BRIG O’DOON ON THE HUNT FOR TASTE TESTERS AHEAD OF RESTAURANT OPENING

Ayrshire’s iconic Brig O’Doon House Hotel invites the local community to play a key role in shaping its future dining experience. As part of its extensive renovations, the hotel is launching a new initiative to recruit 'Taste Testers' ahead of the restaurant launching later this spring.

Owned by The RAD Hotel Group, which took over the property in 2023, the team is calling on food enthusiasts to participate in exclusive Taste Sessions, where they will sample a curated selection of dishes and drinks. These sessions, held in the Brig Ballroom in April, will offer participants the chance to provide valuable feedback, directly influencing the final menu ahead of the restaurant’s grand opening later this spring.

The menu has been developed by the talented Group Head Chef, Ian Ferguson, who returns to The RAD Hotel Group and Brig O’Doon after a 25-year hiatus. He first worked there as a Sous Chef during the Millennium. The new initiative reflects the hotel’s commitment to its community. It follows sympathetic renovations designed to celebrate the venue’s heritage while reimagining its spaces with sweeping views of the River Doon in Ayr.

The new restaurant is housed in a purpose-built wrap-around extension towards the River Doon which doubles the capacity of the space to 90 covers from 45. It will feature a mixture of comfortable booths and tables with floor-to-ceiling windows offering expansive leafy views. Complementing the restaurant is an all-seasons outdoor terrace, perfect for dining alfresco and enjoying sunshine-fuelled drinks during the summer months. Co-owner Vivien Kyle has carefully chosen interiors, including a striking hand-painted mural, bespoke art installations, rich earthy tones, textures, and soft furnishings across the lounge bar and private dining room.

Kyle Properties' in-house renovation team has managed the project, with Vivien and Robert Kyle overseeing the venue transformation.

Speaking about the upcoming Taste Sessions, Group Head Chef Ian Ferguson said:

“Returning to Brig O’Doon feels like coming home. It’s been a pleasure to step back into the kitchen and create something new. This menu is a tribute to Ayrshire's rich culinary traditions and the vibrant local ingredients we have at our doorstep. I’m thrilled to involve the community in shaping a dining experience that celebrates our shared heritage.”

Upon opening later this spring, guests will enjoy a new experience-led venue that offers flexibility and comfort across dining, drinks, and wedding guests, with exceptional customer service that the RAD Group is known for.

TASTE SESSIONS. If you would like to take part in shaping the future of Brig O Doon’s menu at a complimentary taste session, please email marketing@rad.ltd.uk to leave your contact details. Lucky diners will be randomly chosen and invited down to sessions in the Brig Ballroom taking place in April.