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The Ark is a cafe located in Craig Roan, Kippford, Dalbeattie, offering a variety of home-style dishes with a focus on traditional British and Scottish flavors. The menu features a selection of sandwiches, including haggis and cheese, smoked salmon with cream cheese, and classic tuna or coronation chicken. Soups play a prominent role, with options like carrot and pumpkin soup served alongside sandwich combos. The range of hot drinks is wide, featuring different teas, coffees, and hot chocolates, including a luxury version. Desserts include homemade cakes such as Victoria sponge with fresh cream and strawberries, fruit scones, mango and passion fruit curd cake, and traditional Scottish tablet. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, suited for a relaxed meal or a coffee break. The Ark’s emphasis on simple, wholesome fare combined with its cozy setting makes it a recognizable spot within the local food scene of Kippford. It caters to visitors seeking comforting dishes paired with quality hot beverages, reflecting the regional palate and cafe culture.
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Amenities & More
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Reviews for The Ark - Dalbeattie DG5 4LN
Review highlights
Based on 426 reviewsThe Ark, located in picturesque Kippford, is widely praised for its charming atmosphere and scenic setting overlooking the Solway Firth. Reviewers frequently highlight the cafe’s warm, welcoming environment, whether enjoying a seat inside or outside with views of the estuary and passing yachts. The quality of the food and drinks consistently receives positive remarks, with particular emphasis on the fresh, generously filled sandwiches, homemade cakes, and scones served with real clotted cream. The cafe caters well to diverse dietary preferences, offering plant-based milk alternatives and vegan cake options, though some reviewers note limited plant-based food choices overall. Friendly and efficient service is another consistent feature, contributing to a relaxed yet vibrant experience. While parking is limited, the overall consensus presents The Ark as a beloved local gem open year-round, appreciated for its combination of great taste, attentive service, and stunning location.
Buzzing little cafe and shop in beautiful Kippford. Sit outside and watch the yachts sail past or inside in a warm, comfortable atmosphere with friendly, efficient service. Cappuccino and a bacon roll are terrific, the cakes and scones (with real clotted cream) are sumptuous and the soup and sandwich combo is super value. Open all year. What’s not to like.
A truly excellent Americano. And some lovely cakes on offer…. A great asset for a lovely space aside the Solway Firth…..
Superb location. Friendly staff. Small parking area nearby. Oat and soya milks available and VEGAN cakes (two choices - brownies recommended!). Limited plant-based food options.
What a place. I’ve been here numerous times in the past, and today I made the trip down for the day. First stop was The Arc. Grabbed a table outside overlooking the Estuary and then ordered a Panani for myself and my friend ordered a toastie. They do all sorts of foods and cakes, and I even got some ice cream before I left. In fact even got a picture too to take home. A great wee gem which has an attached small shop and a great ice cream selection. You won’t be disappointed.
What a fantastic little gem of a tea room. The food was really good, loads of choice on the menu. Sandwiches are on really fresh bread and rammed with filling, scones are homemade and fluffy and the homemade cakes taste just like my Nannas, delicious. We had a table reserved in a lovely spot in the window overlooking the harbour. The tea room was busy but it didn't feel hectic. The staff are super friendly and nothing is too much trouble. I wish this place was on our doorstep as we'd be frequent visitors. We'll definitely be back.
A delightful spot offering lovely homemade fare, clearly prepared with care and passion. The dishes are simple yet crafted with genuine attention to detail. The outdoor seating area is particularly charming, providing a peaceful setting overlooking the tranquil inlet — a perfect place to relax.
Very charming place, both indoor (with two spezial places in the bay window) and outdoor (simple and thus preferred wooden bench and table, overlooking bay and inflowing river). They offer sweet and savory, both with great choices, including for veggies. We had scones and clutted cream (the last one :) and cheesecake, both very delicious. People are very friendly and accomodating, so to return soon...
Fantastic cafe overlooking the water. The menu is so good and the prices extremely fair. The cheese scone was delicious! Delighted also to get a GF toastie! Again….delicious. Coffee is quality as well. Great service, friendly and professional. If you visit the beautiful village of Kippford you have to come to this cafe!
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Quick info
Opening hours
- Monday 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Tuesday (Today) 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Wednesday 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Thursday 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Friday 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Saturday 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Sunday 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
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