Rowan Tree Restaurant and Garden Centre in North Ayrshire

Great food which we all thoroughly enjoyed. Nice staff, nice atmosphere. Would have been a 5 star review but the toilets were a complete disgrace. Floor was wet, no lights, outdated and really hirrible. Sort the toilets to match the quality of the food please. They really let your establishment down.

We went there because I enjoy the food, my son was not keen on going because of our last experience with the owner, which I managed to overlook. As it turned out we were waiting to be seated when the owner came and asked if she could have a word, she said "I can't have you into the restaurant" I asked why? She said "There was complaints from customers and the last review I gave wasn't very nice" I was shocked and speechless! I don't know the customers complaints, I was so shocked I never asked. If she cannot take criticism about the last review she shouldn't be in hospitality business!

Food and staff were excellent. Great views from the front windows. Good car park and garden centre. We booked via the phone which was not a problem. We have been here on numerous occasions and always have had great food and service at great prices.

Beautiful situation overlooking sea and Idle of Arran but the toilet facilities for a restaurant are dreadful, wet floors, broken fixtures and dirty hand basins!! Doesn’t bode well for general hygiene. Cannot recommend

Disappointed. Both breakfast dishes that we had were a let down. My breakfast bap was dry and crumbly and inedible. It was not fresh at all. Poached eggs were hard! The men's toilets were messy and uncleaned from the day before. Like previous reviews from a few years ago I note the ladies toilets are dismal and no attempt is being made to modernise them. It's a shame because the RT has been good in the past and it is in such a beautiful location.

We visited recently for dinner my husband ordered fish with boiled potatoes the waitress said the potatoes are just going to be boiled you can have mashed potatoes. To save a long wait he agreed and asked for salad with coleslaw the salad consisted of grated carrot and no coleslaw. Previously we had been for dinner on a Monday and we couldn’t get the desert we wanted as they had been so busy over the weekend all we were offered was ice cream. We certainly won’t be back it seems since they took on West Kilbride bowling club the Rowantree has went down hill. We have been going here regularly for years and always recommended it to friends sadly no more.

Really nice high tea in there, great value for money, and the service from Lyndsay and Heather was great,a credit to the owners.

We were outside today, nothing was too much of a problem. The dog was offered water and the food was lovely as usual. Three empty plates later. The scenery is beautiful. Thank you again Heather and Tracey for such a brilliant service. Will be back x

I had lasagna which was totally tasteless apart from the pound of melted/charred cheese on top. No ragu/tomato sauce of any kind thro the mince, was simply browned mince with NO flavour/seasoning of any kind with lots of carrot between layers of pasta. Def not what I would expect from an Italian Bistro! My partner ordered steak pie and potatoes, he got chips. He also had mixed veg which was peas, raw carrots and raw parsnips, al dente is acceptable, raw isn't. He also ordered a large soft drink, was given a drill one and when he pointed this out? The waiteess simply poured his existing drink into a larger glass and topped it up, this drink was now totally flat. Raspberry cheesecake was the best we've ever tasted......I would be shocked if the cakes are made on site they looked amazing. We would return but only for a cake and the lovely view of Arran. Agree with other reviews, toilets left a lot to be desired.

Popped in for lunch to this frequently visited haunt and able to get a window table to enjoy the beautiful scenery from the large gallery windows, great views of Arran! Lovely staff, great food and always hot and well received. I see the sides have moved from being served in the silver buckets to being in smaller white bowls ( buckets were a better portion in my opinion), may be a sign of cost v’s portion size? ( chips, curly fries) Lovely location, lovely staff and lovely food, but agree with another reviewer that their bathrooms are in need of a refurb! It would make this great wee place exceptional!

The food is utterly disgusting! There’s much better elsewhere! The he toilets are as good as the food! What a mess to leave a toilet in how difficult is it to keep clean and tidy the floor was absolutely disgusting and soaking wet!

Very good choice on the menu, food was excellent, hot and plenty of it. The waitresses were lovely, chatty and very efficient. The restaurant is spick and span, including the loos. All at a very good price. Looking forward to my next visit.

Again ,we booked a table via the phone. Met with very pleasant staff. terrific value with the high tea menu. Meal was great as usual. Staff are very friendly and also the manager came and spoke to us. ( very nice gesture ). A pleasant evening.

I have given this 1 star but let me explain why. We are regulars here and can honestly say never had a bad meal so, 5 stars for that. Staff always found them to be friendly and polite 5 stars for them. My 1 star is for the disgusting toilets I have mentioned these in previous reviews and still nothing done about them. Went for meal today and had to use the toilets, again wish I hadn't. The floor was wet through, the toilet seats don't go right to back of toilet so it leans on your back. NOT HYGENIC. The toilets are all stained brown around the flush line. and only 1 dryer working. This is not a new complaint it has been like this since forever.. COME ON ROWENTREE MODERNISE THE TOILETS. THEY ARE WORSE THAN DIRTY PUBLIC ONES.

My dad and I are regular visitors to The Rowan Tree. We keep coming back because the staff are friendly and the food is good. My dad had his usual fish and chips and I had an omelette. Both meals were tasty and service was superb as usual. We also enjoyed a wee visit to the garden centre afterwards.

Came today after years since our last visit, the place was busy and cosy! However the food is a HUGE disappointment in so many ways! I’m 100% serious when I say my 11 year old could make a better meal. The food quality is utterly...

Terrible. The place is very dated, very cold and didn't live up to expectations. After our order has been taken, we waited about 25 minutes for our food. I wish I could say the wait was worth it. It certainly wasn't. My southern fried chicken...

Enjoyed a lovely brunch here yesterday,3 of us and everything was freshly cooked and big portions,very reasonably priced. A glorious sunny late November day looking out to the island of Arran.No complaints from us.

Dropped in for breakfast after a lovely stay in the area. What a mistake. The food was dreadful. The "locally produced sausages" were that rubbish you get from the freezer in a supermarket. The porridge was the worst we've ever experienced. Hash browns were claggy....

This is a gem of a restaurant; the location has fantastic views of Arran. Avoid the gammon steak. Steak pie is excellent. Used to be great value, one a week trips never failed to impress. Prices have gone up. Good luck guys.

Visited on a Saturday afternoon. Disinterested and dour 'welcome' from lady at till. Sat for 20 minutes waiting for order to be taken. About to leave when dour lady took order. Another 15 minute wait before owner noticed we hasn't been served. He took order...

Had a lovely three course meal here with my family and service was brilliant and quick couldn’t fault anything. Clean and the view is superb, nipped into the garden centre too and can’t wait till Xmas stuff is fully out will be back again

Well it used to be a great place to stop off for a coffee & scone, or a nice breakfast or later on a high tea. However that was before, now, it’s a different story. We can all appreciate it was difficult for businesses during...

We have been here 3 times since April and still say that it is a great place to eat. We get the high tea menu. Where else can you get a main meal, either a sweet or bread and butter and scone butter and jam,...

Sitio muy agradable para comer en familia. Menú con muchas opciones y buenas ofertas, buenos precios en general y todo...

While visiting the adjacent garden centre, my husband and I decided to have lunch in the restaurant. My husband had lentil soup. I opted for a Coronation chicken sandwich. It was the worst I’ve ever eaten. Tiny pieces of chicken, absolutely no sign of mango...

Horrendous, terrible and nasty. We ordered spag boll for an adult and one for our 3yr old plus a Mac n cheese. All the food was like microwave packaged junk food. We truly couldn’t eat it. How on earth this place can call itself an...

We popped in to grab a takeout coffee and decided to stay have a breakfast. We had the the smaller breakfast, sausage, bacon, black pudding, beans, egg and potato scone. All for just over 6 pounds. Very tasty. I do agree with other reviewers this...

It's rather cheeky of the owners of the Rowan Tree to describe it as an "Italian Bistro" since it has neither the staff, appearance nor atmosphere of an Italian bistro. The menu does comprise several dishes with Italian names but it shows none of the...

Had occasion to use the ladies toilet during my visit and was appalled by them. One had no lock, neither of the two hand dryers were working and no hot water in either of the hot water taps. The toilets were not at all clean...

This place could do with a full renovation. Toilets were not in a good state if working at all hand dryers not working and cubicle locks missing. Windows were needing resealed there was a draught when sitting next to them. Shop has very little stock...

Been a couple of times, good value, food and service very good, also good for coffee, has sea views.

The views are fantastic, the food is poor quality and unfortunately left me with an upset stomach. The Highland Chicken dish; the mushroom sauce was congealed, the jacket potato dry and the vegetables over cooked. It looked a popular place perhaps I was out of...

Very pleasant staff.The service was always with a smile and a chat . The help on what to choose from the menu was very greatly received. The homemade pie was full of chunks of mouth watering beef and the lasagne was homemade and tasted delicious....

This establishment cannot even get a ham and cheese panini right!. Shocking cheap cheese and virtually no ham. Side salad a disgrace. One cherry tomato halved, dry lettuce with no dressing or seasoning offered. Get your act together or more jobs will go in hospitality,...

Only reopened last week. Very pleasantly surprised with the interior. The staff were as usual, very friendly. We got the high tea. Great food and well presented. Very good value for money. We will be back soon.

Indigestible hard coated fish in breadcrumb or batter .A brick like coating hid a very small piece of fish and the chips were standard tasteless oven variety The location is fine but the food is awful if you care about food.

Nice garden centre and the restaurant is nicely decorated the menu is ok but not fantastic I do feel there could be ALOT more on the menu however the food is nice.

I have been coming here for many years. This is a wonderful remote restaurant and small garden centre on the ardrossan south shore road. The restaurant has been carefully partitioned to meet covid 19 rules. There is a quaint little gift shop which has many...

All the moaners should get a life...we've been dining in this restaurant for years and years and have yet to experience any issues highlighted in the poor reviews. Not only has the Rowan Tree adapted its dining area to meet every Covid - 19 regulation,...

This place is well worth a visit. Restaurant serves good quality plain food at excellent prices and the staff are really helpful and friendly. Homely and cosy on a cold, wet day.

My sister was reversing into the first disabled parking bay and the rear window of the car hit the barrier. She was within the boundary of the parking space. We immediately drove home to organise a repair. When I tried to ring up to report...

Great visit to the Rowan tree the food was very good, appears to be a bit understaffed this did not deter the staff from being very pleasant and friendly especially the young American girl. We will be back again.

Had a lunch here with family, very very slow service and the food wasn't really great, looks as if it was understaffed and our waitress was quite abrupt, unfortunately wont be back

Popped in here for a coffee and cake on the way home. Went in door and staff member redirected me to another door which was fine. Went in another door and was met by a waitress who gave us the menu and directed us to...

Poor Quality food! Was clearly microwaved and tasteless. Not an experience I wish to repeat! Would not recommend or return.

Stopped on the off chance as passing, quite booked up with the government 50% off scheme, but found a slot for me to eat, firstly temperature taken as Covid-19 caution, partitioning between tables, all staff in masks and of course NHS track & trace, the Haddock in homemade batter was beautiful, however spoilt by frozen chips, being an ex chef, it doesn't take a lot of effort to do homemade and this would be the icing on the cake so to speak, overall, decent meal for a decent price, definitely would recommend, would of given 5 stars if you'd just change the chips!!!

My husband and I came for a coffee and a scone after our walk. Haven’t been here for years and so glad we did give it a go again. The service by the young guy and the young girl was excellent. She was so polite and very accommodating and the young guy was very friendly. Will definitely be back this weekend and what a great menu too. Thank you

I'm sure this is where I get crucified having been part of the ex-pat Italian and food serving community for such a long time..........This was not my reasoning for stopping here............ It was once a Little chef I'm sure many moons ago when I did a lot of growing up in this area.............. But on entering what's shouts to be an Italian Bistro from the road side I'm a little disappointed.........I got a "I'm rushed off my feet" type greeting .... with sit there and Menus thrust at us and away again to give more of same I'd guess.......... There was no smell or ambience of this being an Italian Bistro.... If that makes any sense............ At this time of day we were only looking for a cuppa and a snacks ............... But as I certainly didn't feel comfortable with what was presented to me a cuppa and lets move on which went down like a Lead ballon Not Least with person taking order........Service after that became a bit of a shambles .........Even trying to pay so we could leave ...........I don't wish to say any more............Other than you might have had a few folk in But your going to have to up your game............To be called a Italian Bistro If it's a Tea Shop mentality.........

There is nothing Italian or bistro about this place. First horrible thing was getting dirty glasses with our sparkling water and coke. Home-made soup - meant to be lentil was I believe a tin of condensed soup with added carrots. The tuna and mayonnaise toasted sandwich was all mayonnaise and bread wasn't toasted properly.I will never set foot in this place ever again.

The Flying Scotsman is the best breakfast this side of Timbuktu. Lovely views over to Arran whilst having your meal takes a lot of beating.

Went in on a Saturday and had a great experience. We were greeted at the door and seated. Lots of menu choices. There was an area for our kids to play. We were served promptly - Food was delicious and they offer refillable drinks. Would definitely recommend and we will be returning when near.

I’ve been on many occasions for dinner lunch and breakfast the food is beautiful ! I especially love the breakfasts only downside they don’t open to 10 am which is a tad late for me to be enjoying breakfast. The garden centre is full of lovely ornaments for your home as well as everything you need for your garden. It’s also beautiful at Christmas!

I visited the Rowan Tree with my son to buy a Christmas tree. The woman in the garden centre was very helpful and we found a tree fairly quickly. Having time to kill we thought we’d grab some lunch in the restaurant. As we entered we saw that we had to wait at the door to be seated. There were two men behind the counter and another man sitting nearby at a table, labelling jars of produce. The counter staff both looked over at us but neither acknowledged us or approached. One of the staff was ringing up some bills at the till and the other went through to the kitchen. We were still waiting to be seated at this point. I noticed several tables were dirty and had dishes lying on them which didn’t bode well. After about a minute the man returned from the kitchen with a pile of dishes and looked over at us as he walked out. Still no one came over to us. He then proceeded to put the dishes away behind the counter. At that point we decided to leave. Since there are three other restaurants within a mile of the Rowan Tree I’m surprised that the staff had such a disinterested attitude to customers who were clearly waiting for a table. I will not visit the restaurant again as I prefer to spend my money in a place where my custom is valued and appreciated.

A long overdue return to an old haunt. This restaurant and garden centre is great at any time but at christmas its especially cosy and welcoming withwith its festive grotto and free Santa visit.YES!!! Free.There are also two wonderful christmas shops selling many unusual gifts. Right on the shoreline just outside Ardrossan on the road to Seamill.We had sumptuous Steak Pie followed by Christmas pudding and brandy sauce. Our 8 year old boy had simple hot dog and chips followed by ice cream. We had several soft drinks. The bill for 3 was £35.Staff are amazingly friendly and helpful. Most of all so nice to see the place unchanged.Normally change these daysequals, we will charge you more and give you less. Not the case at Rowantree. Ok its a little bit off the beaten track but well worth finding. A real treat.

We stopped off for a coffee and a wander. The garden centre element is pretty small but nice and kitted out for the festive season. The cafe has a view over the sea front and although we can’t comment on the food the coffee and the cake was good and staff pleasant. Overall: worth a stop, not a journey.

I dislike leaving a mark so low as I enjoy the food here and staff are great but gents toilets are worse than some of the doss holes I frequented as a young soldier ... Visit here regular ish and visited on 25th Oct and 28th Oct and 1 gents cubicle was out of order and other was barely functional and also a leaking urinal to boot ... Management are surely aware and my daughter said ladies are not up to much ... You are a busy place with lots of tourists assume this does not matter to this business ... Disappointed as I will miss the food here but I cannot accept bobbins hygiene ...

We went there after shopping and had high tea.My husband had gammon steak with chips and peas.I had fish and chips.Followed by cakes scones.Very enjoyble in every way.Very freindly staff especial June.She makes you very welcome when we came in.Everyone should give it a try as you wont be disappointed.100% worth every penny.Very clean.Lovely views over the water.Maureen.& Charlie

My husband and I decided to have a meal here before going on to a meeting. There were only a few other people there, all older people. The high tea menu looked good so we both ordered fish and chips. There was a choice with this - either bread and butter, a scone and a cake or apple crumble. I opted for the first choice and my husband ordered the apple crumble. A plate was deliver to the table with one slice of white unbuttered bread, a small plain scone (two small wraps of butter and a small jam in a plastic container with it) and a small chocolate cupcake. I don’t like chocolate cake but no choice was offered at the time of ordering.

Place is dull and dated. Food is disgusting, staff are miserable and unapproachable. And the female toilets.....well they should be condemned!!!!

Visiting from Glasgow regularly for the past year, I think the staff are wonderful, the mixed grill is t die for as all the food we have had. Many thx guys you are the best.

Often pop in for lunch, soup or a bacon roll. Nice coffee and glorious views. Worth a visit to the garden centre and shop too

...... or you may well leave the premises. The cheap plastic place mats and coasters are unnecessary on heat treated table tops. Bin them please!

Food was delicious.. service excellent... and staff first class ..great menu.. ....... ...can not drive past now since we sampled their delish breakfasts . ......

Had a high tea here last weekend and it was lovely. Staff all very nice and restaurant well kept, lovely views. Good value for money at £20 for two high teas including a soft drink. Only downside was the toilets were not very clean.

Popped in to this frequent haunt yesterday for a family lunch. Food was plentiful, hot and tasty, as usual (including my favourite- dry roll with veggie sausages ). Always a warm , friendly welcome from the lovely, attentive staff . The great views of Arran were obliterated yesterday by our beautiful Scottish “summer” weather of torrential downpour and a thunder & lightening storm ☔️⚡️, which lit up the restaurant..........this free show drew great gasps & “oohs” & “aahs” from our fellow diners. Priceless. Thanks, as always Rowan Tree, see you again soon.

An unpretentious diner. Only had tea and cakes but was very reasonably priced. Waitress very friendly but her tee shirt was very grubby, bit off-putting and so easily fixed.

Called in here 14/6/19. Food dreadful, staff miserable and no charm about the place. Toilets in need of major refurbish Would We go again NO.

visited this restaurant recently with a coach party the food was excellent I had steak pie the meat was lovely and tender with lovely crisp pastry a good selection on the menu and the staff were attentive and pleasant nice surroundings which you get a good view over the coast will certainly be back

Visit here on a regular basis, food, service and staff are excellent. No complaints in this area........BUT...

It was a nice place and good service. The food was nice but didn't feel it as anything special. The views across the water would have been lovely but the day was very showery.

Only visited the garden centre attached to the restaurant. Quality cared for plants. Great prices for potted larger plants compared to the usual suspects. Good advice from garden centre staff are always happy to advise. Sacks of top soil is a good bulk deal locally.

Back again...I called to book a table for 3 for high tea..The person who answered the phone was very helpful. When we arrived the table was all set up for us...The high tea was of the usual great standard and very well presented..The service was great and the staff chatty when asked any questions. I got gammon steak,and it was a plateful. (excellent)..The other 2 meals were also very good and well presented..After eating the bread and butter and scones we could not eat the cakes...We were asked if we wanted a box to put them in to have for later.( which we did)..

After walking our dogs along Seamill beach we came in for much needed lunch today. Spacious restaurant with views across the sea. Extensive menu, something for everyone. I had scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, my friend a tortilla wrap. We both had coffee, all for under £15! Great value. Friendly staff & a busy place. Imagine in summer time the place would be packed. There's outdoor seating too.

Popped in for breakfast as this place is just 5mins drive from home. Nice breakfast and coffee. Welcoming and friendly staff.

Absolutely fantastic Christmas lunch made the day; endless choice of really good food for all the courses :)

Called in yesterday for lunch. Great welcome, as usual , from the friendly staff. Fabulous fayre at very reasonable prices & everything always hot n tasty. I’ve never been disappointed here. Great options for veggies & a roll with vegetarian sausages as a light bite option is fantastic & always hits the spot. It’s was great wandering around the shop after our lunch, which had free ‘help yourself to a hot chocolate’ on offer, a lovely touch ☕️....the Christmas tree display and free Santa’s grotto & animatronics was also a great bonus and the kids in the area were really enjoying the free show. Well done Rowan Tree & a Happy Christmas to you all

Was here Sunday for Xmas dinner with family. The meals were lovely, staff very attentive. The children saw Santa (free) the view from restaurant is amazing.

While the food is okay, the facilities lack somewhat in cleanliness. Going to thr ladies lavatories shows a lack of hygiene and one wonders how oftwn these are checked. I have visited a number of times but dread being caught short here. I also checked out the disabled lavatories and they were a disgrace.

We had a lovely high to at the Rowantree Resturant. Lovely ambiance sitting looking out to sea between Ardrossan and Arran . The food was lovely. Freshly cooked and nicely presented. The staff were really nice. A really good experience

I left after being ignored by staff. Leaving brought no response. Food did not look that good anyway.

2 of us again ,went for high tea..booked in advance and asked for a seat at the window...Arrived on time and the table was ready and set up at the window...The staff are always friendly and helpful...For what you get for a high tea , the price is brilliant...

Great food, lovely home baking with beautiful sea views just across from Arran on the west coast. This is an ideal stop off on the road to Largs or just to enjoy the great food and hospitality . If you like gardening it has a little garden centre attached with quirky gifts too. We go to the Rowan tree often and look forward to going back.

Just what I needed after a flight in to Prestwick this morning. Great view of the ferry ⛴ leaving the harbour and horse island.

The quality of the food they serve here is very poor. There was a horrible after taste to everything like the dishes had been washed in some kind of disinfectant. The fizzy drinks were flat and tasteless and the coffee was watery. It's very like hospital food which is so disappointing as the views are stunning. The nursery is worth a look but the toilets are poorly maintained.

My wife and I visited the restaurant at 11.25 am this morning, only one waitress trying her very best to clear tables and serve many tables ,she was fighting a losing battle as more customers turned up. We gave up waiting at 11.55 am as we could not see any more help arriving. I would have thought that during this holiday period management would have more staff on duty before midday. This used to be our favourite restaurant for good food and excellent service. Come on management get this sorted our otherwise you could lose many of your customers.

This is a good restaurant in a beautiful location opposite the Isle of Arran. Service is good, great atmosphere and they serve delicious meals. What more could you ask for

Good plan home made food and great prices great views over to Arran and lovely little garden centre too plenty of parking

We have been here a number of times and cannot fault the place...The high tea is great value.....Scott has served us a few times and he and the other staff are pleasant and friendly...I had the chicken Korma and it it was one of the nicest that I had ever tasted..We will keep on going back unless something happens to change it,then I will put it on tripadvisor.

We enjoyed lunch outside on the deck on a marvellous warm sunny day in May. The views of Arran were breathtaking! I cannot speak highly enough of the welcome or consideration shown to my elderly (and not very mobile) Dad. The menu offered great choice and the food was very nice. An amazing selection of home bakes proved irresistible. Great value and excellent service with an unbeatable view- recommend it!

When we went for dinner my, Cullen Skink arrived and was on the cold side and although tasty , it's ingredients had went to mush and had the texture of a rice pudding.

Stopped by this afternoon with my wife and her friend who ordered Cullen skink which arrived under heated bordering on cold and had to send it back to be properly heated. My wife then asked for a Latte with soya milk and unbelievably she was told by the waitress that she'd have to bring along her own soya and they would make one for her !!!!! ????? .... my wife commented she'd best stay in the house and make her own ! The place is a joke ... drive past...

We went just before the dinner rush on a bank holiday. It was busy but not overly mobbed. My husband had the steak pie which he enjoyed, I had the gammon steak which was delicious. Kids all had pizza and chips (see photo of kids menu) which they enjoyed. Couldn't fault the food at all, generous portions and the prices are all very reasonable.

Nice view, good parking but food not good ..Soup chicken burger and fries .Soup not good at all .The burger and fries looked good but had horrible taste and I left most of the meal ..

We have been a few times and again cannot fault the place...Phoned to book a table,very pleasant person at other end of phone.

Ordered scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on Granary toast. Scrambled Egg was fine. Smoked Salmon was almost non existent. A few small scraps that were clearly microwaved, leaving it feeling like plastic. Chef was late so clearly just rushed this through .

This place has everything ! From garden centre to shop of goodies and of course the restaurant. The service is always friendly and helpful, whatever you order is a big portion of good tasty food, brilliant home baking, clean, great views, it is one of my favourite places to visit and eat, well worth driving any distance to get to it.

The Rowan Tree is a great restaurant,we have dined there many times,and the food is always great.(If you get the chance try the breakfast it is awesome, but huge portion,we get the flying Scotsman, yum yum) the staff are all very friendly with a special mention for June,who always treats us so well, especially my granddaughter Angel.

Eat here 6 times in the last 4 months with family. It is consistent - food excellent value for money and staff helpful, kind and efficient on every ocassion. Not sure why so many negative comments, the car park was pretty full every time I was there.

Was seated by a waitress who seemed very grumpy . Took ages to get our order . I ordered a...