Distance from the lodge: 13 miles WNW ~20 min drive
Mr Pook’s Kitchen website says they ‘showcase some of the best produce from Dumfries & Galloway using ancient, classic & modern cooking techniques’.
We went for a meal there one evening and we’re happy to thoroughly recommend it based on our experience. We noticed a children’s menu was on display outside, but we were child free this time!
A complimentary Olive Tapenade with goat’s cheese en croute was brought to the table before we placed our orders.


We asked to see the vegetarian menu which had 2 starters and 2 mains to choose from. There were also vegetarian specials on the board.
After taking our order, we were served complimentary sourdough bread with beetroot butter, and a small cup of gazpacho (cold Spanish tomato soup).
It was very tasty; neither of us have chosen to try gazpacho from a menu before, so it was a pleasant surprise. The beetroot butter was really interesting, so we look forward to having it again.


For starters, we ordered:
- Dullard crispy panko duck egg
White bean stew, artichoke crisps, truffled soldier

- Beetroot & goats cheese risotto
Our mains were:
- Foraged chanterelle mushroom tart
Courgette, artichoke, seasonal & baby vegetables

- Broad bean & pea “mezza luna” pasta
Pomodoro, seasonal vegetables, chive & wild garlic oil
A side of Truffled polenta chips were also really good.


We didn’t have dessert, but we plan to go back! We finished off with coffee this time.
There’s an open kitchen, so it was great to see the chefs at work. It’s not a big restaurant, there are around 11 tables, so probably room for ~40 diners. There were 2 people waiting on the tables, who were friendly and efficient. We’d booked for 7pm and our starters came out at approx 8pm (though we had the canapés and pre-starter during this time) and mains at 9pm, which was about right for us. Our food and drinks came to ~£70 for two.
The menu was interesting for both vegetarians and meat eaters, and you’ll likely be able to try something that you haven’t had before. Every course was thoughtfully put together with a variety of interesting tastes and flavours. The quality of the food served is reflected in the price, so personally we’d consider this an occasional treat rather than a typical meal out. However, although the food is ‘high end’ the restaurant itself has a very relaxed atmosphere. To sum up, we really enjoyed our meals, the atmosphere was good, everything was nicely presented and – most importantly – tasted great!
Contact, Links & Reviews
Currently open every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- Lunch Service from 12noon – 2pm
- Dinner Service from 5.30pm -9pm
Or, just pop in for a tea or coffee in the relaxed surroundings.
Web: www.mrpooks.co.uk
Tel: 01556 504000
E-mail: info@mrpooks.co.uk (we emailed during the day and got a response within a few hours, just after 5pm.)
Planning Your Visit
13 miles WNW ~20 min drive
38 King St, Castle Douglas, DG7 1AD.
There isn’t a car park, but in the evening (after 5:30pm) there’ i’s usually plenty of street parking, either on King Street or a short walk away.
Google Maps: https://g.page/mrpookskitchen