect to be served at your luncheon? We are dealing here with a Michelin-starred restaurant where infinite care and detail is taken with all dishes and therefore replacement dishes are not summoned up as per Aladdin's Lamp and nor should they be.I would say that the presented menu was well-balanced and indeed excellent value for money, there does not appear to be any reason for summoning up soups or anything else. I take great personal exception to the fact that using a website, such as this, personal vagaries are permitted, people should know what to expect and I am sure that Glenapp would have more than fulfilled the expectations of a reasonable guest. I am a very discerning guest and have never had cause to criticise Glenapp on any score, it is wrong that others may be given entirely the wrong impression from someone's mistaken expectations.Dr John D Schofield.

Booked for lunch on the Jubillee weekend. Was so looking forward to the experience, but came away so disappointed and hungry we went up the road to Turnberry! We arrived at the castle gates and rang the phone as directed. We were met by a helpful and pleasant female staff member who showed us up to the lounge and we were given our pre lunch (included in the price£29.50) champagne, which was lovely..Then...the menu arrived. Rabbit terrine, Chateaubriand, biscuits and cheese, raspberry crumble, chocolate brownies and coffee. NO alternatives! We asked if there was another menu. Sorry prior booking only???Eh? Michelin star? 4 rosettes? and totally unable (or unwilling) to make a plate of soup! Poor poor show guys...now at this point the maitre d said he would check our email and came back and gave us a wee lecture on the fact that the lunch menu had been sent and that was it, if we had prior booked we could have changed! Duh! Absolutely no come and go whatsoever. So tried hard with the rabbit terrine, chateaubriand then arrived and was so tough none of us could cut through it! Offered us sharper knives but actually we needed sharper teeth. We all left it but to their credit they took that off the bill. We were asked did we want cheese and biccies? Yip! We were hungry....and still were after the cheese and biscuits which were £8! extra each, rasperry desert, lovely (so far only thing) coffee? yes please...oh oh...£3 extra each! That was it.....off to Turnberry for afternoon tea. Sorry folks but this is not acceptable for a Michelin star, 4 rosette place. Time you had the people down to reassess.

Best food we have ever tasted, genuine caring staff, felt we had a most wonderful evening.

lovely place worth a visit ..Garden outstanding/location.Made really welcome..

Wow what a restaurant. we had a 6 -7 course meal to include pre desserts etc. Bread fantastic. Most of all though, everything is just so accurately cooked. Always get an amazing meal experiance here. Fish is so fresh and can see the techniques used in the kitchen are exceptional, this is a hidden gem, the accolades it has really does under play the experience we had. This really is one to watch for the future. Adam Stokes is a very clever and talented chef and he has a very playful intention towards...

ok , its expensive, but quite simply the best place I've ever been to. Would have stayed over but waaay to much money !