NEW jobs will be created in North Ayrshire as a popular restaurant is to expand.

The Rowan Tree Restaurant and Garden Centre, on North Shore Road in Ardrossan, have confirmed the news that they are to take over the catering at West Kilbride Golf Club.

They will officially start operating at the club from March 1, 2023.

They will become the second restaurant to take over at the club - which runs the food and drink areas separately from the golfing section - after West Kilbride based Cita Tapas ran the catering for a short period of time. However, their agreement with the club was terminated after a short period.

Although the Rowan Tree team, who have over 20 years experience of operating the business just off the A78, will be confident of making this a success.

While the golf club themselves are excited by the move, having experienced a challenging 2022 where numerous different caterers have tried and failed in the role.

In a statement sent to members confirming the takeover, a spokesperson said: "I am delighted to bring good news – we have now engaged a new caterer!

"The Rowan Tree, under the direction of David Castelvecchi and his team, will officially take over on March 1, 2023.

"As you all know we have had a year of ‘on and off’ catering, mainly due to the pandemic and a global shortage of catering/kitchen staff. 

"We then had minimal response to all our advertising efforts. Fair to say, it has been a challenging year!

"We are therefore extremely delighted to now have this headache solved and we look forward to welcoming David and his team next year."

A few days after this email was circulated to club members, The Rowan Tree confirmed the move themselves.

A social media statement read: "I am delighted to reveal that yes, the rumours are true... The Rowan Tree are now proud caterers for West Kilbride Golf Course.

"David, head chef Bob and myself had several meetings in December with the club and signed on the dotted line just before Christmas.

"We will be providing daily food in the clubhouse for their members and also catering for all the club's banqueting and function needs throughout the year."

They also confirmed that they would now be looking to take on new members of staff, specifically: an assistant restaurant manager; sous chef; commis chef and front of house team members.

For more information on these roles, you can find them all on indeed.com or you can message Abbie via the Rowan Tree Facebook page, by emailing abbie-rowantree@outlook.com or calling/messaging 07983 591640.