Glenapp Castle, a well-known hotel in the region, was named alongside locations across the country, including Flora in Cornwall and Horto in Yorkshire.
This new ranking was said to feature restaurants “nestled in rolling estates in the shires” and “kitchens with their very own gardens”.
‘Opulent’ Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire named one of the best restaurants with ‘glorious’ gardens in the UK
Discussing Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire and its restaurant, which features a “glorious” garden, The Good Food Guide said: “Visitors to Glenapp Castle might look forward to a certain ‘Downton Abbey’ vibe with its secluded location, impeccable welcome, opulent environment and stunning views across the Ayrshire coast to Ailsa Craig.
“It’s certainly a place to savour, as you appreciate how those ‘above stairs’ have always had their every need met.
“The sense of period elegance carries through to the brocades and chintz of the restaurant with its discreetly monogrammed bone china, attentive service and formal feel.
Highlighting the food on offer at the castle, the guide added: “Daily changing menus perhaps reflect simpler times, from a three-course lunchtime carte up to a seven-course taster for dinner.
“Dishes are subtle rather than showy and well attuned to Glenapp’s traditional values – highlighting local farm produce and fresh seafood from the boats at Girvan.
“You might start with slow-cooked pork cheek on a saffron-infused barley risotto studded with nuggets of confit pumpkin. After that, perhaps, a roseate loin of roast lamb.”
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Glenapp Castle dubbed ‘fairytale’ location by visitors
The castle, which was built in 1870 and opened as a hotel in the year 2000, has also received praise from visitors on Tripadvisor, with users giving it a 4.8/5 out of 694 reviews.
One person said: “From a service perspective, Glenapp Castle is without a doubt one of the finest hotels we’ve ever experienced — if not the best. From the very first email to the kind follow-up after our departure, every interaction was handled with care, thoughtfulness, and a truly personal touch.”
Another added: “It was like a fairytale. Everyone was so helpful. The food was great. The people who work there could not do enough to insure [sic] everything was OK.”
A third simply penned: “Hands down, this is the most beautiful place we have ever stayed.”
