Laird’s Table is the ultimate room with a view
Fine cuisine and charming interiors at new restaurant
The moment you walk into Craufurdland Estate in Ayrshire you are overwhelmed not only by the beauty of the grounds but the stunning views of the loch.
As you sit by the window in the new Laird’s Table restaurant, it is hard to think of a more picturesque view than that of the lake and fishery.
And you will be fascinated by the dining tables – carved from trees of the estate and containing artefacts from the castle, including a train set and pine cones. More surprises will greet you as you spend time in this stunning restaurant.
The Laird’s Table is now fully operational and despite work going on outside, from the moment you walk inside, the tranquillity of this Ayrshire venue takes over.
Look closer and you will see that the keys on the dining chairs are from the castle. Indeed, a whole treasure trove of the room’s beautiful furniture and ornaments are from the castle.
And in the corner proudly stands a record player complete with vinyls to choose from – perfect for a cuppa and some time to reflect.
Owners Simon and Adity Houison Craufurd wanted to create a restaurant serving fresh Ayrshire produce and celebrating the life and heritage of the estate, from the family heirlooms in the cabinets to the maps and newspaper cuttings they found in the castle attic that now take pride of place.
Walk through to the bathrooms and you will be sure to stop and admire the clothing on display – all once worn by former residents and visitors to the castle.
The bright, yet cosy and gorgeous setting of The Laird’s Table is the perfect place to take a moment to yourself and relax in the reading nook with a coffee and freshly made cake or pastry. The red velvet cake is too tasty to resist and you haven’t lived until you have tasted sted the chocolate orange scone.
Sit in the coffee area and enjoy a read with one of a selection of books to peruse.
Or perhaps you want to enjoy a lunch or afternoon tea at the Laird’s Table.
Chef Gareth Furey, formerly of The Jefferson, creates stunning dishes using the cream of Ayrshire’s larder.
Menus are updated weekly as Gareth and his team change dishes according to what is available locally – with the exception of a couple of Scottish favourites: Stornoway Black Pudding and McSween’s Haggis. They may have to be sourced from further afield but they are transformed into Ayrshire delights with Gareth’s expertise.
Pop in for a tempting Scottish breakfast as you watch the sun rise over the loch and admire the fishermen patiently waiting for a catch.
Afternoon teawith tea with a view boasts an array of fresh sandwiches, smoked salmon and caviar blinis, scones and pastries, all served with delicious Alfie coffee or something fizzy.
Or will you be tempted by the Bakes, Bubbles or Beer? – a trio of demi pies topped with crisp puff pastry and stuffed with seasonally- inspired fillings and served with some fizz or a craft beer.
The stunning a la carte menu offers fine dining with a beautiful setting; what could be more romantic than a meal and a walk through the woods at the estate?
Owner and operator of the Craufurdland Estate, near Kilmarnock, Simon Houison Craufurd, has become South West chairman of Scottish Land and Estates.
For the past 15 years, Simon has managed his estate, which has been in inthe the family since 1245. He also undertakes the running of the castle on the estate and during his management, the estate has increased its diversified businesses, concentrating mainly on leisure, and tourism, and welcomes more than 10,000 visitors each year – many of whom pay to wade through 10 kilometres of mud, rivers and bogs.
And they have plans for more action and adventure with a new fishery clubroom and changing room- comeshower block for those who are undertaking muddy trials or mountain biking around the trails of the estate.
For the really adventurous, there are plans for a treetop high wire and zipline adventure course being installed next year – promising even more adventure for thrill seekers at Craufurdland Estate.
For the really adventurous, there are plans for a treetop high wire and zipline adventure course...