Ayrshire restaurant reopens after huge makeover as part of £2.5m renovation
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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Great British Sewing Bee viewers issue same complaint as they spot huge format flaw
Great British Sewing Bee viewers issue same complaint as they spot huge format flaw Tuesday's episode of The Great British Sewing Bee was centred around Korean garments. The Great British Sewing Bee viewers issued the same complaint as they spotted a huge format flaw. During Tuesday's (August 5) episode of the hit BBC reality show, judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant set the contestants three challenges that celebrated the rich fashion and textile traditions of Korea. They were also joined by award-winning designer Eudon Choi, who helped them examine each Korean-inspired item. For the pattern challenge, the sewers had to create a jeogori - a historic Korean jacket that's now seen in contemporary womenswear and K-Pop. The contestants then had to transform taekwondo outfits and colourful belts into striking new creations, with Kit coming in first place. Tuesday's episode was inspired by Korean fashion (Image: BBC) In the made-to-measure challenge, the sewers were tasked with designing evening wear inspired by a garment once worn by Korean military officials. Born in the 900s during the Goryeo dynasty, the cheollik started as a military coat built for movement and authority with a flat collar, pleats and ties. Over centuries, it's evolved from rugged menswear into elegant womenswear. The contestants were given five hours for the project, after being able to practice their items at home. After failing to impress the judges with her creations, Novello was eliminated from the competition, while Caz received the garment of the week. 66-year-old sewer Novello was eliminated (Image: BBC) "It's okay, I expected it," Novello said after her exit. "Sewing has always been in my life, and this experience has blown it out of the water, really. It's just something that I will remember and treasure always." However, after watching the episode, many of the show's viewers shared their frustration at the lack of time the sewers get during each challenge. Article continues below "I know it's a competition, but can't they give them a little more time? It's nicer to judge finished garments," one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another added: "I know they have to weed out the worst sewers, but give them a bit more time," while a third said: "They defo need more time." The Great British Sewing Bee is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
Edinburgh Live
6 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Oasis fans challenged to compete for six-feet of beer in Wonderwall sing-off
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Oasis fans have been invited to compete for six-feet of Innis & Gunn beer in a Wonderwall World Championship. The open-mic competition will take place before the Mancunian band's first Edinburgh concert as part of their Live '25 Tour. Fans will take to the Stockbridge Social with each entrant promised a pint of the Scottish lager for having the confidence to step up to the mic ahead of the Murrayfield Stadium gig on Saturday August 9. In order to be in with a chance of winning, those taking part will have to perform the Britpop anthem and be judged on their performance by a panel of judges. The event will be hosted by A View from the Terrace's, Craig Telfer. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. Dougal Sharp, founder and master brewer at Innis & Gunn, said: 'Like Oasis, we have never been afraid to do things our own way. Wonderwall has cemented itself into British culture and everybody knows it. (Image: Innis & Gunn) "And after all, as soon as those opening chords ring out, you know it's going to be a good time. With the Gallaghers coming to Edinburgh, we thought it was the perfect time to let people have their own moment in the spotlight. "Grab a pint, grab the mic and show us your Wonderwall.' Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Stockbridge Social is a new venture run by Innis & Gunn at the Edinburgh Academicals sports ground. Food traders including Cromars, Flame to Fork and Wanderers Kneaded will also be at the site. The Wonderwall World Championships will take place from 1pm, with free entry on the day.
Leader Live
7 hours ago
- Leader Live
Hugh Laurie and Matthew Macfadyen to star in Harry Potter audiobook series
The stars are among 200 actors lending their voices to bring to life the characters from JK Rowling's wizarding world for an immersive audio series, Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions. Laurie, best known for starring in the medical drama series House, has been cast as Hogwarts Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, while Macfadyen will voice antagonist Lord Voldemort. Laurie said: 'I'm honoured to have been trusted with the keys to Albus Dumbledore, and thrilled to be able to take him around the track of this beautiful incarnation by Pottermore and Audible. 'I'm also deeply conscious of previous drivers Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, Jude Law and the iconic narrations by Jim Dale and m'colleague Sir Stephen Fry. Just below the horizon, but headed our way, is the rough beast John Lithgow, his hour come round at last. This is great company, and it's a privilege to be among their number.' The novels have previously been produced into single-voice recordings by Jim Dale and Stephen Fry. Produced by Audible and Pottermore Publishing, the new audiobook series will include a full cast, original music and real-world sound capture to create an immersive audio experience. Emmy award-winning actor, Riz Ahmed, also joins the cast as Professor Snape alongside Scottish actress Michelle Gomez who will voice Professor McGonagall and Cush Jumbo as the narrator. Rachel Ghiazza, chief content officer at Audible, said: 'Magic is coming alive as these brilliant actors lift iconic characters off the page and into our ears. 'Hearing these spellbinding performances in our state-of-the-art studios has been nothing short of extraordinary. We're overjoyed to share that fans of all ages can now mark their autumn calendars for a truly breathtaking experience with Audible and Pottermore Publishing – one that promises to reignite the magic for longtime fans and captivate a whole new generation of listeners.' Newcomers Frankie Treadaway, Max Lester, and Arabella Stanton will play Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger respectively in audiobooks one, two and three. From audiobook four through to the last book in the series, the three protagonists will be played by Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, and Nina Barker-Francis (Harry, Ron, and Hermione respectively). It comes after production for the new HBO TV adaptation of the popular fantasy novels began earlier this summer. Each season of the show will be a faithful adaptation of the Harry Potter books, from author and executive producer JK Rowling. The novels had already been made into movies with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint playing the trio. The first of the seven audiobooks, Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, will be released on November 4 followed by Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets on December 16. The remaining books will be released monthly in the new year starting with Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban on January 13 2026, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire on February 10, and Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix on March 10. Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince will be out on April 14 with the final book of the series, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, scheduled to be released on May 12. Additional cast members will be announced this autumn.
