The Chestnuts Hotel, Victoria Park, Ayr

Set in a leafy residential area of Ayr, first impressions of this place were good. We received a warm welcome in the entrance hall from what appeared to be the hotel receptionist, before turning right into a cosy bar, which is essentially a hotel bar. Things turn sour when the woman from reception came chasing after us and instructed us that children weren't allowed in the bar unless eating. We were a bit perturbed that the lady had clearly seen us all enter, but then seemed to take exception to us. As for the rule around children only being allowed in whilst eating, is this some kind of outdated licensing rule, is there some sort of absurd assumption that children will behave better if eating, or is it just the business trying to make money by forcing families to have a meal? Either way, I was left to have a drink on my own. The setting is nice enough. Jarl & Boltmaker were the real ales, making it one of only 4 places I found in Ayr with cask. However, I was soon joined by a mother and her young daughter (a similar age to my son) who were planning to have a mid-afternoon meal. There was no questioning from the officious receptionist this time. Perhaps they regularly come for food? Scotland seems to be well behind the times. Ironically, WhatPub shows the place as "family friendly", which I will seek to be corrected. A disappointing experience making this the worst of the 5 entries for Ayr in the Good Beer Guide.

Plush friendly hotel bar open to non residents & serving real ale