The Thistle Inn in East Ayrshire

Great staff, very attentive and happy, the smiles were contagious. Jamie-Lee was taking care of us, great energy. Lovely food, chef changed it up for us to our liking which is greatly appreciated. If there's anything I'd add is maybe a little background music.

As we walked in we did wonder what it would be like... seemed very quiet and no one was about. But, the staff were busy and soon came through and offered us a choice of places to sit. The menu was a little tired - fresh prints or lamination would help - but there was a good choice of food. Then it came, and some of the tastiest pub food we've had in a while. Good prices too! We took photos so you can decide for yourself. Will we be back? Yeah, I think we will 👍

Locked up and nobody home. Booked a room through booking.com months in advance. Pictures looked good, clean and tidy wee place. Payment taken a few days before and everything appeared fine. How wrong was I. Confirmation emails and advert say check in from 3. Arrived at 3.15 and on pulling up already feared the worst. No car park, building looked run down (in need of more than a lick of paint) and in all honesty looked abandoned. On trying the door it was locked, and no sign of life anywhere nearby. Calling the number no answer but mysteriously recieved a text saying g they couldn't take our call. Text back to say I had a reservation for them to say they were open. Tried the door again but still nothing and no sign of life. Thankfully booking.com sorted out an alternative but must say, avoid at all costs.

On holiday in the area and found this place online for somewhere to eat. Menu looked great. Arrived and the impression we got with the mess around the building continued indoors. Lady who took us to our table was lovely but then it went downhill again quickly when we were given the menu ( definitely not what it was online). It was litterly falling apart and only a fraction of what was on the online menu. We ordered food and while waiting 2 women with 5 children came in. Noise from the children was heard as soon as they got to the front door. I don't believe any of the children were at fault as the women didn't try to get them to be just a little quieter they both just shouted louder to hear each other. Both my teenage daughter and I expected the waitress to ask them to maybe just turn the volume down just a little but it turned out she knew them and like the mums she just shouted louder to be heard! Food arrived hot. Steak pie was very tasty but pizza was the kind I can buy in supermarket for about 50p. Desserts of cheesecake and sticky toffe pudding both tasted odd. We didn't eat them and just left to get away from the noise. I totally understand the staff can't dictate who frequents their establishment but they could ask rowdy customers to lower the volume instead of shouting over them. Food was nothing to shout about and we left wishing we had just stopped at the local chip shop instead

i came to cumnock to visit my partner while he was working up here from Newcastle. We arrived at about 1 o clock and checked in. we were taken round the back of the pub and took 15 minutes for the woman to even open the front door. trying to bash it open with her body. then we got to our room and exact same thing happened at this door. after a long 3 hour journey i wanted to have a shower and freshen up for a meal with my partners family however there was no hot water and the radiators weren’t on. we left and came back around 8 to try the hot water again before going for drinks. no hot water again. the room was absolutely freezing. came back around 9:30/10 and no hot water again. after pounding reception about this, the woman coming back and forth to our room she was satisfied we had hot water when the tap ran slightly luke warm. absolute joke as if we could have a shower with this freezing water. ripped curtains, holes in the walls, ridiculous. £70 for one nights absolute shambles of a stay. would not return and would not even let my dog stay

Good value pub grub that wont break the bank A decent local inn style with decent friendly service & hearty scoff

Starter tempura chicken full of grease mains Cajun chicken past couldn’t eat it as was too salty my friend who took me for my birthday lunch loves salt it was even too salty for her I always take order this as I know I like it ? staff were lovely paid in full I’ll not ever be back

No heating on on the coldest day. Did manage to get them to put it on for a few hours and did manage to get hold of fan heater. No door on the bathroom so my husband was looking at me whilst I was on the toilet snd he was in bed. The TV had scratches all on it. No hairdryer. Grubby. I think the room would have been nice a few years ago. There was hand-wash and clean towels. But no bath products. Stayed at a prem Inn the night before for the same price and that was soooo much better.

Not much choice in area for bed and breakfast, so went with this place as reviews were ok knew it would be basic but not as run down as it is. Walls paper thin so you hear everything and I mean everything! There was a large hole it the bedroom wall that we filled with loo roll just in case anyone could peek through it. Huge hole in wardrobe wall too. Large gap around bath and sink no sealant used at all, so water goes everywhere. Had to hold the shower hose as the attachment was broken. No bedside light. Bed covers out of the 1950s. Blind in room was disgustingly dirty with dead flies and spiders squished to it. No biscuits to have with ur cuppa, no breakfast as chef doesn’t start till 12 🤷‍♀️ £65 what a rip off! Place needs demolished.

Staff couldn’t do enough to make the visit a success, good food with generous portions. Live music so we managed to get in some dancing. Small friendly hotel with a warm atmosphere. Main problem was choosing what to have from the menu.

Food was amazing. Room was bug & spacious, needs updated , but staff member told us this before showing us o our room, has new owners and is making a difference.Pub very busy.If wanting a meal book early to avoid disappointment.

Resonable priced. The tools are not exklusive, but coosy and you get a good sleep. The food is good and the staff Will help you if you have surtain diets or allergies. Realy nice staff. They are very in to Hoving you the best experience. I can’t wait to go to the Thistle again.

Popped in on a day out in the area with our granddaughter. Small friendly hotel with great menu. Biggest problem I had was choosing from the brilliant menu. Definitely value for money. Everything cooked fresh + is day everything was homemade from the coleslaw to the batter on the fish. Definitely be back + if it was closer t o home in sure we would be here regularly. Well done everyone!

A friendly welcome and we were seated immediately. My husband ordered the special Sunday lunch starting with Tomato soup which he really enjoyed saying it was tasty and appeared to be homemade. The main was roast beef which for him was over cooked as he prefers it medium to medium rare but the staff meme er had advised that the beef had been precooked earlier that morning. A lovely selection of well cooked vegetables and potatoes cooked three ways with a lovely gravy. I had the homemade beef olives which was a generous serving, too much for me, but tasty. Neither of us could manage the dessert that came with my husbands meal special so they put the chocolate fudge cake and chocolate sauce into a box to take home . Again a good portion and very tasty. Good food at a reasonable price and lovely staff happy to serve you.

We eat at The Thistle probably once or twice a year. Normally I would say it’s decent pub grub at very reasonable prices. Now I would say after dining there, it’s OK pub grub at quite expensive prices, not really value for money. The staff are friendly and competent but the pricing has changed our opinion on the place. Unfortunately, we wouldn’t rush back.

Food was good, service was average, décor tired, prices were very high, all in all the food was good but we paid a premium for it.

Staff weren’t the best. Bit last luster. Took ages to clear table and only did track and trace at end of the meal pretty much as we were paying. Toilets were bit grubby and one of the women’s doors did not lock. Meal was nice...

Food was good, tasty and presented well. Lemonade on draft- syrup was needing changed. Ordered a gin with a bottle/can of tonic instead due to this. Could have maybe done with a few more drink options such as more gins or more flavoured cider options-...

So pleasantly surprised as area is very run down. Young man was doing an amazing job on his own. Food and service was very good. Worth a visit

Friendly service, good food at a good price. I had the chicken stuffed with haggis and thoroughly enjoyed. My friend is vegetarian and enjoyed the mix of tempura veg, chips and slaw. A couple more veggy options would be a suggestion but, hey, I had...

Had to send it back because of blood off steak on plate. Got the same meal back reheat and burnt. Would not recommend anybody going to the thistle inn. Plus the chef didn’t come up to see what was wrong when it got sent back...

wee 7pm booking. few filled tables. nice enough looking wee pub. young English waiter, very accommodating. food! good, decent pub fayre. two courses, 1 alcoholic and pint diluting under £30. good value for money. first time visiting will be back. highlight black-pudding, haggis fritters with...

I was really taken aback when read the menu, for such small looking place it made me look twice as it just got better and better, A really varied but well cooked variety of food. At first I did not know what to choose then...

Nice and genuine and something for everyone. Friendly staff. The menu suggests starters, main and sweets, but you will be full after the main.

Food was very good and well portioned staff good .overall I will be back .downside tabes way to close to one and other.

This was our second visit to the Thistle Inn, the food and portions are great and great value for money, nice atmosphere and attentive staff, would definitely recommend and will continue to visit anytime we are passing

The food was excellent, and good value

Average food as the chicken was dry, quite pricey for what you’re paying for. Good to go if they have a 2 course for 1 deal on to make it worth while

Was quite busy today (Sunday) but served quickly. We had Chicken Tempura & Nachos to start (which had loads of cheese!) Then massive portions of Steak Pie & Salt & Pepper Chicken which were great. We will be back to visit during the week to...

We ordered our dinner from the main menu and picked up to take home.. Service was first class and so much better that any of our local take away’s. We ordred the Chicken cajun penne pasta, chips amd garlic bread.. WOW, this has by far...

Came in for lunch and was greeted by a friendly member off staff how directed us straight to out table and ask for drinks. We dident wait long, following the drinks we had the nachos with spicy chinken and 2 portions of patatoe skins with...

Visited the Thistle Inn on Friday 10th May and was very pleased with the standard and quality of food. I had the steak pie with chips and veg while my wife had the Cajun crepe. Both were very tasty and we both ate for £22.00...

Recently moved to Cumnock. The Thistle is our nearest pub, we tried the restaurant and were very impressed with the selection quality & generous portions, especially on a Wednesday where it’s 2 courses for £9.95, or even 3 courses for just over £12.00. You will need a big appetite to tackle the 3 course can highly recommend it.

My family and I visited this evening front of house very friendly and advised bar meals only if table not booked this was OK. But to find restaurant almost empty 20 mins later WHY didn't you just advise us to have a drink in the bar and seat us later ? My food the braised beef was very nice the rest was very poor how can you get garlic bread so wrong!! Very soggy like a cleaning sponge. Obviously microwaved. My daughters food cajun pasta was just mac and cheese with a Dusting of cajun powder. How exciting NOT my wife's ciabatta was equally as poor

Have been to the Thistle Inn on multiple occasions now and can not fault the food and service you get - highly recommend this place for a meal

Tend to forget about the Thistle because of its location but it's well worth the visit.

Stopped on the way to Edinburgh for lunch. The decor disguised the attractiveness of the meal. Basic pub menu but the food was delicious and service friendly and efficient.

Have been to the Thistle about half a dozen times now - food is fantastic - staff are very friendly - 2 courses for £9.95 - defo recommend

Once again the meal was realy good i had breaded fish for main meal and black pudding and haggis pakora as a starter my wife had steak pie just your basic meal but very nice the kids had salt and pepper chicken which they realy enjoyed will be back again

Friends had made a suggestion about going to The Thistle for a meal as they had eaten there often and found it good value for money. We hadn’t been there for quite a while, so it was good to be going back.

Ate here for lunch on a Saturday because of the good reviews on TA. After placing our order, the waitress came back to say they didn’t have the meal I ordered which was disappointing. She should’ve known which, if any, meals weren’t available. Anyway, I chose something else. The steak pie was tasty as was the lasagne, if a little too cheesy. Good sized portions. The chips are more like fries and nothing special. The menu has a very good, varied choice for starters, mains and desserts.

Haven’t been in ages and forgot how good it was! I had sticky chicken strips, I split with another one of our party for potato skins, steak pie and then cheesecake all were amazing! My mum had the curry, sister the lasagne and my nephew macaroni. Having sampled them all they were of the same high standard! Lovely atmosphere and nice family run pub! At £130 for 5 including wine amazing value. Will be back.

Having previously visited this little gem, when we had family staying with us on holiday, we took them there for a lunchtime treat. This is the first time we've eaten there when we've had a 5 month old baby with us. We were not disappointed. The place was busy but the staff still took the time to look after us providing not only one but 2 options of baby chair for our little one when he was sleepy. The food was of it's usual very high standard and our visitors, who are fussy eaters, have taken home with them lovely memories of this place.

Popped in with no booking on a Sunday, kindly managed to accommodate our party of 6 in the bar.

Undercooked veg and dry meat blade of beef and the meat in my daughters steak pie was the same pudding selection poor and very expensive for the quality of food served

Had a brilliant 3 course lunch, I'm a very fussy eater and I had not 1 complaint from start to finish, service was quick even though they had a table of about 20 in before us. Food was very tasty, fresh and home made, we were stuffed but on viewing the desserts at the next table we had to try them, well worth the I've ate too much feeling folks. Very pleased and cannot wait to go back as the menu has plenty of choices to warrant another few visits. Good Job, Chef and waiting staff the owners should be well pleased with their team.

Use the Thistle regularly with my family and never once have we ever had a bad meal! Everything is always fresh and the staff are lovely! Would highly recommend

Apart from one other couple, the place was empty when we arrived, which didn't give us a lot of confidence in our choice.The waitress/ barmaid also had a permanent scowl on her face.....a welcome 'hello' would even have helped the ambiance. However, the food was wholesome, if not inspiring, and we had no complaint in that department.

Spent a night at Dumfries House Lodge and wound up at The Thistle Inn for dinner. Ate in the restaurant and it was ok. The food and service were good, but I might try other places the next time I'm in the area. I don't think you'll go wrong eating here, but it's not overly special.

Dropped in Saturday about one thirty staff were welcoming and friendly. Took our seats and were presented with the menu and asked if we would care to order any drinks. Speedy efficient service but not in a pushy way.

Up visiting family from Southampton and been in here a few times. It’s really good pub food and the staff are really friendly. Only had the one course (beef fajitas) which was really nice.

My daughter and l often eat in here as it’s our favourite place, the food is absolutely fantastic. Excellent menu choice which changes often so there’s always something new to try. Very friendly staff and lovely surroundings makes it a pleasure to go

Food always very good. Good selection of dishes, I am working my way thro the menu. Deserts are delicious

Great choice on the Christmas menu with a mix and match option from the specials board. Set prices for 2 and 3 course meals. Very large portions, our party were struggling to finish. Very friendly staff and not too long to wait for the fantastic fresh food. Definitely be visiting again over the festive period.

We decided to stop here for lunch and we're not disappointed. We were warmly welcomed into the lounge area and promptly received menus and drinks. The food was fabulous and plentiful. The young lady serving us was very helpful and done a fantastic job. Would definitely visit again.

servers were fantastic decent cooked food at great prices have visited many times will be back again and again and again great food yum yum well done guys : )

The meal was excellent no faults what so ever. Staff were friendly and attentive. Large portions and a wide selection of food and drinks available. Will definitely be back for some more😊. Small carpark outside too bit still plenty parking in the nearby street.

Great food, friendly staff and reasonably priced - favourite place to visit locally within Ayrshire.

We recieved a very warm welcome from the Owner and thoroughly enjoyed our short visit, the food was great and well presented and the Staff were friendly and service was brilliant and the Room was well laid out and very comfortable. I would happily recommend this lovely Inn to anyone thinking of visiting the area.

No sólo de su pub local o el grub mill pub. Estábamos muy contentos de haber visitado clientes por tercera vez, este pequeño tesoro de un hallazgo. La comida ha sido de una calidad excepcionalmente buena y siempre muy bien presentado por un servidor profesional y atento. Nos hizo sentir bienvenidos y nos dejó muy satisfechos. Volver sin duda sobre las tarjetas muy pronto.

No hay mucho donde elegir en esta zona para salir a comer, pero la comida es bastante buena y no está mal para el precio. Mi hijo disfrutó el pudin.

Cada vez que he visitado el Thistle, he recibido buena comida, bien presentado y rápido, servicio amable. No tengo ninguna queja, pero sería bueno tener más opciones vegetarianas (tan lejos como pude ver's macaroni o ensalada), y hay una bastante insípido, decepcionante, selección de cerveza en oferta, especialmente ahora el Guinness Surger proviene de latas.

Stayed here last night after attending a wedding nearby. Rooms were comfy and spotlessly clean and breakfast this morning was a lovely fry up, with loads of toast, served with Orange Juice, tea or coffee. Lady and gentleman who served us this morning, were very friendly and took time to chat with us. Prices were very reasonable would recommend.

definitely worth a visit! the food is great and the staff are friendly! have eaten here a couple of times and been given superb service everytime!

Soon as myself and my partner walked in we were greeted with nothing but attitude from a waitress. My partner ordered a drink and got served straight away however I had to wait 20 minutes to receive my own. Customers who came in after us were served drinks and food before us and the waitresses/waiters did not seem bothered whatsoever. Nothing but rude and a frosty atmosphere. Such a shame but a waste.

Sits on the main cumnock new cumnock road have visited a few times on one occasion booked a table only to find it had not been reserved food so so really hit a day miss some good specials but feel it is overpriced although most of the staff are helpful and pleasant can take be said for all of them was present at a funeral tea and was not impressed lukewarm soup and cold sausage rolls the pancakes were stale

My friend and I enjoyed a two course dinner at the Thistle. We ordered from the set menu and the lasagne was one of the nicest I have ever tasted. I sometimes have the beef stroganoff which is lovely too.We were served by the lovely Justine, who always provides excellent service with a smile. The price for the two course specials menu is very good value, and the drinks are very reasonably priced too which always helps!I will definitely be returning!

Have visited here on several occasions, family gatherings, out with the other half, birthdays etc. Restaurant is decorated lovely, clean presentation. Staff are friendly & cheery (unless their flustered with being busy they can be a bit short but its understandable) Always acknowledge our young son when we bring him in. Food tastes incredible. Really good chefs on board, onky critisimn would be the vegi options. Perhaps offer vegi alternatives of sone of the meat products for example vegi burger? Not many places do these anymore which is a real shame but drspit that what vegetarian options are available they are worth eating again & again, my favourite is the curry. Great prices too. Worth a visit defo!!

Have visited the thistle many times. Lovely meal, fresh, warm good. Only thing that could do with improvement is the staff. Sometimes they seem a bit rude. However would not put me off going back

Managed to book table last minute for a meal with friends after recommendation. Certainly wasn't disappointed. Service was quick and friendly. Food was delicious and generous portions and so much choice . Hadn't intended having deserts but we chatted so long after dinner and the choice was tempting we ended up having some. We were never made to feel rushed... will definitely return and recommend

Good value and good service we both had chicken tempura with a chilli dip which was lovely cooked for main we had lasagna with garlic bread and chip which was xlnt very tastey and well seasoned no pudding as we were stuffed

Went for Sunday Lunch, two courses and drinks £32. Excellent food, combo sharer, lasagna and stacker burger. Couldn't ask for anymore, would def recommend.Thankyou

What more could you ask for great staff and good food. Hearty portions of tasty food attentive friendly staff. Will be a regular customer.

I went here for my birthday meal with family meal was very good and staff very social could supply a little quicker but worth the wait as it was really good

We had a lovely time here, we used a groupon voucher for burgers and drinks for 4 people, the food was delicious and the portions were massive. We had the chicken burgers, which were very filling and definitely worth the money. We will be back soon.

This is a small village pub, nothing fancy but clean and modern chairs. We were struggling to find anything in Sanquhar near where we were staying in a B & B. We were so glad we found this pub. It was had very good value 2 or 3 course choices on the specials but we ordered from the main menu. I had gammon steak, have never had such a thick juicy steak, left about one third as really couldn't manage it. It was served with a 'chip basket' of lovely home cooked chips (had to leave almost half), grilled tomato, mushrooms and 3 onion rings .. managed one of them. Husband had steak and ale pie, served with assorted veg and 'chip basket'.. even he couldn't manage all the chips. Paid £28.15 which included a pint of shandy and a large glass of Sauvignon blanc... really good value for the well cooked and generous portions. Would definitely return. Also good assorted menu choices. Staff very friendly too.

I have visited many times and the food,service and value for money has always been good. Tonight ti was seriously slow,we had to ask to order ages after getting drinks and added a starter we really didn't want just to get food The food was fine though nothing to shout about . Something wrong at back of house I wonder? only one person front of house with owner helping out , he knew very little

Just back from a leisurely lunch with friends.I had been in this place many years ago and forgot how tasty it was.Everyone enjoyed every course which were equally well presented and packed full of taste.The place was busy and staff coped well.One thing which stopped me giving 5 stars was the music which was on which was in my opinion unsuitable for diners..heavy rock does not go down well with me.although it wasnt constant I think it needs amended.That said I will return.

If you happen to be in the cumnock area and feeling peckish,try the thistle inn.friendly staff ,excellent menu choice,very tasty food,very reasonable price.you wont be disappointed.

Went on a group on deal which was very good value waitress very pleasant working hard menus offers nice choice portion good it is very good value not a fancy place but comfortable will go again

excellent staff the food was very well presented and cooked lovely the rooms were clean and very modern and the beds were so very comfy overall excellent place to stay and we were made to feel really welcome when we arrived very polite a real credit to the place.

We regularly visit here as there was a great value deal nenu and the food was always excellent. Last time we visited there was no 'meal deal' menu just normal and was quite abit more expensive. The food was excellent as usual but other than the price being more there was no real difference in variety. The staff on a whole are pleasant although we have mixed emotions over the guy who seems to be running things, he's either really chatty and helpful or makes you feel like you're interupting his day, I've personally witnessed him making faces behind customers backs, not professional at all. That said, there's a younger waitress who can't be faulted, chatty and helpful all the time (her mum's the chef apparently).

Went in for a dinner at night during the week and had of the two course menu .portions was great and wasn't bad priced would defo go back

Been a few time now also new menus which have wide variety and choice great food and service would highly recommend always accommodating

It is to handy for us and is always keen to accommodate at short notice if possible, Consistent quality of food and service at reasonable cost.

found this wee gem last week and just been back for our 2nd meal! food is fantastic, the staff are very helpful and the atmosphere is pleasant. will definitely be dinning here again. good prices for great food!

Drove past The Thistle Inn hundreds of times but never ventured in. Decided to have a last minute bar meal on Monday night.We had the option to pick from a wide selection on the main menu or have 2 courses for £8.50 or 3 courses for £10.50 from a midweek Monday to Friday menu.You will need to go a long way to better what we had, it was excellent value for money. The service and timing of our meals could not be faulted either! We will certainly be back at The Thistle Inn for a meal, it couldn't be faulted in anyway.

Visted the Thistle for the second time the food is really good, generous size portions ,service good ,place was clean and tidy what more do u need for a mid week lunch .

One of my favourite places to go for a family meal great homemade food and service is fantastic nothing ever a hassle to them some of the comments below are very unfair I would see never ever had a bad meal

We were a party of 6 for high tea. Pleasant clean room - busy for a week night. Half of us were having high tea the others were not but this didn't make any difference. Only one waitress and she was kept busy. We had fish, beef pie, lasagne and all were very good and obviously home made. It was quite a wait, but worth it. The cakes and scones were homemade and the merengue was one of the best I have had. Everyone enjoyed their meals and would definitely visit again.

This is the 3rd review I've put on and they seem to keep going missing. Booked for a double room on the Thursday for the Saturday night. Got there and told by barmaid only had a twin room. With technology these days I don't see how they didn't realise they had overbooked, seen as we booked 3 days prior- and don't the hotel tell the website how many rooms they have!? Anyway no one bothered to call and tell us. I asked for the manager and was given a business card. Bo refund or difference of price offered. I said I would see the manager in the morning but wasn't advised no one would be there next morning. Had we not drove an hour to get there and there was somewhere else available we would gave left. So we paid for a double room and got a twin. The rooms are up an outside staircase with no lock on the outside door. Next morning I heard a cook in the kitchen and the table was set, shouted the cook upstairs to advise we had arrived, she didn't come up to greet up so we sat down. Then once I realised she wasn't coming to take an order I had to shout down and ask for eggs to be scrambled. She admitted she had just been drafted in to make breakfast. Shocking the hotel won't pay for proper staff to cook breakfast but save money on getting the cleaner to do it. As we left I went back into the reception to drop off key and ask for the manager. The cook was on the phone and just stared at me, waiting for me to speak. I thought she would have at least pulled the phone away from her face. I asked for the manager and she just shook her head, I had had enough so left I would never stay here again, the sheer fact that the hotel quite clearly knew they had overbooked yet didn't contact us and waited till we arrived and didn't even offer some kind of refund or discount, the website also says check out is 10:30 and we were told to leave by 10am when we got there. Really bad management and service which is a shame as I'm not one to complain and easily pleased.

Second time visiting with the family and may i say just as good as the first visit Again I had the home made steak pie.The staff we're courteous and friendly and the food was tasty and a good size portion.My partner chose one of the burger options and could not finish it as the portion is so big.Will be back again soon as it's a nice drive from our home just outside Glasgow And the surroundings of the Thistle inside and out are lovely.

We had heard about the Thistles £15 take away Munchy Box which we ordered last night. We were told to collect in 20 mins. We arrived to collect after the 20 mins and were told it wasn't ready, the girl who served us was kess than friendly. We waited approx 10 mins. When we got the box home and opened it we were extremely disappointed. The garlic bread was uncooked and cold, the garlic mushrooms were under done and soggy. the potatoes skins were actually limp potato peelings, the haggis pakora was extremely greasy. Salted chilli chips were chips with far too much chilli powder and salt poured over them. This had obviously been thrown together at the last minute. If a restaurant can't get these simple things right it speaks volumes, will not return.

Food was terrible and when I spoke with the waitress she was less than keen to assist, this was my first visit and will most definitely be my last. Don't think the staff, management or chef can take any negative feedback. For what they charge for 2 courses you would be better going 5 mins down the road to a finer establishment

Quality of beef was very poor. Very fatty and tough couldn't chew it. Customer service was shocking from the young waitress to the manager. Very rude didn't offer to provide an alternative and had to pay full price even though I could not eat it. Instead of being an enjoyable Sunday dinner with family it was a very negative experience and the whole party couldn't wait to leave and vowed never to return. This is the first time I've complained about food in a restaurant and was thoroughly disappointed with the response especially as I have been there many times over the years and have previously recommended the place.

I booked two nights at this hotel. The only entrance to my room was in the dark, round the back. Exiting, the lighting came on after you took a couple of steps outside. By that time you were lucky not to fall down the steps. The room was on the first floor, up some rather precarious steep stairs inside. Infirm or older people beware!The room itself had one light - the overhead light. There was no bedside lamp, not even a bedside table to put one on. There was no chair at all. You had to sit on the bed to read or watch tv. Talking about the tv, it was rather small (I know, that's not so important), and there was only a small handful of stations available. (Perhaps that's also not so important, but we ARE talking about Cumnock here, not exactly a lot to do in the town.)It was also rather cold in the room.It seemed dark and dinghy and certainly an old-fashioned feel. Not having interpreted the information properly, I expected there to be wifi. There is no wifi in the room - that IS an important point these days.I felt I couldn't bear to be in the room at all. It just felt so oppressive. I had already paid the two nights, but decided to put it down to experience and went to the Royal Hotel and booked myself in there. (I was told that The Thistle DID have good food.)I went back to the Thistle, packed my bags, and, being the non-confrontational coward that I am, gave only the lack of wifi as my reason for leaving. I have to say that they were very reasonable and returned one night's money to me.This place is, I believe, good for an evening meal, but for accommodation, you pay for what you get. It IS cheap compared to other places

Spent the night there in January 3 couples Very nice We had the large family room and was very spacious. Very clean Only downside is the rooms are in separate building to the restaurant and it was snowing No through door to room Food nice and staff friendly Wouldn't rate the breakfast though. Very expensive for a basic breakfast

On entering we asked for the dining room and were told.. This is it. Dull and drab and almost needed a torch to to see the seats, very dim lighting, why? Even a candle on the table or a wall light would've shone some light on the menu. Menu was fine with smaller portions available. Over half an hour to wait for our food but served nicely by friendly staff. Food and drink prices were reasonable and yes we would go back, but through the day when things are surely a bit brighter.

I visited the restaurant today with my grandparents, the waitress was quick to order our drinks but very slow to take our food order.The food (I had Cajan chicken strips and steak pie) was amazing and it was a good pint too.I won't let the slow service put me off going back but it is a pet hate of mine.

returned to the thistle after being invited to a family gathering,wasnt really looking forward to the food after previous visits in the past.what a surprise I got!,food was very good,everyone in our company enjoyed the various meals we had.the atmosphere was nice and relaxed and I must add the staff were great,nothing was too much trouble for them,will be returning soon.well done to the thistle.