The Black Bull Tarbolton in South Ayrshire

We had a small wedding meal for 40 people here,Chef and all staff were great from planning menu, till the actual meal.EXCELLENT food,ambiance and service,nothing was too much for them.thank you all at the Black bull ,

My mum and I fancied something different from the usual spots in Ayr and Prestwick, so we took a 10-15-minute drive from Ayr and stumbled upon our new favourite. (Bonus points- they have their own private car park) We went all out with starters, mains, and dessert. Started with prawn & crayfish, and cajun risotto - both fresh, bursting with taste, and spot on in cooking. For mains, we had fish & chips and a fillet steak. The fish was super fresh, not at all oily, and the steak was cooked to perfection. Dessert was sticky toffee pudding, packed with flavour and not too floury textured. You could really tell everything was fresh and homemade, which made a massive difference. The place had a modern, clean vibe with spacious tables. Service was spot on, very attentive and friendly staff. Nothing seemed to be an issue. The price was spot on for both of us, especially considering we've paid way more elsewhere for not nearly as good food. If you've not tried this place yet, you're missing out. We're pretty much regulars now.

Today friends and my self visited the black bull for lunch. Everything was absolutely delicious. The staff are very mannered and friendly. Cannot recommend enough!

Booked for evening meal to celebrate our anniversary. Nice warm welcome waitress very attentive. The food was incredible will definitely be back

Four of us arrived and ALL of us were delighted with our meal. Two courses each (too full for desert although mouthwatering ly tempted) food is to a very high standard and of the calibre expected from a West End top notch hotel! Prices are very good starters around £7 , mains roughly £15. I had fillet steak medium rare £29.99 & I would have gladly paid more. Everything was right from start to finish, the service staff were attentive, drinks came at the right time. Overall atmosphere is relaxed but ambient. This is one of these places that you want to keep a secret so that it doesn't get too busy and you have it all to yourself lol. However this chef and staff deserve to be celebrated and everyone should try this gem at least once in their life. Well done all!

No sandwiches on offer but we were greeted warmly and allowed to order just a couple of starters as we were eating out later. Food was delicious and beautifully presented. Actually wished we were having our dinner there.

A night out for dinner with my Mrs. Terrific food, well presented in a lovely setting. The food was first class cooked to perfection. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We will definitely be returning regularly as his has now become a firm favourite only 15 minutes from home.

We got an afternoon tea gifted to us for Xmas. It was absolutely delicious. We all left with full bellies. Fresh sandwiches. Scones, fresh cream, strawberry jam and cakes. 100:% recommended

Fabulous food, fantastic service, cannot fault The Black Bull in any way. We have never had any complaints we always choose here for a family lunch. Its 100%

Great old pub and lovely inside , lovely food and reasonable priced beer . All friendly and welcoming . I love Scotland ayr

Absolutely 💯 great food. Lovely friendly staff. Good prices .. visited twice in a week visit both times was lovely. Must visit especially if just passing through.

I booked an overnight stay at hotel for my husband birthday I am so glad I choose this hotel it was our first visit on arrival greeted by a lovely girl Laura she was so welcoming showed us around and took us to Our room it was lovely and clean very nicely decorated wee went to restaurant for dinner and food was absolutely beautiful and the service was first class very attentive staff went above and beyond for us after dinner went to bar and again was such a welcoming atmosphere she me karaoke and customers very nice inviting us to join them in conversation and enjoy night the owner came over with a drink for myself and Andrew for his birthday and to thank us for choosing to stay over I honestly can’t thank Raj and Laura enough for making us so welcome and will most definitely be back to stay all the staff went above and beyond to make sure we had an enjoyable stay thank you to everyone keep up the good work and hope to see you again soon love margaret & Andrew xx❤️

Amazing family meal! My sister and I come from Tarbolton & thought it would be a good idea to eat locally - so we booked the Black Bull - more from convenience. Well what an amazing dining experience. The staff were inviting & friendly and the food standard was exceptional. The menu choices made it hard to decide & everyone thoroughly enjoyed their food. I wouldn't hesitate to go back. We will be sure to return!

This review was my second visit to the Black Bull. First time was with my wife and daughter for lunch, the experience and friendliness of all your staff was second to none could not have been more accommodating the food we had was excellent well presented and tasted very good. Second visit was my wife and 4 friends celebrating a birthday and again the staff were courteous and accommdating to all our needs, fair prices, fair portions all in all a great experience and made to feel welcome would certainly recommend and will certainly be back

Great food as always. Only critics mid the swede in the casserole was hard . Steak was tender as you like but needed seasoning. Staff need to know where the table is up to slow at taking empty bottles and was asked by 3 staff twice each if we wanted deserts! Just need to communicate where your up to! But not asked about teas or coffees. Other than that all good.

Better than your average pub meals . Wife said scampi was the best ever. Homemade not frozen. Good value set meal.will be back.

I booked this hotel through Booking.com. We had a very early Ryanair flight from Prestwick and doing the drive from Aberdeen to Prestwick in one go didn't appeal to us as we are not used to long drives. We were looking for something not too...

Absolute disgrace of a hotel. Came here with my wife and 5 and 7 year old and didn’t get a winks sleep. They have a bar directly underneath the rooms with no sound proofing, you would get a better and quieter sleep if you lay...

Unassuming exterior. Very clean interior including the toilets. Friendly and attentive staff. Excellently prepared local quality food. Would highly recommend

Arrived after a very bumpy journey to be given a beautifully decorated but very compact room (room4) above the bar which we were told had a late license til 2am and had karaoke on that evening! Not feeling amazing we requested a room not above...

Was surprised at house the hotel was, staff were very accommodating, rooms are modern and comfortable and all at good prices. I ate from the restaurant and the food was superb and excellent value. The adjoining bar is modern and very well priced with sports...

We had a fabulous late lunch, the home made beef burger was amazing couldn’t fault it in any way. The berry crumble was also excellent

Three of us dropped in after a very wet walk at the Coilsfield community woodlands & were met with a warm welcome and a no problems approach. An excellent special lunch choice on the menu which was a step up from most local eateries. Food...

Joined some friends for dinner in the Black Bull tonight, food was delicious, and service excellent! We had a lovely young waitress serve our food and drinks, nothing was too much trouble for her! We will definitely be back- thank-you!

Photos looked great, unfortunately the room left a lot to be desired. A piece of painted cardboard in place of what looked to be a broken bath rail. Bed was comfy and receptionist that checked us in was engaging and polite however the same couldn’t...

Stayed here for one night. On arrival we were met by a very friendly young man in Reception. Room was lovely and clean and very nicely decorated. Lovely walk in shower. We went to the Bar next door to the restaurant and had a few...

Have steak burgers and chicken burgers and two pints cider .food very good and staff very welcome and friendly

First time here and will certainly be back - Simply Superb! Staff were friendly and attentive and the food was great, with just the right amount. Well done!!

We arrived at the Black Bull and our first impressions were of a nice clean but not head turning exterior. However don't judge a book by its cover. Immediate impression when entering is of an upmarket beautifully decorated interior. Checking in was swift and easy...

We went here last night for dinner and it was brilliant. The lady we had serving us at start with blonde hair was lovely and the other two gentlemen were great also. We got the roulade for starter and it was very nice, then we...

First time in Tarbolton and saw the Black Bull and decided to try it. So glad we did. The food was beautifully presented anddelicious, service was excellent and the place is spotless and very stylish. Will certainly be back.

3 courses eaten . Pure greed . Quality very good. Value very good. Staff very good. Will definitely return

We have enjoyed several meals over the last few weeks at the lovely kail yard the food is very good nice choices on menus serviced by lovely staff Euan being the main man glad they are back on track with previous owners all is good keep it up folks see you all again soon

Loved the Black Bull. Found it on TripAdvisor as wanted a great lunch on our way home from a weekend in Stathaven. It was worth the slight detour. Each dish was presented with care and attention to detail mixing beautiful tastes and textures. Would highly recommend it. PS the service was superb too!

What a lovely place serving really good food. Staff very efficient and friendly. Can't wait to return.

Great room great location great owner great staff great food great price Great friendly pub Great time thanks

A fantastic meal , with excellent service , would definatly recommend , this is the second time we have visited , and will be back very soon ! .

My better half and I visited the Black Bull for a Valentine's meal, it's a few years since our last visit but the standard of the food was still as excellent as we remembered, potato cheese and bacon terrine, Guinea fowl, haggis risotto, creme brulee to name but a few items on the menu, all served up by happy smiley staff.We definitely won't leave it so long till our next visit.

I had to return after my visit whilst with friends in December. Again it was fantastic with the service on point. The server (Amy) was so informative and bubbly who really went over and above to make our visit very enjoyable. The food AGAIN was to die for with large portions all round. The King Prawn linguine was amazing. I have told all my friends in Fife about this place. I cannot wait to return!!! Well done guys

My mum paid for me to stay the night when visiting her and my sister as I am heavily pregnant and they didn’t want to do two long journeys in one day.Arrived at the hotel and the window in my room was broken and wouldn’t shut properly. I spoke to a lady in reception who told me she would get someone to look at it whilst I was out. It was unable to be fixed and I could not move rooms as the hotel was fully booked. The woman I spoke to was polite but could offer no solution apart from napkins to try and block the gap.The napkins worked ish for draft but they did not block noise. Room is directly above the bar and smoking area, they had a singer on until midnight and a disco until 0145 and then people screaming, arguing and shouting as they were leaving. If I’d been able to close my window properly it would have blocked some of the noise out.I sobbed most of the night and then the entire drive home the next day because I was so exhausted. Drove home with the windows down to keep myself awake. Horrendous.The single positive of the stay was the food in the restaurant which was lovely but the lack of sleep has entirely dictated this review as sleep was the main reason for booking.

Having been a regular since kail yard opened we were sad that on last couple of visits it had went downhill with service not the food it was still lovely however we returned on Saturday and it was great food first class and service excellent so glad it’s on track as it is a gem and lovely young man Euan who served us is a great accent to this place along with the others glad he has returned to the Kailyard we will be happy to return soon the menus has few changes all for the good keep it up guys

Visited today with friends from Ayr and we were delighted at the quality of food. It was entirely unexpected for a visit to a small village like Tarbolton. We chatted with the server who was very informative and very pleasant. The male waiter informed us that the chefs name was Alex and had just returned to the restaurant after a few years out. If this is the high quality of food he produces we will definitely be back. 5 stars

The food was excellent, I had melon 3 way starter, rack of lamb and finished with the blood orange whitley neill posset, all superb. The restaurant was nicely decorated and the staff were very attentive. Great quality at a great price! We were delighted, a real gem of a place. We'll be back!

Stayed here for 3 nights whilst visiting family in the UK. The accommodation was spotless, comfortable, and I slept soundly. The food was top notch, as my expanding wastline will indicate. Professional, friendly and welcoming staff. Have already recommended to friends back here in Down Under who are travelling to the UK, and would also recommend to anyone reading this review. 5 stars!

Great place for a family meal including young children. Nice setting, great selection on the menus. Good sized portions, great quality and good value for money. Good parking spaces and pretty easy to get to just being 5-10 minutes from A77 Ayr-Glasgow road. Will be back!

We had lovely meal served by the very nice staff however since the change of ownership this resturant has lost its direction it lacks a supervisor to keep staff on the ball mandy was fantastic at serving and also had her eye on the ball it must change or it’s going to loose loyal customers food was very nice steak and stroganoff which was so tasty just the service bad and no apology given so come on guys get the act together or things will go south

We came as a group of 16, for which we were well accommodated and welcomed. The service was great, we preordered our food even tho it wasn’t required and it all came out correct and hot. The quality of the food and standard of cooking was exceptional for the price. The new owners have only just taken over are off to a good start. Defiantly a restaurant to travel to when in the area.

Having heard several good reviews of this establishment, my wife and I decided to try it out for lunch today. Sadly disappointing!!

Stayed at hotel so had a meal in the restaurant in the evening. Service was good, staff friendly, choice of food was very good as was the wine. Food was excellent, scallops cooked to perfection & beautiful beef casserole. Ten out of ten

Booked last minute for a work trip. I was not disapointed with the hotel. Very smart exterior, with a large car park. My room was very comfortable, with tv,wifi and a great shower. Breakfast was fantastic, cooked to order in s very smart restaurant. Will use again when in the area.

Lovely little find. Rooms are clean and tidy. Staff are friendly and the restuarant is amazing offering good quality delicious food at very reasonable prices. Looking forward to the next visit already

Lovely modern room. Friendly staff and the food and service in the restaurant was superb. A lovely breakfast was included in the very modest cost of the room

Another visit to one of my favourite places to eat in Ayrshire. One thing you can guarantee here is quality and quantity. I can recommend the chicken goujons in curried batter but to be honest you could pick anything of the menu and be satisfied.

What a find. I used the restaurant on three different occasions and all my meals were simply great. The staff were friendly and helpful.

Went for lunch and enjoyed it so much we went back again the following week for dinner. Varied menus with good size portions, served in a warm, comfortable dining room. Staff very pleasant and attentive. 2 course dinner for 3 people with soft drinks and coffees cost less than £70.00.

Had a wonderful dinner here, standard of cuisine was WAY beyond our expectations! You can get everything from classic pub-grub and a great children’s menu to excellent steaks and a high standard of cuisine including duck and red snapper. The menu choices change regularly.

Went for lunch. My husband had steak pie and I the fish and chips. Beware the chips are awful., Boiled then dipped in fat and served. Definitely not fried!. Have been here before and the food is generally good. But not the chips lol.

We came here for lunch with a friend. The food (we had two courses) was very good - try the chicken goujons in curry batter! Service attentive but not an intrusion. Best of all they are dog friendly so Betty (our Cavapoochon) could come in and just sat or lay under the table all through the meal.

Food amazing, took point off as when we got the bill there was a shocking £4 ON IT FOR A SODA WATER!!!! hubby asked for an egg with his gammon steak and charged £1 for an egg! £2.50 for a vodka and £2.50 for a can of ginger beer. When questioned about carbonated water they took £1 off, making it £3 for carbonated water. This completely put us off going back and that's a massive shame because the food was outstanding! and this let them down badly.

Really excellent meal carrot cake dessert with marmalade ice-cream delicious Good value for money as was the bed and breakfast

We first visited the black bull on the first of June got my husbands birthday and we have been back every week since.Excellent value for money lovely surroundings and excellent service

Nos gusto mucho el hotel así como la atención.

We were travelling to Prestwick and stopped here for lunch. It was fantastic. Lovely decor, friendly and helpful waitresses and the food was delicious. We had the 3 course lunch deal for £15.95, you could also have 2 courses for £12.95. There were really interesting choices - a level up from your normal run of the mill options. Just wish it was closer to where I live so I could work my way through the dessert menu .

The food was overcooked,would not return,everything was just way overdone,i can,t understand that they thought there was nothing wrong here.

We visited Ayrshire from BC Canada for 2 weeks and heard so much about this place, it was so good we went back several times the Haddock and fries portion was huge, steak pie was great and was the best meals we had on our visit the service was excellent and the proprietress was fantastic. We were sorry we never made it back to try the fillet steak which was highly recommended.

Went to the Black bull through recommendation. It was interesting waited 25 mins for order to be taken,Waitresses were shooting everywhere and were rude.I ordered Beef Casserole on Shortcrust Pastry with a Puff Pastry Spike.

On a very recent business trip to Scotland I stayed in a Hotel called The Black Bull, oh my God! !, what a truly fabulous place, Tarbolton just outside Kilmarnock, the food is to die for and the atmosphere is lovely, very modern facilities clean fresh rooms and very comfortable, this will be my new go to Hotel when I'm next in Scotland, thank you The Black Bull team awesome

This is our first visit to this restaurant & we had a lovely starter & a main course which my wife & I both agreed it was the best meal we have had in a long time.

Great find and high quality food for the price Varied menu and owners and staff fantastic Thank you made our day complete after a long day travelling

Family dinner OMG the size of the portions! I had fish and chips - delicious 😋 Massive though! Home cooked chips - best in a long time! Service was excellent!

On a mission with my dad to eat at as many restaurants as possible.

The Black Bull is a beautiful, clean venue with extremely friendly staff. My Gluten Free meal had the most incredible flavours I have ever experienced. The presentation and colours of the dishes was innovative and very pleasing to the eye. I will certainly be visiting The Black Bull the next time I am in Ayr.

Stayed here one night. Excellent evening meal and breakfast. Rooms were clean and fresh with well appointed facilities.

Read some of the reviews and decided to try it. I was not disappointed. The food was world class and the staff were really good. No stress, good food, great company. Brilliant

The food in the restaurant was delicious! Room was really nice with a double shower, two sinks and large bath and separate area for clothes/storage. Mattress and pillows could have been better but still had an enjoyable stay at a good price.

We had visited the nearby Burns Batchelors Club property and were recommended this pub for a meal.

Husband and I had a first class meal here tonight. Can’t recommend enough. Food was delicious. Spoilt for choice. Great menu. Staff were fab. Lovely young waiter & waitress. Nothing a bother. Owner made sure everyone was made welcome on arrival. Will be back very soon.

We went to the Black Bull for a family dinner, it was well worth the journey, value for money and staff that were excellent made it enjoyable meal. Also catered for my wifes gluten free diet

Just been for a visit today and sorry I have made the effort before, Food and service was excellent and value for money left many surrounding places standing.Well done guys,,,,will be back .

Had dinner here last night. Great carbonara, great beer and friendly staff. Well worth going if you’re in the area.

Quality Food which was cooked to perfection!! All courses were just amazing. Staff and owner very welcoming-great service. This is without exception one of the best restaurants in the area. Can’t wait to go back. Thank you for a lovely evening.

Had lunch with a friend last week. Never tire of visiting the Black Bull. So hard to make a choice from the menu, it’s all so good. My friend had fish and chips, huge fish, her verdict, delicious. I had the chicken and mushroom carbonara, rich and creamy, again, delicious. The staff are so friendly and helpful, great place to eat .

What a find ! Recommended by my sister visited this lovely rural hotel and restaurant. Excellent service . Eclectic extensive menu. Quality and presentation of meals 5 star. Value for money 5 star .

We stayed here for two nights, and was pleasantly surprised, we had our dog with us for the first time, the staff were really good, very friendly, nothing was to much trouble.

I’ve been with a large group before but this was just two of us on a sleepy Sunday lunch . Pig cheeks to die for and the cordon bleau steak was a treat , puddings yes please we have room for winter crumble with custard was a perfect way to finish off the meal ! Out of our way or it would be our local eatery!! Only thing it was quiet and they didn’t rush us so nice but no atmosphere when only customers in place . Will be back though good too good not to !!!!

Very nice meal in pleasant surroundings. Staff very nice. Won’t be last visit. The restaurant very nice and well laid out.

I was not expecting the food to be of this quality . The food and the service was Fantastic . The owner was in that night and she was so funny and down to earth . Give this place a try and you will not be disappointed

I booked the Black Bull for my son's 36th birthday. the service was excellent and the food was first class will certainly be recommending the Black Bull to my friends

Visited the Black Bull for lunch. Very impressive restaurant and function suite. The service was excellent from start to finish. We had 3 courses and every one of them looked and tasted delicious, would highly recommend the chicken goujons in curry batter. The only downside to our visit was the ladies toilets were in a bit of a mess, but when my wife reported it, it was seen to straight away. Would encourage folk to give it a go, great food at a great price

we booked into the black bull for a pre Xmas family get together and were left feeling absolutely amazed by the place. service was first class..food was first class and so was the price. we will definitely be back in the future. we also left with a gift...were given a huge wine glass to keep

Stayed here before flying from prestwick airport which is 5 mins from location. Good Clean room with excellent shower, breakfast was also were good. Had dinner in the public bar, also very good. Great friendly locals with great craic. Bar man was good craic and very welcoming. Thank you be back again.

Arrived here as sister hotel was getting renovated - staff are extremelty friendly and helpful. Lovely big room looks like it had a renovation fairly recently large bathroom with his/her sink and large shower - could not be better. Stayed for lunch food was excellent and at a very reasonable price. Would definately used again.

Very nice hotel, rooms are really nice, restaurant very nice and comfy place to sit, had chicken goujans in curry sauce batter, really good food, chips need to be tried !!

Myself and family members went here for a family meal and we were not disappointed,from the moment we arrived the service was second to none the staff and owner just couldn't do enough for you and meal was to superb from start to finish. Really you have to try this place it is amazing 10 out of 10 for me

Very relaxed atmosphere in nice surroundings and the food is just lovely - the kids fish & chips (big portion - lovely fresh fish) - and the fillet steak (again great quality and portion) - were stand-out favourites. We're so used to being served frozen chips and watery pepper sauce in even the nicest places in town it was a revelation to see that someone was actually doing it like we would at home! We have been meaning to try here for years and always seem to take the easy option of going into Ayr when we really can't be bothered to cook, but will definitely be making more return visits here now we've tried it

The restaurant is tastefully done in a modern style. The food is excellent, with a good choice and the staff are very friendly.

Had lunch here, best food we ate on our trip to Scotland and we kept mentioning how good it was for the rest of the day. Decor was lovely, food beautifully presented and also they welcomed our large German shepherd - it’s hard to find places that look more like a restaurant than a pub that are dog friendly so it was a nice change. The portions were generous, came away feeling full and happy. We probably would have come again if we’d found it earlier in the trip. Highly recommend

Fantastic food we all loved our meals and they let us bring our beast German shepherd in, friendly staff and good service! :)

Had lovely family dinner to celebrate my sons 21st birthday, we were in the function suite with a large square table which was perfect for everyone to chat! The food was delicious although most couldn't manage a dessert! Hugh was excellent in both arranging the night beforehand and being our waiter during the meal.

I stayed at The Black Bull hotel in the last week of August 2018 to the 2nd of September and what a lovely stay I had! I was given a very warm welcome from the off and even had assistance up the stairs with my case up to my room.