The Auchans is a family-run restaurant in a historic village property. Original features such as stone walls and oak beams create an atmospheric vibe for a meal.
The menu is a combination of Scottish favourites with added European flair plus a few international classics, all featuring fresh local produce.
Sample starters at The Auchans include smoked salmon & prawn cocktail; chicken liver parfait with red onion chutney and toasted crusty bread, and battered haggis fritters with beer & onion purée and herb salad. Veggies can try out the falafels with smashed avocado, cherry salsa and herb salad.
Over in the mains, a house special is the Auchans steak pie with seasonal vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes (this would be perfect for a Sunday lunch). Or you could tuck into a beer-battered fish & chips with tartare sauce, mushy peas and a lemon wedge.
Other more global options include mixed bean chilli with coriander, avocado & lime dip and toasted flatbread, or chicken tempura with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, garlic mayo, Asian slaw and fries.
Dundonald is a lovely Ayrshire village watched over by a medieval castle on a hill. It is tucked away between Kilmarnock and Troon with Glasgow around an hour’s drive away.
And from a secret smugglers’ trail to nearby Barassie Beach – as well as golfing and walks – you could turn your meal at The Auchans into a scenic day out.