In the Main Street of West Kilbride, Ayrshire, Scotland just around the corner from the train station, is the former Barony Church. This has been reclaimed for the community by the work and efforts of Maggie Broadley and her team ably assisted by Lottery Funding and local charities.
The building now houses a craft centre, exhibition centre, craft shop and cafe, Barony Bites. I have attended The Barony Centre for a book launch second publication by the late Mary Strick, Warthog Hotel. I preformed there with a singing group last Christmas and have visited to enjoy displays and exhibitions. I have also found wonderful, unique presents in the craft shop. The shop is run by a dedicated group of cheery volunteers who greet every visitor. However, when I meet friends to go to the Barony, we usually go to the Barony Cafe.
Barony Bites is run by Sheila Maxwell who secured the franchise when The Barony Centre opened. They are welcoming and friendly. Nothing is too much trouble. They even kept smiling on the day my singing group accepted their invitation to sing to them and lost them 2 customers! I really did not think we were that bad!
Their fare, although restricted, is all freshly made. It is open 7 days a week and the surroundings are bright, even on grey days. This cafe is well worth a visit. I am sure you will enjoy The Barony Centre as a whole and Barony Bites in particular.
Note: Barony Bites Closed on 28 March 2015.
Valerie Penny
Val Penny's Hotel and Restaurant Reviews 
Posted by kilfinan on November 4, 2014 at 2:51 pm
A congenial little cafe and there’s always something of interest in the Barony. I do hope the Council can do something to make this end of the Main Street a more pleasant experience for pedestrians.
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