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Mr Pook’s Kitchen

Dumfries & Galloway, Castle Douglas - Modern Scottish - Restaurant - £££

Overall Rating: Very Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Very Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Very Good

Mr Ed Pook started rattling the pans in his eponymous kitchen back in 2018. Since then, he has brought urban flair, a passion for produce and some well-judged culinary swagger to the sometimes sedate country environs of southern Scotland’s self-styled ‘food town’. Prominently situated on the main street of Castle Douglas in the converted grandeur of a red sandstone bank, Mr Pook's Kitchen provides all-day hospitality – from daytime snacks and an excellent-value two-course lunch to an imaginative evening menu. It can be hard to convert institutional buildings. Some might find the lighting a little bright and the music slightly misaligned, but homely touches of fresh hedgerow flowers and original art, matched with a lively buzz ensure plenty of atmosphere and energy. Add in the foodie drama of an open grill kitchen with its pass in the heart of the room and it’s clear where the focus lies. This is cooking that lets local ingredients tell their own stories. A...

Mr Ed Pook started rattling the pans in his eponymous kitchen back in 2018. Since then, he has brought urban flair, a passion for produce and some well-judged culinary swagger to the sometimes sedate country environs of southern Scotland’s self-styled ‘food town’. Prominently situated on the main street of Castle Douglas in the converted grandeur of a red sandstone bank, Mr Pook's Kitchen provides all-day hospitality – from daytime snacks and an excellent-value two-course lunch to an imaginative evening menu. It can be hard to convert institutional buildings. Some might find the lighting a little bright and the music slightly misaligned, but homely touches of fresh hedgerow flowers and original art, matched with a lively buzz ensure plenty of atmosphere and energy. Add in the foodie drama of an open grill kitchen with its pass in the heart of the room and it’s clear where the focus lies. This is cooking that lets local ingredients tell their own stories. A crispy panko duck egg served with a bacon and white bean stew, artichoke crisps and a criminally good truffled 'soldier' for dipping is a cheeky take on more traditional breakfast ingredients. Lamb loin from the family farm at Potterland is tender, perfectly rendered and served with a moreish little fritter of slow-cooked ‘lesser cuts’ and delicate baby vegetables. Blackboard specials might include hand-cut well-aged steaks from nearby farms or a soul-caressing venison pappardelle pairing local game with the silky pasta-making skills of the Italian sous-chef. Desserts thoughtfully accommodate different palates – perhaps banana baked Alaska with pecan butterscotch for the sweet-toothed, a creative vegan-friendly confection of rum-poached pineapple, coconut panna cotta and aquafaba meringue or simply a a local whisky affogato with honeyed oats. An accessible wine list (starting at a budget-friendly £22) reflects a long-standing relationship with a local wine merchant. Beers come from Sulwarth Brewers just a few doors down and an extensive range of Scottish spirits completes this homage to eating and drinking locally.

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VENUE DETAILS

The Old Bank. 38 King Street
Castle Douglas
Dumfries & Galloway
DG7 1ADGB

01556 504000

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OTHER INFORMATION

Private dining room, Wheelchair access, Parking, Family friendly, Dog friendly

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