Southern Scotland - Scotland - page 308

Festivals

Viking Festival
( www.largsvikingfestival.com ) During the first week of September, this festival celebrates
the Battle of Largs and the end of Viking political domination in Scotland.

HISTORIC

Sleeping & Eating

HOTEL

Brisbane House Hotel££
( 01475-687200; www.brisbanehousehotel.com ; 14 Greenock Rd; s/d £70/105, d/ste
with sea view £135/150; ) We're not sure about the modern facade on this genteel
old building, but the rooms are quite luxurious, and some - it's aimed at wedding parties -
have jacuzzis and huge beds. It's on the waterfront, so paying the extra for a sea view will
reward in fine weather, as the sun sets over Great Cumbrae opposite. There's a decent bar
and restaurant downstairs and a comfortable contemporary feel. It's usually substantially
cheaper via booking websites.

Glendarroch££
( 01475-676305; www.glendarrochbedandbreakfast.co.uk ; 24 Irvine Rd; s/d/f £40/65/
80; ) This B&B on the main road through town typifies Scottish hospitality - the
rooms are well kept and the owner is friendly without being intrusive. If it's full, staff will
probably ring around to try to find you something else.

B&B

Nardini's££
( www.nardinis.co.uk ; mains £8-16; 9am-10pm; ) Nothing typifies the old-time feel
of Largs more than this giant art deco gelateria, well into its second century. The ice
creams are decadently delicious, with rich flavours that'll have parents licking more than
their fair share from the kids. There's also a cafe with outdoor seating, and a restaurant
which does pizzas, pastas, and some surprisingly decent dishes like duck breast and deli-
cious sardines on toast.

CAFE, BISTRO

Information
Largs Information Centre ( 01475-689962; www.ayrshire-arran.com ;
10.30am-3pm Mon-Sat Easter-Oct) At the train station, a block back from the waterfront
on the main street.