The Kirkmichael Arms
We’re already halfway through 2024 and the Kirkmichael Arms is already one of my favourite finds of the year by far, with no sight of that changing anytime soon… It’s a small, unassuming gastropub in the heart of Kirkmichael (pronounced kar-mikkel by the locals!) and is only around a 10 minute drive from Maybole.
This cosy pub’s kitchen is run by chef Justin Galea, an extremely talented chef who has already worked his magic to put this place on the map for their food. Bringing classic dishes such as their signature pot pies to the plate as well as some Thai-inspired dishes from his travels, the food you can order here is unlike anything you’re able to get nearby.
After speaking to chef Justin and the rest of the team who work at the Kirkmichael arms, it’s not only refreshing but also inspiring to hear what goes into each dish (and even their cocktails!) before it even makes it to the table..
I’ve now visited the venue twice for dinner so I’d be here all day gushing over each dish I’ve tried so here’s a rundown of the standouts for me:
The crispy sushi steak tartare was spectacular — crispy rice with a spicy nam jim jaew garnished with radish
“The mackerel that thought it was a tuna” — a fun lightheartedly-named dish, named as such due to the way the mackerel has been cooked (it ended up with the texture of tuna), was also a firm favourite.
The house smoked salmon with avocado went down a treat. Nothing was wasted from the salmon as the skin came on the side crispy with a creme fraiche dipping sauce to snack on.
The harissa cornfed chicken…wow! Packed with flavour (especially the soy miso butter sauce I chose to pair it with) and the chicken was super juicy.
The fish & chips — a classic you can’t go wrong with! I don’t have a great picture of this so you’ll need to trust me on this one. Plenty of beer-battered fish on a bed of chips…paired perfectly with their homemade tartare sauce.
A very special place indeed and all at a reasonable price point!
P.S. make sure to try some dishes from their specials board when you visit. The choice is ever-changing but I promise you won’t regret it…
- The Kirkmichael Arms
- 3-5 Straiton Rd, Kirkmichael, Maybole KA19 7PH
- 01655 750200
- www.kirkmichaelarms.co.uk
- Reservation recommended
- £20-£40pp+
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