Plenty on offer on Arran this September weekend
Arran may have had their September Weekend holiday last weekend but for those in Glasgow and the central belt they will be enjoy- ing a well earned two day break this weekend. And for many a trip to Arran will be on the cards and they will find a whole host of events and activities to enjoy before sampling some of the best food and drink the island has to offer. Starting in Whiting Bay Felicity’s at Eden Lodge, which was reopened this summer by the new owners, has been completely refurbished and is a cafe, bar and grill with a char-grill cooker. Serving the coffee and cakes they were famous for at Blackwaterfoot, a coffee and a scone is still only £2.50. The restaurant and bar has stunning views of Holy Isle, outside seating and a family friendly atmosphere. They serve two for one fish and chips on Fridays from 4pm till 6pm and there is a gourmet burger and quiz night on Thursdays. Both worth booking for. Felicity’s is open from 10am daily and up to date information and menus on their website and Facebook page. Still in Whiting Bay there is a new team at Coast and they would like to welcome you on their journey is creating a great dining experience from breakfast to lunch to dinner or simply relax with a coffee and cake. There are also dinner specials, winter promotions and theme nights and the fully licensed restaurant is open six days a week from 10am, closed Wednesdays. It is available for functions and while bookings are recommended they are not essential. Why not look online or pop in and see them. Over at Old Brye Visitor Centre on the west coast there is always a warm welcome and now there is even more reason to go as the extended play area now includes informal tennis, badminton, football and basketball for older kids as well as the swings, trampoline, large sand pit, side and 'digger den’ for younger ones – all for a donation of £1 per child for café and shop customers.
Clothing, gifts and accessories for all the family can be found in the Old Byre showroom to include brands such as Seasalt, Mudd and Water, Barbour lots of Scottish and Irish knitwear, leather bags and sheepskin goods. Café Theme serves delicious freshly prepared food with a Mediterra-
nean and Scottish twist, the unique wood burning oven was handmade by the owner so everything is lovingly created. Just turn up for the fresh home baking or lunch but please book for dinner Mon-Sat on 01770 840608. Paint your own pot in Simon’s pottery and browse the array of ceramics and silk painted items. There really is something for everyone at the Old Byre Visitor Centre, and all with stunning views. In Lamlash the Drift Inn has live music with Matt Johnston tonight Friday from 9pm and drink dance and reminisce with the fantastic covers band Badstone tomorrow night (Saturday) also at 9pm. Playing music from the 60s through to the 80s this five piece band are not to be missed. Both evenings have free admission. The popular bar will be also be serving lunch and dinner in the restaurant and outside in their expanded beer garden, if the weather is favourable. In the south of the island the always popular Kilmory Hall Fete and table top sale is on tomorrow (Saturday) from 2pm to 4pm with the Arran Fiddle Club, dancing dogs and much more. Back in Brodick it is community day at the big Co-op. There is a tombola, samplings and giveaways and raffles as well as a homemade soup and roll stall, and a tea, coffee and biscuit station and music from Mark Harwood. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in and all monies raised on the day will be donated to various charities on the island. Blackwater Bakehouse and Robin’s Herbs join forces this Sunday to bring you handmade gourmet pizzas with homegrown and locally sourced toppings on a flippin’ tasty base. Take away only.