Souter's Inn
Historic Burns schoolhouse turned award-winning restaurant, blending Scottish heritage with contemporary culinary excellence.
An award-winning restaurant and bar set in a historic thatched-roof building in the heart of Kirkoswald village, South Ayrshire. Built on the site of the schoolhouse where Robert Burns studied, Souter's Inn combines traditional Scottish charm with contemporary design and culinary excellence. Open daily from 9am to 8:45pm, it serves locally-inspired cuisine in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere ideal for both casual diners and special occasions.
A brief summary to Souters Inn
- 47 Main Rd, Maybole, Kirkoswald, KA19 8HY, GB
- +441655760653
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-8:45 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-8:45 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-8:45 pm
- Thursday 9 am-8:45 pm
- Friday 9 am-8:45 pm
- Saturday 9 am-8:45 pm
- Sunday 9 am-8:45 pm
Local tips
- Book ahead, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season, as this popular destination fills quickly due to its reputation and convenient location on the A77.
- Take time to appreciate the historical significance of the building—ask staff about Robert Burns' connection to the site for added context to your visit.
- Visit during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or early evening) if you prefer a quieter atmosphere and more relaxed service pace.
- Try the traditional Scottish dishes, particularly the haggis with neeps and tatties, which showcase the region's culinary heritage alongside the chef's modern interpretations.
- If travelling with dietary requirements, inform staff upon arrival—the kitchen has demonstrated flexibility with gluten-free and other dietary accommodations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Souters Inn location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Souters Inn
A Historic Setting with Modern Soul
Souter's Inn occupies a distinctive position in Kirkoswald's heritage, standing on the very ground where Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns, attended school in 1775. The building itself retains its traditional thatched roof—a nod to its rural Ayrshire roots—yet the interior reveals a striking contemporary transformation. Exposed brickwork and oak panelling create warmth throughout the space, while the modern design philosophy extends seamlessly into the dining experience, striking a balance between reverence for the past and embrace of the present.Culinary Excellence and Regional Flavours
The kitchen at Souter's Inn is helmed by accomplished chefs who have crafted menus celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Ayrshire and the wider southwest of Scotland. Every dish reflects a commitment to quality and presentation, with careful attention to locally sourced ingredients. The menu showcases traditional Scottish fare—including haggis served with neeps and tatties—alongside contemporary preparations that appeal to diverse palates. Whether you're seeking comfort food or refined dining, the varied offerings ensure something for every preference and dietary requirement, including thoughtful gluten-free options.The Traveller's Refuge Along the A77
Positioned on the A77 south of Ayr, Souter's Inn has become a destination in its own right, yet it also serves as an ideal stopping point for those exploring the Ayrshire coastline or travelling to and from ferry terminals. Golfers heading to nearby Trump Turnberry frequently pause here, as do visitors discovering the region's attractions. The all-day food service—from 9am until 8:45pm, seven days a week—makes it accessible whether you're seeking breakfast, lunch, or dinner, accommodating both planned visits and spontaneous stops.Atmosphere and Hospitality
The restaurant cultivates a distinctly relaxed and friendly environment, with staff known for attentiveness and genuine warmth. The interior features a welcoming fireplace that anchors the dining space, creating an inviting focal point during cooler months. This combination of cosy design elements and professional service establishes Souter's Inn as a place where guests feel both comfortable and cared for, whether dining alone, with a partner, or as part of a larger group.Recognition and Reputation
The establishment has earned recognition as an award-winning venue, reflecting years of consistent dedication to food quality and hospitality standards. Its reputation extends throughout South Ayrshire and beyond, drawing repeat visitors who return for the reliable excellence and welcoming character that define the experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ayr Citadel
17.4 km
Explore Ayr Citadel, a 17th-century hexagonal fortress by the sea, rich in history and coastal charm.
Wallace's Monument, Ayrshire “Burnweil”
27.6 km
A proud Ayrshire landmark honoring William Wallace, Scotland’s legendary hero of independence and bravery.
Kingscross Viking Fort
27.7 km
Discover the ancient Viking fort and burial mound at Kingscross Point, where history meets breathtaking coastal vistas on the Isle of Arran.
Original site of Loch Doon Castle
27.9 km
Discover the relocated medieval stronghold of Loch Doon Castle, a polygonal fortress with deep ties to Robert the Bruce and Scottish history.
Wee Al's Bench
31.5 km
Breathtaking coastal vantage point where Arran's natural beauty meets centuries of island heritage.
Bruce’s Stone
32.3 km
Discover the historic site of Bruce’s Stone overlooking Loch Trool, where Scotland’s fight for independence echoes amid stunning natural beauty.
Trinity Church (Former)
32.3 km
A majestic Gothic Revival landmark showcasing Victorian ecclesiastical architecture and Irvine’s rich religious heritage.
Lamlash Stone Circle
34.0 km
Ancient Neolithic gathering place where stone and sky converge on Arran's moorland.
Dean Castle Country Park
37.2 km
Explore Dean Castle Country Park, a beautiful blend of nature and history in Kilmarnock, Scotland, with scenic trails and the majestic Dean Castle.
Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park
37.6 km
Explore the historical splendor of Brodick Castle, surrounded by enchanting gardens and breathtaking landscapes on the Isle of Arran.
The Museum of Ayrshire Country Life and Costume
38.7 km
Explore the rich heritage of Ayrshire at the Museum of Country Life and Costume, where history, culture, and community come together.
Machrie Moor Standing Stones
41.1 km
Discover the enchanting Machrie Moor Standing Stones, a captivating glimpse into Scotland's ancient history amidst stunning natural landscapes.
Portencross Castle
41.9 km
Explore the rich history and stunning views of Portencross Castle, a captivating historical landmark on Scotland's picturesque Ayrshire coast.
King's Caves
42.4 km
Explore the enchanting King's Caves on the Isle of Arran, where natural beauty meets rich Scottish history amidst stunning coastal views.
Rosie's Waterfall
42.9 km
Experience tranquility at Rosie's Waterfall, a serene natural attraction in Newton Stewart, showcasing Scotland's stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife.
Unmissable attractions to see
Crossraguel Abbey(Abaid Crossraguel
3.7 km
Explore the remarkably complete ruins of Crossraguel Abbey, a medieval Cluniac monastery steeped in Scottish history and scenic Ayrshire charm.
Turnberry Castle, Robert the Bruce birthplace
4.2 km
Historic ruins on Scotland’s Ayrshire coast, birthplace of Robert the Bruce and a symbol of Scottish independence and heritage.
Turnberry Lighthouse
4.3 km
Historic 1873 lighthouse on Ayrshire coast blending maritime heritage, stunning sea views, and luxury golf resort charm.
Baltersan Castle(Caisteal Baltersan)
4.5 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Baltersan Castle, a 16th-century Renaissance tower house nestled in the historic Ayrshire countryside near Maybole.
Electric Brae
5.9 km
Discover the surreal optical illusion of Electric Brae, where cars appear to roll uphill amidst stunning Ayrshire coastal views.
Dalquharran Castle
6.1 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Dalquharran Castle, a neo-classical masterpiece turned romantic ruin nestled in Ayrshire’s scenic countryside.
Dunure Labyrinth
8.4 km
Discover the tranquil Dunure Labyrinth, a mystical coastal maze blending history, nature, and spiritual reflection in scenic Ayrshire.
Dunure Castle
8.4 km
Dramatic medieval ruins on a rocky Ayrshire headland, steeped in Kennedy clan history and royal visits, with sweeping views over the Firth of Clyde.
Dunure Harbour
8.7 km
A timeless Ayrshire fishing harbour framed by cliffs and castle ruins, with sweeping sea views and a starring role in Outlander.
Girvan Beach
11.1 km
A sweeping sandy beach with iconic views of Ailsa Craig, family-friendly attractions, and a charming seaside town atmosphere.
Heads Of Ayr Farm Park
12.0 km
A vibrant family farm park in Ayrshire offering animal encounters, adventure play, and seasonal events for all ages.
Heads of Ayr
12.5 km
Scenic Ayrshire peninsula with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, family farm park, and modern holiday lodges near the vibrant town of Ayr.
Greenan Castle
13.9 km
Explore the rugged ruins of Greenan Castle, a dramatic 16th-century tower house perched on Ayrshire’s scenic sea cliffs with centuries of history and stunning views.
Burns Monument
14.0 km
A majestic Grecian-style monument and tranquil gardens honoring Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, in his birthplace of Alloway.
Alloway Auld Kirk
14.0 km
Explore the atmospheric 16th-century ruins of Alloway Auld Kirk, immortalized by Robert Burns in 'Tam o' Shanter' and steeped in Scottish literary history.
Essential places to dine
Souters Inn
0.0 km
Historic Burns schoolhouse turned award-winning restaurant, blending Scottish heritage with contemporary culinary excellence.
The Greenside Restaurant
6.4 km
A welcoming Maybole eatery offering generous portions, diverse menu, and friendly service in a cozy, clean setting.
The Balgarth Pines Bar & Restaurant
14.2 km
A welcoming modern British restaurant and bar in Ayr blending traditional flavors with contemporary dining in a relaxed setting.
The Secret Garden
14.5 km
A cozy family-friendly bistro in Ayr offering hearty British breakfasts, award-winning coffee, and delightful home baking daily.
The Coo Shed
14.9 km
Award-winning Ayrshire café serving farm-fresh food, homemade cakes, and afternoon teas in a charming countryside setting with an adjoining plant nursery.
Chestnuts Restaurant & Hotel
16.0 km
Cozy 3-star hotel and vibrant restaurant near Ayr’s beach, offering warm hospitality, diverse dining, and a welcoming bar atmosphere.
The Fox & Willow
16.5 km
A stylish gastropub and boutique hotel in Ayr offering unique dome dining, creative cocktails, and warm Scottish hospitality.
The Drunken Coo
17.0 km
Savor expertly crafted steaks and western comfort food in a cozy, stylish setting at The Drunken Coo, Ayr’s beloved steakhouse.
The Kylestrome Hotel & Restaurant
17.0 km
A modern, comfortable hotel with a celebrated restaurant in the heart of Ayr, offering easy access to local attractions and scenic riverside walks.
Mr Basrai's World Cuisine Ayr
17.0 km
A vibrant all-you-can-eat buffet in Ayr serving diverse global cuisines in a family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
The Meridian Bier Cafe & Restaurant
17.1 km
A vibrant Ayr venue blending casual breakfasts, hearty pub fare, and world beers in a lively, welcoming atmosphere from dawn till midnight.
Cecchini’s Italian restaurant
17.2 km
Authentic Tuscan flavors and warm hospitality await you in the heart of Ayr at Cecchini’s Italian Restaurant.
Vista Bar & Restaurant
17.2 km
Contemporary dining with panoramic sea views and classic Scottish dishes at Ayr’s Horizon Hotel.
Helen's Restaurant
17.2 km
Cozy Ayr eatery serving traditional British comfort food with friendly service and a welcoming, dog-friendly atmosphere.
Stage Door Cafe
17.3 km
Cozy modern European cafe by Ayr’s Gaiety Theatre, serving fresh breakfasts and casual meals in a welcoming atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Aruna Art & Gifts
8.6 km
Discover unique handcrafted gifts in a charming harbour-side shop nestled in the historic village of Dunure, Ayr.
Treasures Gift Shop
12.6 km
Explore Ayr's Treasures Gift Shop – your destination for unique souvenirs and local crafts that capture the essence of this charming Scottish town.
L Occasionwear Ayr
17.0 km
Elegant ladies’ formalwear boutique in Ayr offering personalized service and curated occasionwear collections in a bright, welcoming setting.
BOOM!
17.2 km
Ayr’s vibrant gift and collectibles shop, packed with pop culture treasures from Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel, DC, and more.
The Original Factory Shop (Ayr)
17.2 km
Affordable shopping for fashion, beauty, and home essentials in the heart of Ayr with unbeatable discounts.
Next
17.3 km
Next Ayr offers stylish, family-friendly fashion and accessories in the heart of Ayr Central, blending quality and convenience for all ages.
Bonmarché
17.3 km
Discover stylish, affordable women's fashion with friendly service in the heart of Ayr's vibrant High Street shopping district.
Unique
17.4 km
Explore Unique in Ayr: Your go-to clothing shop for stylish, local fashion treasures.
Beau Beau Boutique
17.4 km
Discover unique, elegant dresses and personalized service at Beau Beau Boutique, a charming fashion gem in Ayr’s historic Sandgate district.
Keepsake Scotland
17.4 km
Ayr’s charming gift shop packed with Scottish souvenirs, quirky homewares, and unique keepsakes on the historic High Street.
I Do Ayr
17.5 km
A welcoming bridal boutique in Ayr offering inclusive, elegant wedding dresses and haute couture fashion with exceptional personal service.
Branded Outlet Store
17.5 km
Explore unbeatable fashion deals at Branded Outlet Store in Ayr, where quality meets affordability for every style enthusiast.
Om Store UK
17.5 km
Discover a serene metaphysical sanctuary in Ayr’s High Street, offering crystals, incense, and spiritual treasures for mindful living.
Honeyman Boutique
17.6 km
Discover timeless bridal elegance at Diane Honeyman Boutique, Ayr’s premier destination for designer wedding gowns and accessories.
In The Mix
21.3 km
Discover unique Scottish gifts and local crafts at In The Mix, Prestwick’s charming boutique on Main Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Flix Theme Bar
10.7 km
A vibrant bar and nightclub in Girvan offering lively nights, diverse drinks, and versatile event spaces on Bridge Street.
Hollybush Inn
16.9 km
A cozy Ayrshire countryside inn offering modern comfort, hearty food, and a warm, friendly atmosphere for relaxed dining and socializing.
The Growler Taphouse & Kitchen
17.0 km
A lively bar and grill in Ayr offering exceptional craft beers, grilled delights, and a welcoming dog-friendly atmosphere.
Wellingtons Lounge Bar
17.0 km
Step into Wellingtons Lounge Bar for handcrafted cocktails, live music, and a cozy 1920s vibe in the heart of Ayr’s vibrant social scene.
The Twa Dugs
17.1 km
A lively, Burns-inspired Scottish pub in Ayr’s heart, known for unique ales, live music, and an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere.
The Market Inn
17.1 km
A warm, traditional Scottish pub in Ayr offering lively football viewing, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Rabbies Bar
17.1 km
A vibrant Ayrshire pub blending Robert Burns heritage with lively sports, music, and welcoming Scottish hospitality.
The Ghillie Dhu
17.1 km
A vibrant bar and street food hotspot in Ayr’s Burns Statue Square, blending Scottish tradition with lively music and modern flavors.
Budd's Bar
17.1 km
A cozy, friendly, and accessible local bar in Ayr’s historic Burns Statue Square, perfect for casual drinks and socializing.
Smiths Bar
17.2 km
A lively Scottish pub and restaurant in Ayr offering home-cooked meals, premium drinks, live sports, and a spacious beer garden for all ages and dog lovers.
Crumbs & Cocktails
17.2 km
A vibrant Ayr bar blending creative cocktails, live music, karaoke, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for memorable nights out.
Tbar
17.3 km
A quirky and lively pub in Ayr offering excellent cocktails, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for a memorable night out.
Mulligan's Ayr
17.4 km
A vibrant Irish sports bar in Ayr offering lively music, extensive drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages and tastes.
Harleys Ayr
17.5 km
A vibrant and welcoming bar on Ayr’s High Street, perfect for lively nights and social gatherings with a modern, inviting atmosphere.
Christina's Bar
17.5 km
A friendly and affordable Scottish pub on Ayr’s Mill Street, offering hearty meals and a warm local atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Notion Ayr
17.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Notion Ayr, an exceptional events venue in the heart of Ayr, perfect for unforgettable social experiences.
Printhouse Ayr
17.5 km
Experience Ayrshire’s vibrant nightlife and live music scene at Printhouse Ayr, where music and atmosphere unite for unforgettable nights.
Ayr Ex-Services Club
17.5 km
A friendly and lively social club in Ayrshire offering great music, community spirit, and vibrant weekend nights.
Pitchers Bar and Nightclub
32.5 km
A vibrant and inclusive nightclub in Irvine’s heart, offering lively music, dancing, and a welcoming atmosphere until the early hours.
The Club
35.8 km
A vibrant nightlife hotspot in the heart of Kilmarnock, offering lively music and a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors.
Skye Nightclub & Lounge
61.0 km
Energetic nightclub and lounge in East Kilbride offering vibrant nightlife, music, and drinks in a stylish setting.
Downtown Nightclub
61.1 km
Experience East Kilbride’s vibrant weekend nightlife at Downtown Nightclub, a hub of music, dancing, and late-night energy in the town centre.
Vienna's Nightclub
61.3 km
Experience Paisley’s vibrant nightlife at Vienna's Nightclub, where energetic music and lively crowds come alive every weekend.
Fantoosh
61.3 km
A lively, intimate nightclub in Paisley’s heart, perfect for energetic nights with friends and local beats.
The Scottish Honky-Tonk
61.5 km
Discover the lively Scottish Honky-Tonk on the Isle of Bute for an authentic experience filled with music, hospitality, and local charm.
Club 69 Paisley
62.0 km
Dive into Paisley’s legendary underground techno scene at Club 69, where pulsating beats and vibrant vibes keep the night alive.
Masonic Arms
62.5 km
A welcoming gastropub in Gatehouse of Fleet, blending hearty Scottish fare, quality ales, and charming garden views in a historic setting.
The Shed
64.0 km
Dive into Shawlands' glitzy two-floor nightclub where chart bangers, R&B, hip-hop, and 80s cheese anthems fuel unpretentious Southside partying till the early hours.
Sub Club
67.2 km
Glasgow’s legendary underground nightclub, Sub Club, pulses with cutting-edge sound and authentic dance culture in an intimate basement setting.
Classic Grand
67.2 km
Glasgow's ultimate electronic music haven in a reborn cinema, where thunderous beats and euphoric crowds collide until dawn.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Casual
- Lively
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Wheelchair Access