The Ark in Dumfries & Galloway

Was very busy and understaffed, but unforgiveable was advertising cappuccino and latte, and charging a premium when they don't have a machine. They just have a coffee percolator, then add some frothed milk. Completely unacceptable, and a latte seemed to be beyond their understanding. It had less milk in than a cappuccino and was undrinkable. Recently re-opened, they need to buck up their ideas, and the husband of the owner needs to muck in instead of just chatting to customers

A little gem. Bargain cheap and tasty eats. Dropped in by chance because neighbouring pub looked forlorn and drear. Can’t recommend enough

Lovely owner and such a warm welcome. Gorgeous scones and amazing coffee. Can’t recommend enough. Kippford is gorgeous and this cafe is such a asset

Has just changed hands and decided to give it a go. We had a great wee walk at Kippford and then called in for an early morning treat. Their Bacon Roll , was delicious and was served with salsa pasta and a side salad ! Everything was lovely but the Salsa Pasta was just amazing and sooooo delicious. Also on display were the most inviting selection of Cakes and Scones , made I believe by a local celebrity chef who started in " My Kitchen Rools" on TV. The prices were very reasonable and the service was fantastic. A very polite young man took our order , but all the staff on the premises spoke to us and we're very friendly. Can't wait until my next visit. Would recommend to everyone.

Cosy café. Freshly baked, home-made cakes absolutely delicious, moist sponge Friendly staff, see views what’s not to love.

Lovely new lady owner selling fabulous cake ! Today we bought a delicious chocolate and some apple and cinnamon - What’s not to love.

Stopped for takeaway coffee and chatted with lovely new lady owner, everything homemade and nice seating outside if you have a dog

A pleasant little cafe just by the beach at Kippford. We had a cup of tea and sat on the tables outside, enjoying the view.

Out for a walk in Kippford on a chilly Christmas Eve afternoon we were delighted to discover that the café was open. The staff apologised for the fact that there was no hot food available, which made our choices easier; tea/coffee and traybakes. 😋

We have always wanted to try this little cafe, there is not much choice of eating places in the winter season so it was really our only option. The toasties and paninis are £7.95/£8.95 and are meant to come with crisps and salad but this was missing from our order so two slice of bread and melted cheese for £8? Totally ludicrous! The food was lovely but definitely not worth the prices being charged, don't think we would rush back!

On a cold, blustery Saturday we happened upon The Ark. Warm welcome and she smell of home baking filled the nostrils. We settled for Leek and Potato soup with Bannocks followed by fruit scones and jam washed down with lashings of Scottish tea! A very warm welcome on a very cold day!

Arrived here on a beautiful sunny and warm Wednesday afternoon but found the tearoom closed (as it appears to be most days). Confusing and conflicting notices about when it is open. So takeaway only, the service was unwelcoming, poor cake offerings, and expensive. This place should be a goldmine but, as it is, it won’t be. Go to the Anchor pub, just along the road, where the food and service are very good!

I just popped in out of the rain for a quick coffee. Very tempted by the lovely selection of cakes but too soon after my lunch! Tiny cafe with friendly owner and staff.

Excellent coffee and homemade cakes with beautiful views of the estuary as the sail boats glide past.

Had a lovely lunch at the ark yesterday. Service and food vg. Only slight issue was coffee was super hot and burnt my mouth! Apart from that, it was a really enjoyable visit. Thank you!

My partner and I visited for a spot of lunch whilst staying in the local area. A really lovely little cafe staff all very friendly and polite. The cafe was quite busy but out food still came out quicjly and was delicious. Will definitely visit again if we are in the area.

Pretty much fell upon The Ark by accident. We had taken lunch at The Anchor and decided to walk it off. We couldn't resist the ice creams so went in and bought some. The ice cream is gorgeous. The four of us sampled different flavours and none of us was disappointed. Having noticed the adjoining cafe we decided to have a light lunch in there on a subsequent day. The cafe is spotlessly clean, the service was first class and the customer toilets spotlessly clean also. We made several more trips for ice cream during our stay in Sandyhills. It was well worth it. Some may complain it is a bit pricey. We have an artisan ice cream shop in our home town and the prices are quite comparable. If you want a cheap ice cream - buy a Mr Whippy!

Overpriced tourist trap. Gifts are the usual Scottish tat, lots of tartan and Heeland Coos etc. Food is nice but limited. Ice creams are lovely but very expensive.

As a local and regular of this local cafe . I was very dismayed with the service or rather complete lack of today .. resulting in me having to give up and walk away … I popped into the cafe at 12ish .. all the...

The home baking and the coziness of The Ark was a welcome refuge on a beautiful but cold day. The staff were pleasant and attentive. Service was prompt and the café was clean and tidy. When we were trying to take a photo of our...

Lovely, tasty, locally produced ice cream Even our four legged friends got some. Lovely items in the shop too.

We have visited many times on our annual trip to Scotland; usually in February. This year we came in the summer - great Covid precautions, food was as always brilliant and service is friendly and efficient- highly recommended.

We had been coming to Kippford for many years until recently. We knew of this place when children wanted icecream or holiday souvenirs( hairy haggis and tam o shanters) We have all grown out of that phase. Delighted that it now serves very good takeaway...

Excellent lunch stop with delicious wraps, panini, ice cream and coffee while sitting in a beautiful spot. What’s not to love.

Excellent little cafe. Stopped off here for a drink and to enjoy the beautiful village of Kippford. Lovely service by the gentleman that ssrvice and didn't wait long for our order. Ordered a brie bacon and cranberry panini for my mum, it looked delicious and...

Fabulous little cafe right on the shore. A welcome stop on the coastal path from Rockcliffe to Kippford serving great toasties and even better Ice cream

I dont think you could get a better location to have a coffee and a snack lots of seating outside service with a smile coronavirus measures in place got to be a thumbs up from me ..

Two visits here confirmed it was an ideal place to enjoy a light lunch after walking along the coastal path. Situated at the far end of the village The Ark is a small but well run coffee shop offering a short menu but serving ideal...

We visited this little village to see the sea shell beach. Unfortunately the cafe was closed, however you can order tea, coffee, food via the shop and there are plenty of seats outside. We tried the banoffee ice cream and gooseberry and elderflower. Omgosh delicious....

Tasty coffee & cakes, what more could you ask for, well you can, we had lunch too & sandwiches were well filled & good quality ingredients (a bit of salad in sandwich would have been extra nice). Good pit stop & views of estuary. Staff...

Called in to the shop to buy a couple of items, safety measures in operation. Tables available outside for snacks etc.

Called ahead to reserve table by the window for weekday morning coffee. 2 hours later, we vacated the table! What a lovely relaxed and tastefully decorated environment with beautiful views across the Urr Estuary towards Tornatt wood, by Palnackie. Three quarter of the tables taken....

Lovely place to have lunch on a wet and windy day. Tastefully decorated with lovely views over the estuary from a couple of tables. We opted for the vegetable broth with herby bread. Both were excellent, the broth was full of flavour, packed with diced...

Been to the Ark twice now whilst visiting Kippford. It's a lovely, bright place with great food and coffee. The staff are friendly and helpful and the gift is good too. Great ice creams. Highly recommend it.

Pop to kippford and The Ark was open so decided to pop in for lunch we were a table of 3 , tomato omelette with herb bread was very nice , cheese and tomato toastie serve with salad and coleslaw again very nice and I had egg mayonnaise sandwich serve with crisps ,salad and coleslaw and I certainly wasn’t disappointed! Services was good only fault we had was place could of fine to be a but warmer for sitting in but it was very windy outside but certainly wouldn’t put us off returning

We stopped here for our annual walk from Rockcliffe to Kippford. Food and service was excellent, great range of choice. Our children were with us too and they provided childrens sized portions too. The cakes and scones were all freshly baked too. Definitely be back.

Called in here for a bite of lunch because the pub up the road was blocked off by roadworks (temporary I'm sure). Had an excellent baked potato with chicken and bacon mayo with salad and coleslaw plus a nice americano at a reasonable price. Others were enjoying home made soup and quiche. Lovely people served me and the view was enjoyable despite the poor weather. I shall call again, next time I'm in the area.

We enjoyed lunch at this cafe recently. Dogs not allowed inside which was ok as it was a sunny winter’s day. We sat outside and took in the view across the water. Friendly, helpful staff and good fresh food.

We had a lovely open chicken salad sandwich the first time we ate here and it was delicious. We sat outside in the sunshine and looked at the bay and would definitely go back,

The Ark has such nice staff, and the view is beautiful to look at while having lunch, the music was also a big hit for me!! And the food and presentation of the food was absolutely fantastic!!! Would 1000% recommend to my friends!

On our walk back to Rockcliffe stopped here for takeaway ice cream.Good choice of flavours good cones and reasonable prices

What a find. The prettiest tea room i have ever seen. Food fab and homemade cakes were delicious. This place has it all, staff the kindest, friendliest and most helpful you will find. Just wish i didnt live 400 miles away.

Lovely little tea room with helpful staff and very good menu

Went here twice only because the little tiny village has a fantastic beach right at the end. We have two small dogs but they don’t let dogs in. Their excuse is that they have a counter with food ie cakes, scones etc. If they speak to the EHO rather making up their own rules it would be better for their customer base. There is nothing to stop dogs going into cafes except short sighted owners who are slowly losing trade to the cafes/restaurants that do. On our first day it started to rain slightly so we ate outside in the rain!! Not sure what the owners thought about their customers eating out in the rain but hey ho, they have their reasons. Second visit was slightly better, we knew not to ask as we knew that we would get short shrift so sat outside. Because it was September, it was wasp season and there were many many wasps, I’ve never eaten cake quicker in my life.

We visited here for lunch with 4 fussy eating grandkids a vegan and a vegetarian! We all chose a different thing off the menu and came out happily fed. The views are lovely so just a generally nice place to have lunch.

Stopped here for some afternoon tea/coffee and cakes. Lovely staff, lovely food and drink, reasonable prices...will call back again next time we are in Kippford. The Walnut and Date cake was extraordinarily nice!!

Stopped for lunch and sat outside as we had the dog with us. Good choice on menu and we opted for a soup and sandwich combo. Really big portions of both. My husband also had a scone which he rated highly... and he's tasted a lot of scones! Lovely location.

This is a hard review to write as it involves two parts of the same business. If it was just the Tea Room I would have given it 5 out of 5 but because of the small shop next door, I have had to give it 3 out of 5.

Family of 6 popped in about 2pm on a sunday for a coffee and a cake .

Great lunch stop, my baked potato and iced coffee was very nice . Dogs aren’t allowed inside, but benches and tables outside.

Standing at the counter waiting to be served,. ignored by staff until they were ready to serve. Just look up and day hello , that would do. The menu was in my opinion over-priced. I am serious about my coffee, and was not impressed by the quality of theirs.

Went to the wee shop and bought a coffee and ice cream. Quite expensive but the ice cream was amazing, try the honeycomb soo good! Too far to drive and get some more... gutted

Eaten here on several occasions and never disappointed...excellent quality food and great service. Would definitely recommend

We stopped for coffee at The Ark and were very impressed with its charming chinoiserie-style décor, beautiful view, and most importantly excellent, keenly-priced coffee.

The Ark cafe is a must if you visit Kippford. We had a lovely lunch during our stay in the village and also got filled rolls to take away. Staff are very friendly and helpful.

Visited here whilst walking our dogs and sat on the seafront.. the coffee was lovely as was the lady who made a fuss of our dogs.. the cakes looked amazing but we'd just had breakfast!

We only stopped for a drink and ice cream but the lady in the Ark was really nice and patient. We loved the doggy ice cream. The stuff in the gift shop is lovely and reasonably priced.

We went for lunch and found the place absolutely delightful.

Popped in for a little sunday treat of coffee and cake! Lovely! The guy serving was so nice we had courgette and lime cake with a fabulous coffee and cream scones and tea clean plates all round, And the cake was just super! We're back in August so will be back then ....... wonder if you do an afternoon tea because if you do I might just have one!

I had been on a walk in the area and popped in for a welcome cuppa. Really pretty decor, friendly, attentive staff, and proper homemade scones, what is there not to love. I had a seat in the window with views across the estuary which adds to the charm, albeit in drizzly weather.

I visited the cafe yesterday. We often walk in this area with our dog. Yesterday we had our dog with us so we had to sit outside. They have a big sign in the window saying dogs are welcome outside! It was absolutely freezing so we drank a quick coffee and cake and moved on. We would visit more often if they were dog friendly. The coffee was nice. The young staff seemed to struggle to take an order and work the till and it was a bit cheerless. The chap who usually serves is always very nice so I don’t know if they have had a change of staff. However there was no smile or welcome.

Enjoyed our 2019 Easter break in Kippford and love The Ark cafe and shop. Delicious food and drink brought to you by friendly staff and a lovely shop. We bought gifts, crab nets and numerous tasty ice creams and each time served by the loveliest, friendliest staff. Can’t speak highly enough of the staff

We walked from Rockcliffe to Kippford which was a nice gentle walk. The bonus was the open tea room which served GF sandwiches (£7), and a scone which was warm. Very nice, clean, friendly people, with a small shop next to it.

On a sunny day mid-week without the crowds it really is a treat to stop in at this village and enjoy a stroll to Rough island when the tide's out. The cafe is well sited and serves nice flavoured coffee within an idyllic village. The cakes look tasty too. On the afternoon we visited there was a definite lack of cheeriness in the cafe...no smiles, no chat, no warmth. The three staff looked like they'd all fallen out....very strange. Prices were reasonable.

Sat for 20 minutes unacknowledged.Cafe was busy but it only takes a second to make eye contact , smile , nod in our direction or a minute to take the order and warn of waiting time. Nothing nada zilch. That invisibility cloak was certainly worth the money. Cafe is size of my living room so 10/10 to the effort four staff put in to avoid eye contact.

Went here for a visit . What a lovely little place . Home made cakes and tray bakes with a nice drink . Will definitely be back again

On a wet day we came across this lovely tearoom. We had a delicious lunch and the staff were so friendly and helpful. Keep up the good work and we will be back.

Very busy cafe at the weekend but quite small inside so you might find it difficult to get a table. Nice setting and surroundings. Helpful waiter who reserved us a table. Had to wait a while for food which looked lovely but all our meals could have been warmer. Quite expensive for a cafe.

Our second visit, we both had the soup of the day which was lentil. The soup was delicious with a lovely ham sandwich on the side. The decor and service is also excellent here. Will definitely be back.

This is a wonderful place to eat or just have a coffee if you’re in the area of Kippford or Dalbeattie. The welcome us warm, the decor is outstanding, & the food is excellent. Great views over the water as you eat add to the ambience.

This place has reopened and changed the opening hours, which was well needed. The cakes and scones are excellent and the coffee is to die for and I’m very picky !!

By an inlet from the Solway estuary is the small harbour of Kippford, newly opened is the Ark cafe/restaurant. It is on the way to the cockle shell beaches and the footpath through woods, past the weird garden with mysterious peepholes to monsters [see for yourself].

Delicious food, which is reasonably priced, at this lovely little cafe in a beautiful village. Staff were very welcoming too.

We regularly holiday in Kippford and went for lunch here. Service and food excellent. I had the prawn open sandwich and they gave me a choice of prawn size which was nice, and freshly brewed tea. Had a pleasant conversation with the owner who was attentive throughout. It's small,cosy, and just nice to sit and eat whilst enjoying the views. Food was fresh, enough choice, and delicious. The owner even adjusted the heating for us - how's that for customer service! We will definitely go back next time we are in Kippford. Highly recommended!

Our first visit to this lovely little tea room, the decor is gorgeous. The foods lovely with great friendly staff. My egg mayonnaise open sandwich was probably the best I've ever had, the prawn sandwich which my partner had said it was just as nice. Comfortable surroundings, nice views and fab food what more could you ask for. If I could them more than 5 stars I would.

We decided to call in here for some breakfast before starting our coastal walk. This is not a cafe and does not offer traditional breakfast fare - less cooked breakfast and more smoked salmon and eggs benedict.

We enjoyed a superb lunch of homemade lentil soup and herb bread followed by delicious cakes. We were lucky to get a table in the bay window and so we had wonderful views. Good food, good value and highly recommended.

This little cafe is located along a trail that runs from the village to Rockcliffe, and it really couldn't be handier. We were advised by several walkers to make this walk, which actually deviates from the actual Rockville Trail, and to stop in the village. Being located right on the edge, it is a perfect location for someone to stop and enjoy a treat before returning on the trail.

Whilst out on a walk in Kippford we came across the most charming of tea rooms, it was beautifully decorated and so very clean with views to dream the day away. We opted for homemade roasted pepper and tomato soup with herb bread which was just so very tasty and filling, a pot of house tea, but had many to choose from and to finish an indulgent day I had the best carrot cake I've tasted and hubby had chocolate cake he says was also fab. An excellent little find in a beautiful location with friendly staff and to add, it has a great little gift and ice cream shop. It is certainly worth a visit and we will be returning again definitely.

We popped in here to refuel at the midpoint of a walk. The scones were great (take the cream and jam) and there was a good selection of cakes. The sandwiches looked good too.

Delighted to find The Ark had reopened just this week. Good coffee, lovely scone, brownies and Tiffin. Very nice decoration and friendly stFf

Lovely views. Not always open when board is out. Good spot for a tub of Cream of Galloway ice-cream overlooking the estuary.

love an ice cream but what happened to the cafe ?? it seems to be shut with no date for re- opening . its a shame Kippford has such a good reputation but local businesses letting it down

We popped down to Kippford on 31st May for lunch at The Ark and were disappointed to find that the cafe was closed pending change of ownership as the owner is retiring (it hasn't been open for several months). Unfortunate as the village has limited decent alternatives. The attached shop is still operating meantime.

Went to visit for lunch today as reviews were good would like to have been able to say it was great but never got the chance as closed sign up yet website states open from 10.30 until 5.30 don’t think so door locked disappointed as travelled forty miles to try it out oh well there loss

We had a lovely walk along the beach then up & over the hill, it was a lovely sunny day but very cold, so we called into the Ark tea room which is small & very clean but very cosy place , a lovely friendly welcome by the waitress, we ordered soup, carrot & coriander which came with a brown warm roll, it tasted very good, we were also offered a glass of water as we did not want coffee,even though it was full, when l asked who owned this cafe the waitress took time to tell us, it was so relaxing & friendly, we will definatly call back & recommend to friends and anybody else that is in the area

A great little cafe with homemade food all fresh and tasty and a delicious selection of cakes quiches sandwiches soups and drinks

We visited for lunch while on holiday. I had the coronation chicken salad. It was so tasty I could have licked the plate. There was a good choice of lovely fresh food and daily specials. The decor is lovely - really pretty wallpaper. And the views are beautiful.

This tea room is very popular and a little small so to may not get a table at busy times. Lovely staff, great location.

Saturday was a windy, showery day and we thought we'd seek some refreshments at the Ark before walking over the causeway to Rough Island.

Nice tearoom in great location however portion sizes were very small and we don't have big appetites. Lovely quiche but slice very small . We also felt that the price was steep for a child's size portion

Called in to this beautiful little village today for the first time and dropped in at the Ark for morning coffee and hot chocolate-ordered fruit scones with jam and cream, the hot chocolate passed the 'hot' test which a lot of cafes fail and the scones were lovely and warm

On our first visit the tea room had closed so we had a look around the shop and had a gooseberry and elderflower ice cream very nice. The second time we went for breakfast but unfortunately they don't serve breakfast just light bites and cakes. Very friendly and the tea room was clean and very nice. Understand you can also rent the upstairs for holidays. The view from there is amazing lovely sea view and nice walks along the sea front the beach is all shells which apparently were washed up there about 7 years ago. Loved the place that is why we went back twice would recommend.

Lovely little coffee house and very friendly , we visited the Ark on our holiday to Southerness for our anniversary...

We recently visited The Ark during a short break in Kippford.

Went to kippford yesterday first visit lovely clean beach friendly village. We went into the Ark had 4 small coffees and 4 assorted cakes almost £22 needless to say we want be back for coffee

Called into the Ark after a stroll beside the water at Kippford, found this wee cafe to be friendly with an excellent cafe menu of snacks. The staff were attentive and helpful and the meals of good quality in a nice period atmosphere. On our visit we were entertained by the juggling waitress and her dropped scones. Of particular note was the spotlessly clean toilet. Will most definitely recommend and return.

We called in several times during our stay and every time found the staff were friendly and welcoming. The gift shopped is well stocked with souvenirs in a wide price range. We found the fudge and local ice cream particularly good. Worth a visit if in the area.

We spotted The Ark when setting off on a short walk, it was just setting up to open but we were definitely going to call in on the way back. The interior is light and airy and full of pretty things. We were lucky to get a table in the window, there was a lovely atmosphere and most of the tables were full. My son had the Victoria Sponge Cake which was generous in size and disappeared quickly. My daughter had the open Coronation Chicken sandwich and I had the Smoked Galloway Chicken open sandwich. They came on lovely bread and were served with a fresh salad. I also had a cappuccino which was more than decent. With drinks the bill reached just over £20.00 which felt like good value for money. The service was fantastic, the woman who seemed to be the owner/manager engaged with my children and was incredibly friendly. What a lovely place. We will definitely be back.

We only stopped by for ice cream but the woman who is meant to be serving is insistent on standing out in the street to "wave to a bride" who is meant to be passing "soon". She's been stood there for 10 minutes so far - my tolerant husband is waiting with the kids; I'm posting this!