ARGENTINE HOUSE HOTEL

Shore Road, Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran, KA27 8PZ
Contact: Bruno and Assya Baumgartner
Tel: 01770 700662 Fax: 01770 700693
Email: info@argentinearran.co.uk Web : www.argentinearran.co.uk

You will recognise this villa on the sea front by the flags flying in its garden: the Swiss flag signalling its Swiss owners. Assya is the cook while Bruno runs the front of house and the dining room. The Swiss have a reputation as professional hoteliers and there is a feeling of personal care and attention to detail in this establishment which are the hallmarks of good hotel keeping. A Russian samovar sits in a corner of the dining room and beside it a huge selection of teas. On the ornate antique sideboard, which dominates one wall, there is a range of Arran cheeses. There are warm, home-made breads and rolls with good tasting butter, some lightly cooked scallops, still bursting with flavour, on a large stylish plate, a homely stew then a rich icy pudding (Cassata Argentina) with nuts and chocolate to follow.

The four course menu is a fixed-price (£22.00) usually no-choice main course, excluding coffee. (Vegetarian option by request, prior arrangement preferred) Breakfast, if you happen to be staying overnight, had a platter of fresh fruits, ready prepared to scoop into a bowl. The other attraction was Assya's selection of home made jams and jellies - delicious flavours of wild hedgerows and orchards.

Dinner for non-residents by arrangement.
Booking essential.
Open mid February - early January.