Where to Buy
sourced locally in Ayrshire and Arran. They bake French bread and pastries every day, adding to a range of foodstuffs from around the world. They specialise in locally produced meats and cheeses, and they can create bespoke hampers for a special gift or cater for functions.
Kirkmichael Community Shop and Jock’s Café 24 Patna Road, Kirkmichael KA19 7PJ 01655 750499, kirkmichael.org.uk Mon–Fri 7.45am–5.30pm; Sat/Sun 8am–4pm.
An impressive community effort, this not-for-profit grocer, general store and café is run by Kirkmichael for Kirkmichael – or more accurately by Kirkmichael volunteers for locals and visitors to the conservation village. Locally sourced products include honey and jams, Dalduff meat, Glenlochrie free-range eggs, Barwhey’s cheese, Woody’s ice-cream and seasonal fruit, vegetables and plants from the village gardens. Bulk orders are taken for all of the above, as well as general groceries. The café runs a menu of very reasonably priced homemade cakes, light lunches and snacks, to eat in or take away, all baked on-site by café manager Isi Nimmo. It’s a wonderful find, and a helpful pit-stop to know about just off the A77.
Mancini’s of Ayr 11–15 New Road, Ayr KA8 8DA 01292 263058, mancinisicecream.co.uk Mon–Sun 10am–9.30pm.
Scots-Italian company Mancini’s has been in business for more than 100 years and four generations, trading out of the same shop at 11 New Road, Ayr, continuously since 1925. Among around 200 varieties of dairy and non-dairy ice-cream and fresh fruit sorbets, plus various Italian frozen desserts, experimental flavours can include such intriguingly named inventions as Sexy Chocolate, Blushing Bride and Toffee Rippled Earthquake Crumble. Drop in on Burns’ Night and you might even get to sample haggisflavoured ice-cream.
J Pieroni and Sons Ltd 47 Peebles Street, Ayr KA8 8DP 01292 265532, pieronis.com Tue/Wed 8am–4pm; Thu/Fri 8am– 4.30pm. Sat 8am–1pm. Closed Sun/Mon.
A double-winner at the 2015 Scottish Independent Retail Awards, Pieroni & Sons was started as a family-run fishmongers by the current owners’ grandfather in 1948. Over the years it has grown to employ around 40 people as a wholesale importer and exporter of whole or processed white fish, fresh or frozen, and shellfish. They’ve also begun smoking their own premium-grade salmon and haddock. The shop next to their processing premises in Ayr town centre offers a range of products aside from seafood, including poultry, game and a wide selection of frozen goods.
Pollok Williamson Family Butchers 23 High Street, Ayr KA7 1LU 01292 611528 Unit 4, Glaisnock Shopping Centre, Townhead Street, Cumnock KA18 1EL 01290 420391 27 Mount Oliphant Crescent, Ayr KA7 3EN 01292 611558, pollokwilliamson.co.uk All branches: Mon–Sat 7am–5pm. Closed Sun.
Operating for 38 years as a local family butcher owned by Stewart Duguid, Pollok Williamson is a well-recognised name on the Ayrshire food scene with four stores in the area. They’re famed for their pies, and particularly for their haggis – one of the best-loved to be found in Burns country, which sells around the UK and as far afield as France. They also do a significant trade online.
Renaldo’s 98 Sandgate, Ayr KA7 1BX 01292 265956, renaldos.co.uk Mon–Sat 9am–9pm; Sun 10am–9pm.
An Ayr institution based at the top of the Sandgate since the 1920s, old-school family-owned Italian ice-cream shop
> BEER AND WHISKY FESTIVALS
Ayrshire Beer Festival Hosted by Troon Concert Hall, usually in October, the CAMRAendorsed event has been in action for over 15 years, showcasing beers from across the local area and Scotland. ■ ayrshirebeerfestival. co.uk, @TroonBeerFest
Whisky an’ a’ That Festival Held in Ayr Town Hall in June, local whisky merchant Robbie’s Drams (see p.34) hosts a selection from more than 30 whisky suppliers, with opportunities to purchase rare bottlings and new releases, with talks from experts. ■ robbieswhisky merchants.com
Arran Malt & Music Festival Taking place at the Isle of Arran Distillery in June, Highlights include The White Stag dinner, folk musicians and a ceilidh on Saturday evening. There are also talks, masterclasses and a ‘survivor’s lunch’ on Sunday. ■ arranwhisky.com; arranevents.com
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Ayrshire Larder 1.2 Listings DR.indd 33
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