the book & bun

50 Newmarket St, Ayr KA7 1LR, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(71 Reviews)

If you're searching for a haven where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the pages of beloved books, look no further than The Book & Bun. Located at 50 Newmarket St, Ayr, this delightful café is more than just a place to sip on your favorite beverage—it's a cozy community hub that invites you to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

The Book & Bun proudly serves a delightful selection of handmade cakes and rich, aromatic coffee, perfect for a quick morning pick-me-up or an indulgent afternoon treat. Customers rave about the top-class scones and proper tea, often served in charming china, elevating your café experience to one of pure bliss. A standout recommendation from visitors is the delectable flat white, a must-try that pairs beautifully with the serene atmosphere of the café.

But it's not just the food and drinks that make The Book & Bun a beloved spot—it's the warm and friendly staff who create an inviting ambiance where everyone feels at home. Whether you’re sipping on a unique flavor of apple mint tea or engaging in friendly conversation, the attentive service is consistently praised in customer reviews, making every visit feel like a special occasion.

The space itself is designed with comfort in mind—a bright, airy room filled with second-hand books waiting to be discovered. As Paul Towning notes, there’s a “good selection” of books available, perfect for bibliophiles looking to add to their collection. The back room is versatile enough to host small-scale events, and it adds to the café's charm as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

Why choose The Book & Bun? In a world that can often feel rushed, this café offers a slice of peace where you can unwind, explore new reads, and share good food with friends or family. With glowing reviews—like that of Kate Haywood, who called it “a lovely place for a drink and cake plus a browse”—it’s clear that The Book & Bun has struck a chord with its patrons. Lynn Ballantyne captures the essence perfectly when she declares it her "idea of paradise."

So whether you're popping in for a quick coffee to fuel your day or settling in for a leisurely afternoon with a book and a warm scone, The Book & Bun is a gem in Ayr that deserves a spot on your itinerary. Don't miss out on this charming café that tastefully combines the love for great food and literature.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Popular with tourists
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

,

1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

,

1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

,

1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

,

1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

,

1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Sunday

Closed

71 Reviews
Jacqui Currie

19 Aug 2025

Love it nice staff nice cakes and proper tea and Coffee.

Paul Towning (That'llbeme)

16 Aug 2025

Reasonable coffee, good service, nice people. Pretty decent selection of second hand books and a good sized room at the back for small scale events.

Jennifer Arthur

07 Aug 2025

It's a great place to go for a book only problem is the coffee place is hard to get into but the staff make up for it that's why I'm going to give you 5 star's.

Lynn Ballantyne

28 Jul 2025

Top class scones. Great service, tea, coffee and books too. My idea of paradise. Highly recommended.

Maggie Brownlie

11 Jul 2025

Lovely atmosphere and the ladies there were lovely. Food tasty. A wee vegan choice would be good. Will return

Kate Haywood

06 Jul 2025

What a lovely place for a drink and cake plus a browse at very reasonably priced books. I've to avoid caffeine at the moment on orders of the doc so was looking for an alternative. The apple mint tea was the best fruity one I have ever had! The lady here was extremely attentive and helpful without being overbearing. It's such a shame it is the last day of our holiday as we'd have been back.

Michael Jolly

27 Jun 2025

Lovely cafe with friendly staff. Lots of books at good prices. Great food.

Ethel Burnett

01 Jun 2025

We had a two hour stop in Ayr and found The Book & Bun. Tea and a scone served in China cup and saucer was lovely. I recommend the Flat White. Bought a book in all an enjoyable experience well worth a visit. Beautifully clean.

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