Decent Room, Awful Dining Experience

Liked: We booked a DBB deal to stay here. The room was a good size, clean, tidy with good WiFi signal. It looking out at the back of the hotel which faced onto a housing estate. Location was good as we were travelling to Ayr the following morning.
Disliked: Dinner was pretty awful from start to finish. When we checked in we were told the only time they had for dinner was 8.30 which for us is to far to wait so reception suggested we go speak to the restaurant. So after checking in, before going up to our room suitcase in hand went over to the restaurant to see what availability they had. We were informed it was either 8.30 or NOW (remember I was standing there with my suitcase!) I looked at her, looked at my case & said I think if they offer DBB they should keep some of the 'prime times' for those guests. Eventually we managed to get booked in for 7pm & how sorry I was that they'd managed to accommodate us. Starter, both ordered Twisted Haggis which was fine, nothing special. Mains, I ordered Salmon,my wife going for Steak Pie when both arrived we could smell garlic bit weird we thought. After a few bites we both realised everything on both plates was swimming in garlic. Why have beautifully fresh vegetables then drown them in garlic total madness. Even the gravy that steak pie was served with was overpowered by garlic. After a few bites each we asked for the plates to be lifted, we did say to the waitress who didn't seem to care. For me it ruined the whole dining experience with the aftertaste of garlic so when it came time to order dessert I declined, my wife ordered the chocolate cake & cream. After waiting almost half hour for the dessert to arrived the waitress came to ask if we'd like the bill, my wife replied "The bill? I've not had dessert yet!" The couple at the next table almost choked of their pizza almost wait for Basil Faulty to pop out! Throughout the dinner their was a table of approx. 20 in the bar area eating lets just say if there were a swear box it'll be full with the language coming from that area, not once did I see a member of staff address either the language or the loudness of the party.

The Irvine Gem.

Liked: Helpful and well mannered staff. Beautifully designed lobby and restaurant.
Disliked: There was no dark beer. The only brand on tap had run out possibly due to the current driver shortage. However there wasn't a bottled alternative.

Passable

Good

Exceptional

Liked: The hotel staff were excellent, friendly and helpful. The food was good and breakfast plentiful

touring Scotland

Liked: liked all of Reception, bar & restaurant area.
Disliked: as we took a dog, there was no dog waste bins, other than that, very pleased with everything else.

Good

Superb

Liked: Everything
Disliked: Nothing

Recommended.

Liked: Helpful staff. Nice bar and restaurant. Good size room. Limited menu but food was good. Close (walkable) to town/shops/railway station. Would stay again.
Disliked: Rooms clean, comfortable and functional but need modernisation. Slow service in restaurant, very noisy wedding party guests in corridors during early hours. Covid rules not enforced by staff and shared serving utensils for self serve breakfast.