A chef has told how his new venture is the realisation of a career-long dream to bring fine dining to Ayr town centre.
Chris Steele opened his latest eaterie in the town last night, pledging to serve up the finest steak this side of Glasgow's top venues.
And he hopes his vision to create a touch of class could see customers flocking to the town in their droves.
Chris, 41, already owns the successful stable of Arthur Street Kitchen, Hollybush Inn and Stage Door Cafe.
But he insists his new restaurant — The Drunken Coo Steakhoose — will be a total departure for those wanting a special treat in their lives.
Pitched as Ayr's answer to Miller & Carter, Scotland's finest wagyu steaks sit alongside locally sourced cuts from Jim Nisbet & Sons in Sorn.
All in all, it's heaven for a steak lover with a gold standard service — literally — to match in the shape of cutlery in that colour and luxury leather staff aprons.
Chris told Ayrshire Live: "I've basically strived for this from day one of being a chef.
"No matter what restaurant I own, the standard of cooking and service has to be the highest it can be.
"But at the back of my mind, I've always wanted to bring this level of venue to Ayr.
"I firmly believe there is the market for it here and we are ready to deliver it."
Renovation of the building in the town's Beresford Terrace has seen Steele's team develop a swanky cocktail bar that seats 25 in the upstairs of the new restaurant.
Downstairs, 70 covers are fully sold out for the first few nights of service.
The food menu contains some juicy prices — costliest steak is the 22oz Cote de Boeuf priced at £75 — but there's also the classic £14 fish and chips for those keeping it lighter.
And Chris is confident that his food will once again do the talking as his new place proves something to everyone.
He said: "We're not about being pretentious — the name Drunken Coo Steakhoose proves that.
"There's no dress code and this is simply about doing good food very well in a stylish atmosphere.
"We want people to come here and enjoy an experience — it's not about coming in for a quick meal and being rushed out again.
"It's not been the greatest time for the industry but we're confident in what we do and think this can be a real bonus for the town.
"We've been warmly welcomed by our neighbours and had great support from the likes of Creatur Logos, Owen Kerr Signs, Kylemark Workwear, Brodie Lighting and Ab Upholstery in helping to get us up and running.
"It's been a great effort from everyone to reach this point and now we can't wait to get started."
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