First look inside new hotel restaurant at Scots beauty spot after major £2.5million revamp

Scottish Sun

08-06-2025

FINE DINING First look inside new hotel restaurant at Scots beauty spot after major £2.5million revamp
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A SCOTTISH hotel has unveiled its brand new restaurant following a major 2.5million revamp.
Brig o'Doon, which sits on the banks of the River Doon in Alloway, South Ayrshire, has finally opened the stunning venue.
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Brig o'Doon hotel sits on the banks of the River Doon in South Ayrshire
Credit: Andi Watson Photography
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The new restaurant has an outdoor and heated terrace for diners
Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel
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The venue has sweeping views of the iconic River Doon and gardens below
Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel
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The lounge bar has an a cocktail list and extensive wine and whisky menus
Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel
The opening of the Tales restaurant marks the completion of the final phase of refurbishments.
We told in January how the hotel shut its doors for a "complete makeover".
The popular wedding venue is famed for its links to Robert Burns - featuring in one of his most celebrated poems, Tam O'Shanter.
Dating back to Medieval times, the hotel is situated by the banks of the River Doon and falls within the Burns Monument Conservation Area.
It was built in 1829 as a Traveller's Inn, and has seen various owners over the years.
In 2022, it was bought over by the Cumnock-based RAD Hotel Group.
The family-owned property has undergone extensive renovations, including this final phase that includes a newly built wraparound extension.
The new extension houses Tales, a lounge bar and private dining room, and elevated public spaces - inspired by Scottish folklore.
The final revamp phase completes earlier refurbishments to the hotel's grand ballroom, luxurious bedrooms and new stunning suites.
Tales will be open seven days a week from noon until 10pm offering seasonal Scottish cuisine, and sweeping views of the iconic River Doon and gardens below.
Inside Fraser Suites Edinburgh
The name and concept are rooted in the poetic legacy of Robert Burns, who famously penned many of his greatest works just steps from the hotel on the iconic Brig o' Doon bridge.
As guests enter the hotel, they will be greeted into a new lounge, complete with a bespoke marble bar and cosy lounge seating.
There is an intimate private dining room for up to 24 guests, ideal for quiet celebrations or pre-dinner gatherings or semi private spaces with picturesque views seating up to 16.
Beyond the lounge, there is a 80-cover romantic dining space.
Storytelling is featured throughout with local art adorning the walls, and a hand-painted Tam O' Shanter mural by artist Roderick McKenzie.
A year-round outdoor terrace completes the scene, offering the perfect spot for summer drinks or alfresco dining.
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There is an intimate private dining room for up to 24 guests
Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel
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The Tam O'Shanter mural on the wall of the restaurant
Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel
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Bao buns, crab tacos and corn fritters are on the menu
Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel
Co-owner of RAD Hotel Group, Vivien Kyle said: "I wanted Tales to feel like stepping into a storybook.
"Something rooted in heritage but filled with imagination."
"Each space feels like its own chapter, from the cosy booths to the visual anchor of the riverside views.
"The palette, textures, and layout are all about creating little moments of magic."
On the menu, Tales offers up locally-sourced seasonal Scottish flavours and comfort-led classic dishes.
Diners can expect standout mains like individual Scotch Beef Wellingtons served with maple-glazed carrots and fondant potatoes, Seared Monkfish and King Prawn Curry with mango madras and coriander rice, or the Highlander Fries loaded with haggis and peppercorn sauce.
Starters include a signature Scotch Egg wrapped in haggis and sausage, fresh mussels of the day, or modern Crab Tacos with lime mayo.
Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy showstoppers like Limoncello Crème Brûlée and the dreamy Triple Chocolate Pavlova.
An imaginative cocktail list and extensive wine and whisky menus complement the story-driven experience.
Following its final transformation, the hotel now offers 14 beautifully appointed bedrooms, including eight new River Suites with private balconies overlooking the river and landscaped gardens.
The refurbishment also includes an enhanced function suite and a newly created wraparound outdoor terrace.
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The semi private spaces with picturesque views seating up to 16
Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel
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Diners can expect standout mains like individual Scotch beef wellingtons
Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel