During a recent UK heatwave, I made three trips to the seaside in seven days, despite living an hour from the coast. One location, Troon in South Ayrshire, stood out for its exceptional food. Approximately 45 minutes from Glasgow, Troon was the perfect spot for a warm evening as the heatwave waned.
Why Troon?
My previous visit to Troon was on a bitterly cold January day, but this time the weather couldn't have been more different. After work, we drove to the seaside town overlooking the Firth of Clyde with one clear objective: to dine at The Wee Hurrie, an award-winning chippy renowned for freshly caught seafood and its harbour-side location.
Despite a thunderstorm earlier in the day, the sun emerged as we strolled along the shore. The beach was peaceful, with only a handful of people, a stark contrast to our last visit battered by wind. After a brief walk, we headed to the harbour for food.
The Wee Hurrie Experience
On our January trip, The Wee Hurrie was closed because the Scottish fishing fleet was docked—something we should have checked. This time, it was open and worth the wait. The scampi was remarkably fresh, coated in a delicate batter that left me neither bloated nor uncomfortable, a rarity for chip shop food. The menu is diverse and inventive, offering fritto misto, noodles, and lobster alongside traditional options.
I ordered the scampi, which came with a gorgeous tartare sauce, a wedge of lemon, and generous salt and vinegar. Despite being light and crispy, it was thoroughly filling, with portion sizes that couldn't be faulted. At £14.30, it was worth every penny—I genuinely can't stop thinking about it. As The Wee Hurrie is a takeaway with no seating, we ate standing outside the shack, which says everything about how tasty it was.
Evening Stroll on the High Street
After dinner, we took a walk down Troon's high street. By 7pm, many independent shops and cafés had closed, but pubs were busy, with people streaming in and out of takeaways, restaurants, and shops. If I hadn't been driving, I would have nipped into Lido for cocktails, but it wasn't to be on this occasion.
The visit was shorter than last time but far more enjoyable thanks to the delicious food and stunning evening sunshine. Whether you're nearby for a few hours or making a special trip, Troon is a brilliant destination well worth exploring.
