A New Chapter at The Black Bull: A Taste of Chef Craig Miller's New Menu

A great pub is a living thing. It holds onto the traditions that give it soul, but it must also evolve. Here at The Black Bull, we’re thrilled to announce the start of an exciting new chapter, led by the incredible talent of our new Head Chef, Craig Miller.

Craig’s philosophy is simple: take the best produce Ayrshire has to offer and let it sing. His new menu is a tribute to our local larder, blending the comforting familiarity of a village pub with a fresh, creative spark. Let's take a little tour through some of the incredible dishes he has created for you.

The Perfect Start

The new menu begins with starters that immediately signal a new era for our kitchen. Forget the expected; instead, imagine a stunning Haggis, Chicken & Bacon Roulade, a masterful dish that wraps the rich, peppery haggis and tender chicken in savoury bacon. It’s a true celebration of Scottish flavours, presented with elegance and creativity. Or perhaps you'll be tempted by the delicate, pan-seared scallops, sourced from the West Coast and served on a bed of rich, local black pudding—a true taste of Ayrshire's land and sea coming together on one plate.

Mains That Make a Statement

At the heart of the menu are the main courses, where Craig’s passion for pub classics and modern Scottish cooking truly shines. Of course, there must be a Steak and Local Ale Pie. But this isn't just any pie. The beef, sourced from a farm just miles away, is slow-cooked for hours until it melts in your mouth, all encased in a perfect, hand-crimped suet pastry that’s both light and substantial.

For those who love the fruits of our coast, the Smoked Haddock & Salmon Fricassee is a must-try. This is a truly comforting and luxurious dish, featuring tender flakes of smoked haddock and rich salmon, brought together in a delicious, creamy sauce with potatoes and peas. It’s a hearty and elegant bowlful that proves pub food can be both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.

The Sweetest Finish

No meal is complete without a proper pudding, and Craig has ensured the final course is just as memorable as the first. We know you love the classics, so he has worked to perfect them. His Sticky Toffee Pudding is the stuff of legends—impossibly light and fluffy, yet deeply flavourful, and drenched (as it should be!) in a generous helping of warm, buttery toffee sauce with a scoop of real dairy ice cream. It’s the kind of dessert that will have you scraping the bowl and planning your next visit before you’ve even paid the bill.

This is just a small taste of what awaits you. Craig Miller’s new menu is a celebration of everything we love about Ayrshire, presented with passion and flair. It's the next chapter in our story, and we can’t wait for you to come and taste it for yourself.

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