Val Penny's Hotel and Restaurant Reviews The Traveller's Guide to Hotels and Restaurants around the World

The Canny Man in Lugton, Scotland, used to be known as The Paraffin Lamp.  It is roughly equi-distant, 20 minutes, drive from Newton Mearns, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Irvine, so it was here that we all got together with my husband’s cousin, her husband and friends for a long overdue catch up and gossip.  We arrived a little early, just before 7pm. It was still warm enough for us to enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the nice sheltered beer garden outside.  There is also a play area for younger children to enjoy.  Inside, the bar and restaurant were warm and welcoming too. The decoration is discreet and there are lots of interesting paintings and prints around the walls. Some of these are offered for sale. When the others arrived we were shown to a table quickly and were surprised by the wide choice of dishes on the varied menu. There was also a children’s menu for our friend’s wee boy and some puzzles and crayons for him to use.

I think we all chose something different for each course and all enjoyed what we had. The staff were attentive and polite but did not intrude into our evening. It was a jolly occasion with good food and company. Although we heard with no little envy about friends’ wonderful holiday in Dubai.
To try to cool my jealousy we indulged in desserts and coffees and teas. The dessert, on my part at least, was pure greed as the starters and main courses are good-sized portions. Nevertheless we enjoyed these too, but the meringue on my baked alaska was not as crispy as I would have liked. What a small, picky negative! We had a delicious meal in lovely surroundings. I highly recommend The Canny Man and am sure we will go back soon.

Valerie Penny