A golfer putting on the green at Colvend Golf Club near Caddie's Cove Bistro, surrounded by mature trees with a small stream in the foreground.

Caddie’s Cove Bistro: Relaxed Dining at Colvend Golf Club

Located at Colvend Golf Club, Caddie’s Cove Bistro is just a 4 min drive or 20 min walk from Serenity.

Quick info for your visit:

  • Distance from Serenity (22 Barend): 1.3 miles S (~4 min drive / 20 min walk)
  • Location: Colvend, Sandyhills, Dalbeattie, DG5 4PY
  • Food: Coffee & Cake, Breakfasts, Light Bites, and Evening Meals (also licensed bar)
  • Dogs: Allowed in the outside seating areas.
  • Local Tip: After you reach Sandyhills, there’s no footpath up the half mile of the A710, so walk on the right facing the traffic and be careful!

Caddie’s Cove is just a 4 min drive from Serenity 22. Check Availability

We popped to Caddie’s Cove Bistro for lunch after a coastal walk. As it’s located in the golf club, we weren’t sure what it would be like, but we received a warm welcome. It was midweek and fairly quiet; the restaurant had a nice relaxed atmosphere and the staff were friendly.

We sat by the window and enjoyed the surroundings. There’s outdoor seating too but it wasn’t quite warm enough when we visited.

A golfer putting on the green at Colvend Golf Club near Caddie's Cove Bistro, surrounded by mature trees with a small stream in the foreground.
Read more
Complimentary Focaccia and dips at The Olive Retreat, Castle Douglas

Dining at The Olive Retreat Restaurant, Castle Douglas

The Olive Retreat closed due to a fire on Tuesday 8th July 2025 😞

The same team opened another restaurant called Sambuca at 38 King Street, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway, DG7 1AD (where Mr Pook’s used to be). We’re looking forward to going and trying it out!

Check out other places to eat near the lodge.

13 miles WNW ~22 min drive DG7 1DX

The Olive Retreat is was a relaxed, family friendly mediterranean restaurant & café in the centre of Castle Douglas. We visited on a midweek evening. As it was fairly quiet we were given a choice of tables for two by the friendly waitress. 

Read more
Breakfast outside on a picnic bench overlooking a wild landscape

Top 10 places to eat near the lodge

It’s actually a top 7 list at the moment! The Crab Pot opened, then closed again! Also one or two of our other favourite places have closed in the last few months, so we’ll be using it as an excuse to eat out at a few more nearby 😋

April 2026 – Updates incoming, we ate at a few places on our recent trip (inc. Caddie’s Cove) and will update this page soon!

This list reflects our tastes and preferences, but we hope you’ll also enjoy going to eat at all of these places!

They’re listed by how close they are to the lodge, with a brief description and, where available, a link to our review so you can learn more.

Read more
Mackintosh at the Willow Salon de Luxe Art Panel

Mackintosh at the Willow Glasgow Visit

Mackintosh at the Willow

96 miles N 2 hours drive G2 3EX

Mackintosh at the Willow Tea Rooms on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow are the last surviving tea rooms designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and originally opened in 1903.  (Not to be confused with The Willow Tea Rooms on Buchanan Street, which are Art Nouveau and Mackintosh themed but not designed by Mackintosh himself.)

For those with a love of all things Mackintosh the tea rooms are a real treat.

Read more