Brisbane House

They say that laughter is the best medicine.

But with its storybook castle, Victorian promenade and Art Deco ice cream parlour, we reckon that Largs is the best medicine.

Soak up some of the loveliness for yourself on an overnight stay for two in one of Ayrshire’s premier hotels, Brisbane House. This Big Deal also includes breakfast and a three course dinner from the set menu at Oscar’s restaurant.

Available until late March, this would make a nice surprise for anyone who enjoys escaping to the seaside for a night (that makes all of us, then).

Bracing coastal walk followed by a massive knickerbocker glory in a 1930s cafe? Sounds good to us…

Stay at a contemporary seaside hotel

Overlooking Largs Bay, Brisbane House Hotel has been totally refurbished and offers contemporary comforts in a traditional seaside setting. As the hotel is less than an hour’s drive from Glasgow, it’s easy to escape to for a cheeky getaway.

Today’s Big Deal is for an overnight stay for two with breakfast and a three course dinner each from the set menu. Prices are based on two people sharing a standard twin or double room.

Available seven days a week until the end of March, this would either make a relaxing autumn escape or cosy winter getaway.

Stylish rooms

Featuring a mix of modern and classic furnishings, each guest room at Brisbane House has a luxurious marble bathroom with a glassed-in shower, as well as a flat-screen TV and free WiFi.

Upgraded rooms can include extra luxuries such as a Jacuzzi or sitting area with leather sofas. Executive suites also have four-poster beds and a spa-style bath. Please arrange any upgrades directly with the hotel.

Dine with a view

During your stay, you and your other half can tuck into a hearty three course meal from the set menu at the hotel’s Oscar’s restaurant. This is a sophisticated dining spot and bar serving Scottish and international cuisine, which you can feast on while gazing at the sea view through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Dishes can change regularly, but here is a sample of what you can expect:

Starters

Fantail of galia melon with fruit coulis and lemon sorbet

Haggis pakora served with mixed leaves and pakora sauce

Stornoway black pudding and haggis stack, topped with apple and smoked bacon with a creamy pepper sauce

Mains

Breast of chicken stuffed with haggis, plus seasonal vegetables and potatoes served in a whisky sauce

Roasted Thai marinated salmon with stir fried vegetables, coriander rice and spicy soy sauce

Broccoli and stilton risotto

Desserts

Cheesecake of the day

Warm chocolate brownie served with a white chocolate cream sauce

Raspberry shortbread tower served with Chantilly cream

Lovely Largs and amazing Ayrshire

As mentioned, Largs has all of the charms of a traditional Scottish seaside resort, including a Victorian promenade and ice cream parlours (in fact, the hotel is a hop-skip-and-jump away from the famous Nardini’s).

The hotel itself overlooks the horseshoe-shaped Largs Bay, so you will be handy for various shops and attractions. Local activities include fishing, sailing, putting, bowls and swimming.

History buffs will appreciate Vikingar! – a multi-media experience that celebrates the town’s victory over the vikings. And a must-see is Kelburn Castle, which has been painted with a striking psychedelic mural that will make you wonder if your eyes are playing tricks on you.

If you are a golfer then, as well as the two courses in the town, you will be within easy reach of the championship clubs of Turnberry Golf, Turnberry Kintyre, Royal Troon and Portland.

Largs is also a good base for exploring various west coast islands, including Great Cumbrae, just a mile offshore. There is a regular ferry service to the islands.

Happy guests

Brisbane House was given this recent rave review from a guest on TripAdvisor:

‘Wonderful. A 3 night 40th wedding anniversary celebration visit was made absolutely wonderful here. An unexpected gift of sparkling wine and chocolates delivered to the room, a very nice touch. All employees were very warm and welcoming. Thanks to the hotel Management for developing and delivering such a good product, especially Nikky and all the staff who looked after us. The room was fabulous, hotel food, weather and day trips were great. We’ve done expensive cruises and trips all over the world, this ranks among the best. Thank you again.’

Escape to the seaside this winter

When the weather turns colder, there are few things nicer than cosying up together in a comfy and modern hotel overlooking the sea. And it’s especially nice when the setting is as charming as Largs.

With breakfast and a three-course dinner for two included, this Big Deal from Brisbane House offers everything you need for a reviving break. Plus as the offer is available until the end of March, it would also make a lovely gift.