The Kirkmichael Arms

Off The Beaten Track

3-5 Straiton Rd, Kirkmichael, Maybole KA19 7PH

The Kirkmichael Arms is a well-established and much-loved country pub in the picturesque Ayrshire village of Kirkmichael. With renowned chefs, Justin Galea and Callum Dow, now at the helm, the restaurant has recently attracted some well-deserved attention, offering a menu which celebrates their skills in the kitchen and the many culinary influences from their extensive careers. Provenance and seasonality are key when it comes to curating the food and beverage offering at the Kirkmichael Arms. The pub currently opens for food and beverages from Thursday to Sunday, from 1pm onwards, and bookings for lunch and dinner can be made online at www.kirkmichaelarms.co.uk or by phoning 01655 750200.

Many of the dishes appear to be simple, but as foodies know it is in the simplicity that flavours can truly shine. Take the freshly baked bread on the snacks and starters section of the menu, for example. Can you think of anything more satisfying than the smell and taste of sourdough bread ‘fresh out the oven’ served with smoked creamy butter, the highest quality salt in Scotland and the warm earthiness of a cauliflower dip? Flavour and quality Scottish produce are very much at the heart of this menu with the starters focusing on some of the finest ingredients our landscape has to offer. The roasted heritage beetroot served with radicchio, yoghurt, Arran mustard vinaigrette and candied hazelnuts stands out, as do the Loch Ryan venison empanadas served with chilli, garlic, Thai basil and coriander mayonnaise.

For the mains, you’ll find pub favourites such as fish and triple cooked, hand cut chips, a hand-pressed Scotch brisket burger served with house pickle and homemade country pot pies (which change regularly) alongside more specialised dishes such as Thai-fried sole and a soy miso Scotch sirloin of beef. This is a place to sit, savour and celebrate the best of Scotland’s larder.

Alongside the restaurant, the Kirkmichael Arms also features a traditional country pub with a log-burning fire, serving a selection of premium Scottish beers from West Brewery and boasting an exclusive house lager, ‘Dyrock’ premium session lager, named after the burn that runs through Kirkmichael. It is also the only pub outside of Glasgow serving Nix non-alcoholic pale ale on draft. The dog-friendly bar also features an array of malts and spirits from across Scotland and afar. Seasonally changing craft cocktails also feature in the pub and restaurant.

For exceptional food and drink, the Kirkmichael Arms must become your destination of choice.

kirkmichaelarms.co.uk