Emma Community-supported 5-Star restaurant with rooms
We start this review differently to others, as shortly after staying at the Kenmuir Arms, chef patron Chris Dougan and his partner Beth terminated their lease, advising that despite their best efforts to build a sustainable business, the current climate had made it increasingly challenging for them to continue, but you still have until May 2026 to experience their award-winning hospitality so please read on…
The Kenmuir Arms is in the quiet, riverside village of New Luce, Dumfries and Galloway, somewhere we had never visited before. Galloway sadly doesn’t get the tourists that the Highlands receives, despite also being sparsely populated and scenic. Chef Dougan took the helm here in 2023 following a community buyout by New Luce Community Trust, which funded its complete refurbishment as a local pub, and restaurant with rooms. We were invited to experience their festive fayre menu with an overnight stay to discover Galloway.
We followed Google Maps advice on the best way there and discovered that the most direct way from Glasgow involves a 30-minute drive on a single track road from just south of Barrhill, and as it was winter that meant driving for half an hour in the dark with no mobile signal (its easy to forget just how isolated some places in the lowlands are!) so from the central belt we’d recommend aiming for Stranraer and then taking the A75 to Glenluce instead, with the Kenmuir Arms not being too far from the main road and civilisation in this direction.
There is no car park so we parked just outside on the very quiet street. Check-in was via the bar, which was quick and easy, then we headed upstairs to our room to unwind with a cup of tea.
There are only three rooms at The Kenmuir Arms, all on the first floor and spacious – extra beds can be added; however, dogs are not allowed. They are welcome in the bar but not in the restaurant, should you be passing but not staying. As it’s not a modern building, there is no lift.
The room had everything we needed – a comfy bed, flatscreen TV, hospitality tray with tea, Nespresso machine, Borders biscuits, and even a bowl filled with makeup remover wipes and eye masks – always handy! The decor is muted with splashes of colour, so is easy on the eye – comfort and cosiness is the goal here.
The room looked out on the river, The Water of Luce, with two chairs to enjoy the view during day time. There was also a couch for two.
The en-suite bathroom had ample towels, Highland Soap Company toiletries and a hot shower with good pressure, but no bath.
After freshening up, it was time to check out the bar with its toasty stove at the fireplace. On draft is a rotating beer from the nearby Five Kingdoms Brewery (We chose Renton pilsner on our visit), and Belhaven also brew Kenmuir Dark just for them. For warmer days, there is a beer garden to the side of the property.
The Kenmuir Arms Menu
Festive Fayre Menu
A la carte menu
Kids Menu
Sunday Roast Menu
What we ate and drank at The Kenmuir Arms
The canapés were served in the bar. These were veggie pakora, home-made black pudding, popcorn and soup. An unusual assortment, but all welcome.
Then we were whisked into the dining area for Smoked Chicken Waldorf Salad paired with Ca’Preella Bardolino Chiaretto rose wine. Waldorf salad isn’t something that usually appears on tasting menus, and this was made using locally smoked chicken paired with crisp apples and walnuts, so was non-pretentious and flavoursome. The wine was light with a mild strawberry flavour.
Next up was Shellfish Bisque paired with Flama D’or cava. The shellfish soup had a big bright tomato base and was served in an espresso cup alongside soft homemade bread that looked like a wee loaf. It had a sweet aroma and was possibly made with turmeric as it had a slightly curried taste. The butter was soft and spreadable, while the cava had a ginger and lemon curd aroma, and was dry and acidic.
Beef tartare paired with The Heilan Coo – Shiraz / Mataro (Mourvedre / Monastrell). Quality succulent beef, not on the spicy side. The wine had an earthy leather aroma and was dry with dark berry tastes.
The main course was Christmas dinner with a twist, paired with Les Terrasses d’Ardeche. Here we had turkey stuffed with pheasant, with pigs in blankets, dripping roast potatoes. While the wine was a very dry red with a cherry menthol aroma and light peppery notes; quite strong and robust tasting.
The Ethical Dairy Cheese and Ecclefechan Tart, paired with Luis Felipe Edwards Late Harvest Viognier – Sauvignon Blanc. A lovely, rich and sweet tart. We love Ecclefechan tarts but don’t seem to see them all that often. Though in the few days we spent in Galloway, we had it in one other place and saw it on the menu in another restaurant as well. The wine had an orange marmalade and apricot aroma, and a sweet apricot taste with a long-lasting finish. The menu had listed port as being the accompanying wine but our server explained that they’d swapped the last two wines around as they thought it worked better – which they did!
We then had an unexpected palate-cleanser, this was called A play for the Caribbean and was a ginger beer ice cream float – Old Jamaica with cardamom and vanilla ice cream, far too easy to drink.
Chocolate and hazelnut S’mores was our final course proper, torched marshmallows and hot chocolate paired with Graham’s Six Grapes reserve port, which was deliciously sweet and fruity. The fruity port matched well with the chocolate s’mores. Also included were the words from ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ AKA ‘The Night Before Christmas‘.
Petit fours – a coconut macaroon, brownie and madeleine.
The following morning
After a good night’s sleep, we opened our curtains to see the sun rising over New Luce and witnessed cows being moved from one field to another by way of the street outside the Kenmuir Arms, which was an unexpected sight!
Breakfast
The choice for breakfast was
Scottish porridge: with cream or milk and/or honey
French toast: crispy bacon – maple syrup / honey
Full Scottish breakfast: lorne sausage, bacon, potato scone, mushroom, tomato, black pudding, haggis, house-baked beans
Eggs Benedict: toasted muffin, roast ham, soft poached egg, Hollandaise
Eggs Florentine: toasted muffin, spinach, soft poached egg, Hollandaise
We had French toast with crispy well-cooked bacon and maple syrup…
…and the full Scottish. Everything was well-cooked and of good quality, and we always love to see the inclusion of a tattie scone.
Location
The Kenmuir Arms is within reach of the ferry terminals at Cairnryan, and Stranraer is only nine miles away. From the south, follow the M6 or the M74 onto the A75 passing Caledonia Park at Gretna and Dumfries and into a base for golfing, fishing, walking and cycling. New Luce is located near to the Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s first Dark Skies Park.
What to see and do in New Luce and surroundings
New Luce Memorial Hall
Opened in 1924 in an opening ceremony performed by Mrs William Forster, Mains of Larg, who, after being handed the key of the hall by the Countess of Stair. The ceremonial key is held by Stranraer Museum and bears the inscription: “New Luce War Memorial Hall, 1924”
Alexander Peden Memorial
Alexander Peden was the minister of New Luce parish until he was ejected in 1663. In the nineteenth century, the Peden Memorial Free Church was named after him. The church has disappeared, only the bellcote remains. Click here to find out more.
New Luce church
This category B listed building was founded in 1647 when the original Parish of Glenluce was divided into Old Luce and New Luce. The present church dates from 1821.
New Luce Environmental Art Project
Walk around New Luce and discover art at the same time.
Kitchen Coos and Ewes near Newton Stewart
Thistle Award-winning Highland Cow Safaris is run by Neale McQuistin and his wife Janet. Their 900 acres of land are home to Beltex sheep and 30 pedigree Highland cattle.
The couple offer visitors a Highland cow safari and traditional home-baked farm fare. They offer a selection of tours: Insta Coo tour, Cream Tea Coo tour, Walking Coo tour, Hands on tour and The Haute Coo Tour.
Get close up and hands-on with the coos,
Where
High Airyolland Farm, New Luce, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire, DG8 0AU
Book a tour
Click here to find out about all of their tours.
Verdict
The Kenmuir Arms provided a relaxing experience with great food and wine. The pub was cosy, thanks to the real fire and local beer, whisky, and gin were available. Our bedroom was comfortable and well-equipped, overlooking the local river, which you could hear at night. Being foodies, we were there for the tasting menu, and this was more playful than a typical experience, with a themed menu, lots of staff interaction between courses and a general lack of fine-dining pretension. As there are only 3 bedrooms, it was also quite an intimate experience.
As city dwellers, we appreciated how peaceful and isolated the Kenmuir Arms felt, considering we had to drive south.
We both really enjoyed our stay and meal, but were sad to read that Chris and Beth will both be ending their tenure soon. They will re-open on Friday, 6th February and have announced an Italian tasting menu for Valentine’s Day. You have until May 2026 to experience their hospitality.
TL;DR
+ Peaceful location
+ Relaxed tasting menu
+ Beer garden for sunny days
+ Local beer, gin and whisky available
+ Nespresso machine with a selection of teas and Border biscuits in the room
– No bath in the room, a relaxing soak is appreciated
– Only on-street parking
Where to find The Kenmuir Arms
The Kenmuir Arms, 31 Main St, New Luce, Newton Stewart DG8 0AJ
Book a room or a table at The Kenmuir Arms
