The Sorn Inn Ayrshire On A Plate

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The Sorn Inn Ayrshire On A Plate

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Please note the restaurant is now temporarily closed for a major refurbishment we will provide updates in due course.

Features

CUISINES

Bar, European, Scottish

Meal types

Drinks

PRICE

$$ - $$$

FEATURES

Gift Cards Available

Reservations

Location

35 Main Street, Sorn KA5 6HU Scotland

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4.5

293 reviews

Excellent

211

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Terrible

Oona M

1 contribution

Excellent food and friendly service

Jun 2023 • couples

Booked as a surprise for my husband, while staying locally for a couple of days. The place looks very much like a 'normal' village pub from the outside, but the menu is definitely fine dining. We were the last table of the day, but the service was friendly and unhurried, and the (newly launched) tasting menu was excellent, very well thought out with varied ingredients, and also generous portions for this style of presentation. Waitress and barman were attentive and keen to explain the menu and drinks, and the chef was even kind enough to come out and chat for a little while afterwards, despite it being the end of service on a Sunday.

Written June 18, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Missjaxxx

Glasgow24 contributions

Fabulous food and friendly service

Jul 2022 • family

We enjoyed a great dinner here while on a family break. Firstly the girl that greeted us was just lovely, very friendly and made us instantly feel welcome. Our dinners were very good. My steak was cooked to perfection and the chips perfect! Crispy on the outside and soft in the middle and fresh! My other half enjoyed his burger and my little boy loved the chicken strips and chips which were also freshly prepared. You could tell good quality meats where used. When we return to the area this will definitely be one of our stops.

Written July 22, 2022

S G

Thank you so much for your review. We look forward to welcoming you back.

Written July 23, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Louise G

2 contributions

Fantastic find!

Mar 2023 • friends

First of all let me say the reviews on here don’t do the place justice! Along with my friends I have been doing the Ayrshire walk and stumbled upon this gem of a pub. We had our 3 dogs in with absolutely no problem, Infact both treats and water were offered! The food and service was fantistic and you’re doing a great job at providing a fantastic atmosphere, which is rare to the local area. Will definitely recommend and be back!

Written March 25, 2023

Iain M

Glasgow50 contributions

Worst steak I’ve ever tasted

Nov 2022 • couples

Visited using an Itison voucher for steak surf & turf. Decided to have soup for starters which was advertised as being served with freshly baked bread. The soup was served in a very small bowl and was tasteless. The bread was anything but fresh and felt and tasted like it had been lying in the back of a cupboard for a fortnight. Now for the steak. We asked for sirloin but was told there was none left and we would have to take ribeye. The steak arrived and one look put us off. This was certainly not ribeye and was more like some sort of reconstituted beef. I would have to say that it is the worst steak we’ve ever been served. The surf part was 3 sad looking small prawns that had been placed on top of the steak. The owner asked us how it was and we told him how dissatisfied and disappointed we were. To this comment he then became quite aggressive and told us to leave. He obviously doesn’t like criticism. We had our meal on a Saturday night and we’re the only people in the restaurant. Surely this must tell you something. We had booked the dining room but was told it was closed due to lack of clientele and that we would have to sit in the bar. We had been regular visitors and know that they recently lost their head chef who was very good. The food is now very substandard and nothing like the delicious food that was served by the previous chef. Come on Sorn…you need to do much better!!

Written November 22, 2022

laineenfrance

Darvel49 contributions

Gastropub prices - not gastropub food

Aug 2022 • family

Quaint little Inn, out of the way; these sort of places need to be good. Advertised as a gastropub. The menus were tired and grubby. Served very greasy fish and the pulled pork tacos were served in a wrap. ( one of our party thought it was actually chicken). The only thing gastropub about it was the price. The staff however were pleasant, not their fault. We won’t be back and we’re local.

Written August 22, 2022

emmaijackson

Strathaven2 contributions

Don’t waste your time or money

Mar 2023 • couples

The Sorn Inn has gone drastically downhill under its new owners. It was an amazing pub and steakhouse prior to being taken over but do not waste your time or money going now. I notice it’s currently for sale which would be the best thing to happen to it. We had a table booked for mother day - my husband booked the table and stated we would be there between 4 - 4:30. We were told that was fine and it was confirmed by email. However when we arrived at 4:20 we were told the head chef had left 10 minutes ago. No one had contacted us to tell us not to come and they clearly had no other bookings that day. I think the owners have given up on this venture and I hope it is taken over and improved sometime soon.

Written March 19, 2023

Wendy C

3 contributions

Waitress made our brunch worthwhile

Oct 2022 • couples

My husband and I bought an itison voucher for brunch for £29 for The Sorn Inn. When we arrived at 12 we were the only ones in the restaurant. I ordered the eggs benedict with the sauce on the side and my husband ordered the full scottish breakfast. We had to wait a while, I'm unsure how long exactly but we weren't too bothered as we thought our food was all being made fresh. When it arrived, my husband's food look really nice. No complaints there. My eggs benedict consisted of 2 cold toasted slices of bloomer bread. One with 1 slice of fried bacon on it and the other with 1 poached egg. The hollandaise sauce was in fact mayonnaise. I called the waitress over and told her this wasn't what I ordered. I ordered eggs benedict which was stated on the menu as a toasted muffin, ham and poached eggs with a hollandaise sauce. She was lovely. She apologised and said she would take it back to the kitchen. After she done this she returned and said that there was no muffins left and would I like to order something else. By this point my husband was halfway through his breakfast. Why was eggs benedict even on the menu if there were no muffins?? I told the waitress I would have the full scottish breakfast then. By this time there was 2 other tables filled and the eggs benedictwas still being sold. Our waitress brought me over another coffee while I waited on my breakfast. It wasn't quick. It was alright when it arrived. But not great. The toast was still cold and there wasn't any butter. Zoe our waitress was wonderful. Whatever the owners are paying her, just isn't enough. She was apologetic, attentive and calm under pressure. Why didn't the chef tell Zoe to take the eggs benedict off the menu as it was still being sold when we were leaving. What kind of chef thinks cold toast, bacon and mayo is eggs benedict? We have been to the Sorn Inn on numerous times before and the food has been outstanding. Such a shame as we do like to eat out and support local and smaller restaurants but we won't be hurrying back.

Written October 3, 2022

Selina R

1 contribution

Dinner tonight

Oct 2022 • family

While this place is advertised as a specialised steak house, the food was a far cry from special. The steaks were so salty, I just couldn’t eat the other half. The potato mash was bland with undercooked pieces of potato in it. The salad was quite good and my family seemed to enjoy the onion rings. They were short staffed, so the food came out quite late. Of course, these things happen; and they didn’t charge full price for the food which was courteous of them. However, it would have been a tad more professional if they had made me aware of the staffing issue over the phone, especially as we were coming with a smaller child. Overall, I would not be inclined to visit again.

Written October 1, 2022

GeoW

Wishaw15 contributions

Underwhelmed

Sep 2021 • friends

First time visit. Externally and internally, very tired looking. In the restaurant, uninspiring planks of wood nailed to the walls passing as decor. Food was nice but expected the wow factor based on reviews and prices. Our starters were tasty,I had the soup my friend had battered prawns. I had the 'Fish Tea' from the menu. This is not a traditional Fish Tea as no tea served with this. (However, I was aware of this when ordering) Therefore, I would suggest the Menu should be changed to Haddock & Chips. My friend had the pork belly, was a little bit dry but ok. Both mains were nice but left us uninspired so we decided not to order desserts. This place has the potential, loads of potential, to be a go to Bistro Pub but sadly at the moment it has a way to go. I understand it is under relatively new management and we are in a pandemic. Therefore, may need some time but at the moment I left feeling underwhelmed. If I was the owner, I'd pay a visit to The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, Cairndow, for some inspiration on how to raise your game and to achieve the level you need to be at to charge Bistro Pub prices and to get repeat business.

Written September 11, 2021

Colin N

Cumnock4 contributions

Private Dining at Sorn Inn

Feb 2022 • family

We had a private booking (26 family and friends) for a post wedding dinner after my son's wedding. The food was lovely, everyone enjoyed (there was a slight hiccup but rectified quickly and much appreciated) By far Sorn Inns greatest asset is Stefanie front of house manager, there was a lot of planning in our booking and she was so helpful and accommodating, amended menu to suit us, enabled us to have exclusive use of restaurant, made sure the new bride and groom had a memorable time, and could not have done any more for us. We wi be vack soon for sure

Written February 7, 2022

Lilloveable

Fife29 contributions

That was amazing

Sep 2021 • family

I am such a piggy! Having eaten here a couple of years ago I hoped I was in for as big a treat this time. I was here for lunch. The wait staff were attentive and very friendly. The menu choice was inspiring! I couldn't resist a starter and main. I had a terrine served with a home made picallili which I would happily eaten a big plateful of on its own! I then had a seafood Gnocchi which was fantastic full of beautiful plump seafood. The creamy parmesan sauce was tangy and tasty. The Gnocchi handmade. I had no room for dessert but my companion had the elderflower panacotta with a rhubarb compote. She ate it in double quick time so I'm assuming it was good! I would heartily recommend the Sorn Inn and as an extra they are Dog Friendly - not just dog tolerant ( from previous experience) as well as being kind to demented old ladies.

Written September 2, 2021

David m

Thank you so much for your kind words

Written September 3, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Betty H

3 contributions

Underwhelming experience for wedding anniversary dinner

Nov 2021 • none

Ambience not good room was on the cool side when we arrived. The decor is a bit tacky especially the larger than life size picture of the family's dog which my seat faced full on. Incidentally the dog appeared in real life beside our table as we were eating our meal which is a first for me. The menu was very limited and does not reflect the website menu. If it can't be fried or grilled it's not available. We had steaks which were expensive and very average. The dessert menu was the worst I ever experienced. If you don't like ice cream you are out of luck. We shared the waffle desert which consisted of a shop bought waffle one scoop of ice cream six redcurrant berries and one strawberry cut in half with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Have to question is this really worth £8. Also had the worst cocktail I have ever had in my entire life. So bad my husband had to drink it (which he just managed to do) and I can assure you there is not much he can't drink. Stay away from the one made with Mexican rum.

Written November 26, 2021

lambownumber5

Sheffield1018 contributions

Escape from Lochdown

Sep 2020 • none

This was my 1st meal out after the 1st proper lockdown and it didnt disappoint. It was the first time I'd experienced the hospitality industry with full R.P.E & P.P.E in practice which was a weird experience at the time. The staff to their credit all rigidly stuck to the rules which we were soon all to become so accustomed too. The Inn specialises in real ale so the beer is well kept and a few options are available. Food-wise the Parmesan Gnocchi with Roquette Mushrooms was excellent as was the Jack Daniels Sticky Toffee Pudding with Salted Caramel Ice Cream & Chocolate Sauce. The Fish & Chips (Cod) didn't quite match up to the starters and dessert but was passable. The fish was a bit bland (where's the mushy pea option) but the chunky chips were good to be fair.

Written August 26, 2021

Raine P

Auchinleck13 contributions

Lovely lunch

Jun 2021 • none

We are new to the area so thought we would check out the Sorn Inn for lunch and see if it lives up to its reputation. We had a lovely three course lunch with drinks - the food was very enjoyable. New chef and new staff so they are finding their feet - all very personable and helpful - unstuffy surroundings with quality produce.

Written June 23, 2021

Brian M

Melbourne3 contributions

A wonderful lunch

Dec 2021 • couples

We had a beautiful Sunday Lunch here at the Sorn Inn today, the ingredients were certainly all fresh, cooked to perfection and that is what made the difference. The staff were all professional and lovely. We had the pleasure to meet the Chef on the way out and passed our compliments accordingly, a nice bloke as well as a great Chef!! A half hour drive from Strathaven, highly recommended. A real country gastro pub and restaurant.

Written December 5, 2021