The black Sheep Inn - Royal Hotel

[John S]

WC those councilors prepared to put our heads above the parapet know we take the risk of offending people. or giving others who disagree with our views ammunition. I doubt if anyone actually involved in the hospitality trade is bothered by my comment as much as you or Mary G - (who doesn't even live in Argyll, never mind Kintyre) are.

The fact is that every weekend loads of people from here head up to Glasgow for a few days away to experience the range and quality of hospitality, shops and cultural activities they cannot get here, any improvement in the offer here to reverse that situation should be unreservedly welcome.

[argylltourist]

As yet I have not visited the new place yet, but it certainly looks the bees knees! It's got people talking anyway!


My comment is in regard to the name "GRILLE" which some have queried. I would imagine it's American. It's certainly used a lot in the USA. Am I right in thinking that one of the owners is American?

[howlsatthemoon]

Ok, my personal opinion. Went in for a pint today, two pints cider one pint lager £9.60. surroundings fantastic atmosphere non exsistent, but that might change with the right people in the place.

[LANDROVER ROGER]

My understanding of the word "grille"is the part of a vehicle bodywork in front of the radiator.

[Isa]

You could always have a day out here and ask them why they call it a Grille with an E?
http://www.grillesteakhouse.co.uk/

[maganru]

Went to the Royal on Saturday for lunch and loved it. Beautiful place to be, food was excellent and the service was very, very good. The girls were all very nice and very attentive without being 'in your face'. Back in a couple of weeks and will be trying the Ugadale for lunch as I haven't been there yet. Will also be going back to Ardshiel again soon. This is all so good for the town and you should all be glad it's there, instead of bickering about it. The interior of the Royal is exceptional - love the ceiling lights in the grille (don't like the 'e' either) - and the fire is nice too. Very comfortable and good atmosphere when I was there. Several families and lots of ladies who lunch! Will definitely go back.

[Kevin Mc]

We'll be up at the end of July and will definitely be trying out the Royal or Ugadale or both

[petewick]

Ok, my personal opinion. Went in for a pint today, two pints cider one pint lager £9.60. surroundings fantastic atmosphere non exsistent, but that might change with the right people in the place.

Three pints for £9.60? Very reasonable. But we must have the right people in the place, don't want to encourage the other kind......what?

[Ship called Dignity]

Ok, my personal opinion. Went in for a pint today, two pints cider one pint lager £9.60. surroundings fantastic atmosphere non exsistent, but that might change with the right people in the place.

Three pints for £9.60? Very reasonable. But we must have the right people in the place, don't want to encourage the other kind......what?

Jeeze oh, I think you should read Howls post again Petewick. He's meaning with the right people in place (as in the owners and staff) they can get the right atmosphere.

[drollyin]

I was in on opening day for lunch with a couple of workmates.

The only problem we had was that we did have quite a wait from our order getting taken to receiving our meals. Looking back on it now though, I'd put the wait down to opening day teething problems.

It was a bit pricey - not the kind of place you would go every week, but you've got to expect that from a hotel of that standard.

All in all though, the meal was nice, the surroudings were first class and the view was great!

I'd recommend it!

[petewick]

Ok, my personal opinion. Went in for a pint today, two pints cider one pint lager £9.60. surroundings fantastic atmosphere non exsistent, but that might change with the right people in the place.

Three pints for £9.60? Very reasonable. But we must have the right people in the place, don't want to encourage the other kind......what?

Jeeze oh, I think you should read Howls post again Petewick. He's meaning with the right people in place (as in the owners and staff) they can get the right atmosphere.

So then Ship, what you are suggesting is that they keep changing management and staff until they get it right?

[Ship called Dignity]

Three pints for £9.60? Very reasonable. But we must have the right people in the place, don't want to encourage the other kind......what?

Jeeze oh, I think you should read Howls post again Petewick. He's meaning with the right people in place (as in the owners and staff) they can get the right atmosphere.

So then Ship, what you are suggesting is that they keep changing management and staff until they get it right?

Aye Pete, keep stirring I'm assuming opening a new place, and in particular a pub, that is so public faced, does take a wee bit of time to get right. I'm sticking to the thread title and on about the pub and its going to take a few weeks for the staff to get to know customers etc which, as you know, will add to the atmosphere, the welcome, the service and the whole experience. Which in turn will help the atmosphere. I was speaking to a couple of friends who were in on Saturday night and they said the atmosphere was great. The customers play an important part in that but staff who interact are just as important. Maybe, I'll apply for a job and get behind that bar again! Keep you on your toes for sure!

[petewick]

Well Dave thats reassuring, but for health reasons am on the wagon for a while,
am not the type to go into a pub and drink non alcoholic drinks, like eating chocolate
with the paper on.............

[russanros]

Visited three times, the look-round then the pub/bar twice subsequently, its very nice and the view over the harbour and loch is nice and something you dont get from most pubs in the town.

Observations on price is that Guinness is £3.75 per pint, many other bars in the town charge £3 - £3.30, but read above about the views/surroundings - at its standard its bound to be dearer than your average bar.

My biggest problem is that regardless of the price the Ardshiel sells the excellent Fyne Ales, a local-ish product which ought to be supported, I think the Royal/Ugadale have missed an opportunity here Americans nearly always appreciate 'local ales' - certainly in Bronte & Heartbeat country!

[EileenH]

Russanros, don't know much about their ales, but have you seen their gantry with just about every whiskey from springbank, not to mention from the surrounding distilleries in the area? You're right, Americans do like to support locals. As far as I'm aware, they buy their fish, cheese and dairy products etc locally. my husband has had a few beers in the pub and said the prices were very much in line with the other pubs in the town.