The Millhouse
Dean Street, Stewarton
What is it: Taken over by the Buzzworks Group in at the start of 2015, The Millhouse has slowly but surely been given a huge facelift and finally opened last month in Stewarton. This hotel, bar and restaurant is over 300 years old and if you were expecting the interior to reflect this you'd be wrong. No expense has been spared turning the venue into a modern yet comfortable pub, bar and restaurant. The layout is quirky due to its age with seating for around 120. I spent most of my time in the pub as always.
Interesting fact: Stewarton is known as the Bonnet Toun and as early as the 1400s it was engaged in the production of this traditional Scottish headwear. The association with bonnet-making was resurrected in 1932 when the long defunct Stewarton Bonnet Guild, first established in 1590, was re-established.
Verdict: One of the things that really annoys me on my travels is not finding enough good places to eat and drink outside of big cities. In most parts of rural England you'll find a good village pub yet up here you really struggle to find these. Here, they've introduced a bit of city-centre bling while still retaining the feel of a village bar and restaurant. Like their other venues, the Buzzworks team have got the Millhouse spot on: well-trained staff, a good offering in comfortable surroundings.
Drink: The drinks selection is strong in all areas, the pub focuses on craft beer, whisky and Scottish gins. I had a pint of pale duke ale from the Drygate brewery in Glasgow, priced at £3.25.
Food: I had lunch in the restaurant before hitting the pub. The menu looked great and I love an open kitchen where you can see the chefs do their thing. I really enjoyed the sticky barbecue pulled pork burger with bakehouse milk bun, slaw, fries, sweet pepper relish and house sauce for £10.95.
Price: In line with the other places in the area.
Alfresco: Space out front for some tables and chairs in the summer months.
Children: Kids welcome in restaurant.
Perfect for: A bit of Sunday lunch with family and friends in the restaurant then possibly down to the pub for a couple of beers to catch the football.
Avoid if: You don't venture out of your city centre routine.
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