The Secret Garden
Sitting pretty as a picture overlooking the banks of the River Doon in Alloway, The Secret Garden is a family-friendly, fully licensed café bistro which offers everything from a lazy brunch with some award-winning coffee to an indulgent afternoon tea with a glass of fizz. With menus to tempt all tastebuds and a selection of home-made cakes and bakes for those days when only a pot of tea and a scone will do, it’s a place where everyone is welcome to sit, relax and enjoy the riverside views and first-class hospitality. Furry four-legged friends, fresh off the beach are warmly welcomed in the outside seating area too and bowls of fresh water await them.
In addition to the cosy and intimate interior there’s a beautiful outside decking area overlooking the river which offers ample additional seating in a sun trap which provides a much welcome opportunity to enjoy the views and some fresh coastal air. While sipping a cappuccino and admiring the view it’s easy to imagine Burns strolling along the path by the river where it’s said he composed many a verse.
Priding itself on using organic, fairtrade and free range produce wherever possible, The Secret Garden is a place which is passionate about providing fresh, local, tasty food served up in generous portions. On the breakfast menu for example, you can enjoy a toasted bagel piled high with smooth avocado, vine tomatoes, cream cheese and smoked salmon: a hearty feed. Alternatively, you can opt for the ‘Grand Full Scottish’ which more than lives up to its name: Ayrshire bacon, link sausages, Lorne sausage, black pudding, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, potato scones, eggs your way and some chunky toast to finish. These are meals to be enjoyed slowly and at leisure with as many hot drink refills as it takes.
Soups, salads, burgers and ploughman’s platters are just some of the mains available throughout the rest of the day (there are some tasty vegetarian options in there too such as the grilled halloumi and charred red pepper burger) and there are plenty of sides to choose from including cajun fries with sriracha mayo, cheesy chilli garlic ciabatta and falafel balls with harissa mayo. For those looking for something on the lighter side the smoothie menu offers a choice of four fresh, fruity, nutrient packed drinks all made to order. The most
popular with young and old alike is the straight up strawberry and banana smoothie but for something a little more exotic the peach, mango and passionfruit smoothie brings a taste of sunshine your way. And if all you want is a coffee you’re in luck; The Secret Garden serves up award-winning Myrtle Coffee made by their fully trained baristas who prepare the perfect bean-to-cup beverage every time. Espressos, cortadas, lattes, mochas, one shot, extra shots, decaf… it’s your coffee your way. For the coffee purists it’s worth noting that Myrtle Coffee roast their own responsibly sourced beans to offer a range of specialty coffees which maintain the unique flavour profiles of their origin.
In addition to the multiple menus available The Secret Garden offers an outside catering service for events of all shapes and sizes. By offering a bespoke, professional service which is competitively priced, catering can be provided at any number of different venues and for all kinds of occasions from informal finger buffets to celebratory three course meals. As with the café and bistro the focus is on fresh, locally sourced produce prepared thoughtfully and served to your specifications.
It’s no surprise that this is a place which attracts return customers and newcomers alike. With its enviable riverside location, The Secret Garden offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the town centre where you can enjoy quality food, first class service and value for money. Open 7 days a week, 9 am – 5 pm, you can pop in any time. You might find you very quickly become a regular too.
