A Fresh Take on Christmas
Festive small plates, seasonal cocktails and riverside views at The Boathouse in Ayr.
Finding somewhere new to eat is always a pleasure, especially when there’s a good view involved. At The Boathouse in Ayr, you can settle in beside the River Ayr, order something good and let the day slow down for a while. With stylish modern interiors and a warm, relaxed atmosphere, this recently opened restaurant offers plenty of reasons to pull up a chair.
It comes from the team behind The Backstreet Kitchen, whose freshly prepared meals will already be familiar to many across Ayrshire. The Boathouse brings that same passion for quality, flavour and hospitality into a riverside setting, with menus that take you from breakfast through to an evening out.
That makes it an easy place to work into your plans. Meet a friend for coffee, take your time over brunch or bring the family together for dinner. Cocktails by the river are another appealing option, particularly when nobody’s in a hurry to head home. The menu is varied, and regular fish specials give diners something else to look out for when they visit.
With Christmas approaching, there’s now another reason to book a table. The Boathouse is preparing to launch a festive menu that takes a slightly different approach to the usual Christmas meal, giving guests the chance to enjoy a selection of seasonal dishes served as small plates.
The idea is simple: you can make a full occasion of it or choose a smaller selection to suit your appetite. It’s a flexible way to eat during a season when one visit might be a celebration with friends and the next a quick catch-up between Christmas errands.
Among the dishes featuring on the festive menu are salmon, mini beef Wellington and turkey ballotine, with soup also joining the selection. Cheeseboards and a dessert Yule log offer plenty of temptation for later, too. These are just some of the dishes to look forward to, with more to discover across the full festive offering.
There’s a pleasing mix of familiar Christmas flavours and dishes that give you something different to try. You might have your eye on the Wellington, be drawn towards the salmon or want to start with a warming bowl of soup. The small plate format leaves room to explore the menu without having to commit to one main dish.
Special Christmas cocktails will accompany the menu, adding another seasonal touch to an afternoon or evening at the restaurant. There’s something particularly enjoyable about taking a break from December’s busy diary, sitting down with good company and letting someone else take care of the food and drinks.
The festive plans will reach beyond the dining room as well. The team is looking to hold pop-up events on the terrace, featuring street food and Christmas classics such as mulled wine. It’s another way to enjoy the riverside setting and a chance to stop by for a more informal festive outing.
Keep an eye on The Boathouse’s social media channels for dates, details and announcements as those plans come together.
Behind the food is owner Robert, the creative force in the kitchen. Diners will be able to see him at work, bringing the dishes together with the team. When there’s a moment, he may also pop out to chat with customers, giving guests a chance to meet the person behind what’s on their plates.
For Robert and the team, the festive season is also an opportunity to thank everyone who has supported The Boathouse since it opened.
Every breakfast, coffee stop, dinner and return visit has helped the new restaurant find its feet. They’re grateful to everyone who has come through the doors and look forward to welcoming familiar faces and first-time visitors over Christmas.
There’s news elsewhere in the business, too. The Backstreet Kitchen has recently moved to a new unit at North Harbour Industrial Estate, continuing to offer its usual tasty takeaway meals. Outside catering is also available, while The Poet’s Corner in Alloway will be open this festive season.
Back at The Boathouse, the invitation is to come along and enjoy Christmas at your own pace. Choose the festive package, pick out a few individual plates or watch for a terrace pop-up that takes your fancy. With river views, seasonal cocktails and a menu offering plenty to explore, there’s a new setting for this year’s get-togethers.
Follow The Boathouse’s socials for the festive menu launch, the full selection of dishes and upcoming event details.
