A warm fire and a warm welcome await you at the Kirkmichael Arms
"If at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again"
A warm fire and a warm welcome await you at the Kirkmichael Arms
Best Scottish Pub, The Scotsman Scran Awards 2025
Honest and robust, romantic and gastronomic — a true taste of Scotland's wilderness
We smoke our own salmon, churn butter, cure bacon, and bake bread in a painstaking, pre-industrial manner because we believe you can taste that care on the plate.
Following traditional ways while exploring new directions, we draw on classical French techniques with Asian influences, creating food that's an adventure we'd like you to join us on. Located just 20 minutes from Ayr in the heart of South Ayrshire, our Michelin-recommended restaurant is easier to reach than you might think.
Book A TableFrom Melbourne to the Scottish Lowlands
A tale of passion, community, and bringing heart back to a village
When the Kirkmichael Arms shut its doors, the village started to close down too. Two determined locals searched for someone to revive their beloved pub, leading them to Justin Galea—an Aussie chef who fell in love with Scotland.
Despite being in a Thai jungle when contacted, Justin knew immediately this was his calling. He said yes to taking on the Ayrshire restaurant, sight unseen, bringing with him a vision for a place celebrating Scotland's artisans, creativity, and natural wilderness.
Our Story
Why Visit The Only Michelin-Recommended Restaurant in Ayrshire
Whether you're searching for Michelin-quality dining in Ayrshire or a proper country pub experience, The Kirkmichael Arms offers something special.
Unapologetically Scottish first, we search out local Ayrshire farmers and artisans, then the lowlands, highlands and islands, celebrating the best of Scotland's natural larder and traditional craftsmanship. We want to bring out the very best of Scottish produce, reimagined in ways you would never expect.
Yes, we're Michelin recommended. But we're still a proper pub at heart. A place where you can bring your family for Sunday lunch, celebrate an anniversary, or simply enjoy a pint and our fish and chips by the fire.
Aqua vitae
Whisky Tasting“With ale, we fear no evil;
With whisky, we’ll face the devil!”
'The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible'
— Robert the Bruce
'In the end, it is not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years.'
— Robert the BruceWilderness journal
Stories from Scotland's last great wilderness, where stags stand proud on hillsides and salmon shimmer in the burns.
Tales of the land that inspires us, the artisans who shape it, and the adventures that await in this playground of legends.
Searching for restaurants in Troon? Okay, we get it. You want something convenient, local and easy. But the very best dining experiences are worth a short journey.
We don’t do Christmas by halves at The Kirkmichael Arms. Come and visit our restaurant in the heart of Ayrshire over the festive period and discover the very best Christmas menus that Scotland has to offer.
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Ayrshire, The Kirkmichael Arms is a Michelin‑listed restaurant and bar, offering a true taste of Scotland’s wilderness.
Kirkmichael Arms