Latest news with #Brigo'Doon
Scottish Sun
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
First look inside new hotel restaurant at Scots beauty spot after major £2.5million revamp
FINE DINING First look inside new hotel restaurant at Scots beauty spot after major £2.5million revamp Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Brig o'Doon hotel sits on the banks of the River Doon in South Ayrshire Credit: Andi Watson Photography 10 The new restaurant has an outdoor and heated terrace for diners Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel 10 The venue has sweeping views of the iconic River Doon and gardens below Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel 10 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. 10 There is an intimate private dining room for up to 24 guests Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel 10 The Tam O'Shanter mural on the wall of the restaurant Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel 10 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. 10 The semi private spaces with picturesque views seating up to 16 Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel 10 Diners can expect standout mains like individual Scotch beef wellingtons Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel
Daily Record
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Ayrshire restaurant reopens after huge makeover as part of £2.5m renovation
An affordable market menu has also been introduced with two courses on offer for £20. The Brig o' Doon in Alloway has officially reopened its restaurant after a five-month refurbishment and expansion. Now called Tales, the restaurant inhibits a purpose-built wraparound extension which also includes a lounge bar, private dining room and elevated public spaces with views of the River Doon. Purchased by the RAD Hotel Group from Costley & Costley in 2022, the Brig o' Doon has undergone a number of changes as the new owners invest in the hotel, restaurant and wedding venue. And the restaurant refurbishment marks the completion of the iconic venue's £2.5 million makeover. Ayrshire Live were invited to the soft launch of the restaurant which took place last week and over the weekend. The interiors have been curated by Lucid Interiors in collaboration with co-owner Vivien Kyle and relaxed, modern feel which is still in keeping with the hotel's past. An effort has been made to incorporate parts of Alloway's history and heritage with a hand-painted mural by artist Roderick McKenzie featuring a scene from Tam o' Shanter. The name and concept of the new restaurant is 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. Tales will operate seven days a week from noon until 10pm offering seasonal Scottish cuisine and sweeping views of the River Doon and gardens below. The menu features a range of cuisine to suit all tastes including traditional Scottish delights such as steak pie, Japanese-inspired BBQ pulled pork Bao Buns and The Immortal Smashed Burger for the burger aficionados. And it doesn't disappoint while the ample portion sizes leave enough room for a dessert such as the raspberry and white chocolate tiramisu. On Mondays to Thursdays before 6.30pm, Tales offers a more affordable two-course Market Menu for £20 which includes options from the full menu. RAD Hotel Group co-owner 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.'
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Historic Ayrshire restaurant to reopen after 'elegant' renovation
The restaurant, which has doubled in capacity to 90 covers, is housed in a purpose-built wraparound extension with "unspoiled sweeping views" overlooking the River Doon. A historic Ayrshire restaurant is set to reopen later this month after undergoing an extension and renovation. The Brig o' Doon in Alloway will welcome guests to the new Tales restaurant from Friday, May 29. A brand new menu has been put together to accompany the new restaurant following a series of four taster sessions. In January, the restaurant closed at the hotel for a "complete makeover" but functions have continued to be held. Purchased by the RAD Group from Costley & Costley in 2022, the Brig o' Doon has undergone a number of changes as the new owners invest in the hotel, restaurant and wedding venue. RAD Group say the name for the new restaurant, Tales, was inspired by the rich storytelling heritage of Robert Burns. Taster sessions were led and hosted by group executive head chef Ian Ferguson and co-owner Vivien Kyle, giving guests a sneak peek at both the new Scottish menu and the newly extended dining space. The restaurant, which has doubled in capacity to 90 covers, is housed in a purpose-built wraparound extension with "unspoiled sweeping views" overlooking the River Doon. The "romantic" interiors have been personally curated by Vivien Kyle and will feature "earthy tones, soft textures, and rich furnishings, alongside a hand-painted mural, bespoke art, and sculptural lighting". The space also includes booths, an "elegant" private dining room and an outdoor terrace perfect for summer drinks and alfresco dining. Speaking about the taster sessions, Ian Ferguson said: 'Coming back to Brig o' Doon after 25 years feels incredibly special, and to launch a restaurant like Tales here is a real honour. 'These taste sessions were a brilliant way to connect with our guests and the local community, and their feedback has helped shape a menu that celebrates the best of Scottish produce while telling a story with every dish. 'We can't wait to welcome everyone through the doors and share what we've created.'
