It’s been nearly a year since The Potting Shed at Si! has had a £250,000 makeover and I can honestly say, that if ever I have a potting shed, I’d love it to look like this!

The restaurant itself is gorgeous with a variety of seating and a dedicated dog friendly area. I love that they have played on the Potting Shed /garden theme by bringing the outdoors inside through its thoughtfully curated decor. There’s an abundance of lush greenery, potted plants, and botanical elements adorning the space. The earthy colour palette, wooden furniture, and rustic accents further enhance the botanical theme, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere for diners.

A REVIEW OF THE POTTING SHED, IRVINE

We were here for lunch after enjoying a morning of spa treatments at their sister establishment, the Gailes Hotel and Si! Spa. Read about it here.

Their day time menu runs from 9am to 3pm and caters for gluten freebies, vegans and vegetarians. The menu is fairly large with Classics such as a Full Scottish Breakfast (vegetarian and gluten free full breakfasts available); pancakes, waffles and French toast with a variety of toppings - bacon, biscoff and berries as well as bagels, sandwiches and brunch favourites like Eggs Benny.

Boozy Brunch is also an option, available 11am-3pm, every day and includes a glass of bubbly on arrival, your choice of brunch dish and two drinks from their Boozy Brunch menu (cocktails, mocktails, wine and spirits).

I chose the STEAK ‘N’ EGGS (£12.25) which was a thick slice of bloomer bread, peppered popeseye steak (essentially frying steak), smoked cheddar, 2 hash browns and fried egg. All washed down with a good and hot Latte coffee.

A hearty plate of popeseye steak, accompanied by crisp and golden hash browns and perfectly cooked eggs, arrived at the table. It’s a classic and comforting dish that satisfied. The popeseye steak, although known for its rich flavour was for most part tender, only with some pieces slightly chewy. The hash browns, golden and crispy on the outside yet soft and fluffy on the inside, provide a delightful contrast in both taste and texture. Paired with beautifully cooked fried eggs, this meal will appeal to anyone craving for a hearty, down-to-earth breakfast or brunch.

My partner chose the 3 LITTLE PIGS (£9.85) which was BBQ pulled pork, crispy bacon, seasoned pork sausage and Asian slaw and a Soup of the day (£5.65). Unfortunately, this baguette fell short of expectations. While the combination of savoury meats promised a hearty and indulgent experience, the flavours failed to shine through, leaving the overall taste rather lackluster. The pulled pork was plenitful and succulent and had a depth of flavour expected from slow-cooked meat, but the bacon wasn’t crispy with the fatty rind chewy and unpleasant. The sliced in half pork sausage, though a welcome addition, couldn't salvage the overall mediocrity of the baguette. The Soup was Tomato and Basil but only delivered extreme acidity instead of a delicious hearty soup. Perhaps pancakes or waffles are they way to go as they are freshly made on the griddle!

I LOVE the fact that they are dog friendly, even providing a dog menu of Scrambled Eggs, Pork Link and Bacon Bites. They do have ‘pawmandments’ asking you to keep your pooches paws on the floor at all times and keep them on the lead within the dog friendly areas.

The staff are fantastic here. Super friendly and helpful and I can imagine this place is definitely the place to go in Irvine. They have a variety of events on including live music, quiz nights and menus for special occasions like Mothers Day etc.

It was a truly wonderful laid back vibe, ideal for meeting friends and colleagues, great venue for a date and perfectly suited to families with babies and small children. There is plenty of space to move around and with around 90 seats, they definitely can cater for most.

THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE POTTING SHED AT SI!

• They can cater for vegan, vegetarian and gluten free

• They are dog friendly and have a separate seating area for those with dogs

• They are disabled friendly. The entrance has two large doors that can open, and the entrance is straight off the pavement with no steps. W/C are on the ground level too

• They have a large free carpark with plenty of space

  
  

The Potting Shed at Si! 18 Kilwinning Rd, Irvine, Ayrshire, KA12 8RU www.siayrshire.com/the-potting-shed/

My Spoon Award : Silver Spoon 8/10

I was invited by The Potting Shed to review their menu.

Food was complimentary and the drinks I paid for. The views are very much my own.

TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.

 Adele is a writer, reviewer, judge and panelist living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events),  is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards.

 Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk