Somewhere to eat in Campbeltown

[Ileach B]

Argyle Hotel Bellochantuy

Two visits.
Visit One. 11-30am. Mid May - camping on Seven Mile Stone beach. We decided to leave the car and walk the couple of miles to the hotel. Lovely small public bar very quiet - staff and owner very friendly - shortly after arriving - I went into the gents toilet - low and behold the owners Father came in a few minutes later. Glasgow accents and ink markers sprang to mind. However the toilets where recently revamped - obviously his pride and joy. I must have - you can take the man out of Maryhill - but you can't take Maryhill out of the man - look.
Anyway we really enjoyed our visit and had a lovely bar lunch. We met a couple on holiday from the midlands - The conversation revolved around Parkinson's Disease. We had noticed some of the symptoms in the mans gait and walk - the hand tremble and that far away look of the eyes. Fiona's Dad had been diagnosed Twenty years beforehand. So we decided to give the man some hope. nice people. A really enjoyable visit all round.

Visit Two. 6-30pm. Glasgow Fair Saturday. (following year) Again we decided to walk. Expectations were high and added some brisk to our step. If you are out in the fresh air all day - the thought of a warm cooked meal in the evening is a must. To our surprise the place was chock a block. We went into the small public bar and had to wait quite some time to order drinks and bar suppers -imagine our horror when we where told sorry - we don't serve food in the bar. I asked if we could book a table -no came the reply we are fully booked. After the third attempt at asking -I secured two bowls of soup and crusty bread.

You not think it might have been best to book at the busiest weekends of the year? Rather than having great expectations? And I'm sure that the people who pre-booked were the priority rather than the people who had come in just for a bowl of soup?

Normally they do have bar meals, but as it was the busiest weekend of the year and the place was full then I imagine that they had priorities, like the full resturant?

[ionnsaigh]

Well having only visited once - and it was quiet - we had no idea that the place was so popular. We went looking for a full meal - not a bowl of soup - however - that was all that was offered.

[SHUG]

It's a sad indictment on this place. Nowhere decent to eat. Tried the Ardshiel in the last three weeks-Bought in rubbish. Seafield-unmetionalble. Even Craigard is a hit or a miss and expensive. No bar except that lounge. Last time at Dalnaspidal was at best OK but cold - no heating. Hope it has improved and will give it a go. White Hart - down the tubes of late. Staff awful. Argyll is like a cathedral in side and food is mediocre. Have tried most but 95% disappointed.

Main problem with the eating establishments here is Brake Brothers. The product is awful. Surely it is not beyond the realms of reality for so-called chefs to produce something decent and homemade. I blame the proprietors who usually have no experience of good food so allow generally bad food to be served to the customers.
Their waiting staffs are also untrained. No fault of theirs but is the responsibility of the owners to see that their staff are well turned out and can speak properly.

Carradale Hotel is very good with good food but the drive puts you off.
Dunvalanree is also very good but again the journey is a no no if you want a drink as well.

[wee yin]

i recommend the argyll arms hotel. the food is lovely and the staff are very chatty

[jaffacat]

I second that - definately the best in the town!

[wee yin]

thankyou jaffacat. i enjoy being in the atmosphere of the argyll aswell. the food is the best in town keep it up![/i]

[Bonnie Lass]

Aqualibrium: Have been there twice for evening meals, once for a Christmas Meal and once as a social - both occasions well catered for - very attentive, tables laid attractively and plenty to eat. Most enjoyable evening.

Pity the architect didn't make the wall around the balcany "see through" once you sit down at those table outside the lovely view is lost !!

Can highly recommend Dalnaspidal for that "special occasion"

Craigard was good but the room was cold.

Argyll Hotel Bellochantuy, been several times now, enjoyable every time, best to pre-book.

[numberplease]

As a non resident, but great lover , of Kintyre, we enjoyed a meal we had at the MacDonald Arms at Tayinloan. The pub itself isn`t up to much, but the dining area was quite pleasant, service very good, and the food was excellent.
We also enjoyed a stopover at The Glen at Carradale, but were surprised to find the place almost empty just after midday in July.
We ate quite a few times at the Coffee Shop on Bolgan Street, but understand that it has changed now, so hope it hasn`t changed too much, and the chippy at Tarbert was brilliant!
We`re planning on trying the Argyll at Bellochantuay this summer, looks like we`d better book though.

[KMillar]

I have to say it does sound like quite a while since Boaby has eaten in the town and the majority of places mentioned have actually changed hands since his last visit, however I do think it is a shame that more businesses don't take advantage of the seafood on our doorstep. It certainly isn't difficult or time-consuming to batter a fresh haddock to order, but most use the frozen variety and charge nearly £9 for the pleasure.
When I eat out now I invariably go to the Caledonia restaurant. I may be biased because my mate is the chef, but I have never been disappointed with any meal there. The food is fresh and cooked to order, they can tell you the source of all the meat and fish, lovely atmosphere even if it's quiet, and the BYOB with no corkage makes for a cheap night!
As pointed out in previous messages, some establishments are now under new ownership so good luck to them and I look forward to trying them out in the near future.
K

[ionnsaigh]

Glen Carradale .
Sunday afternoon - high summer. We booked in advance - however the place was almost deserted - and remained so for the duration of our visit 1hr 30min. A more than ample spacious lounge and bar -very clean and tidy. The staff where more than obliging - when we asked if we could eat on the tables outside. It meant more running about for them - no problem. I really enjoyed my veggie bangers and mash - well done for having a vegetarian option - set in beautiful surroundings . One veggie option - that you wouldn't find - in many similar type establishments on Byres Road Glasgow. So well done Carradale Glen. Ten out of Ten.

[bill]

Glen Carradale .
Sunday afternoon - high summer. We booked in advance - however the place was almost deserted - and remained so for the duration of our visit 1hr 30min.

Obviously the locals got wind of your arrival

[Cecile]

I think many people get the wrong impression of Muneroy. People may see it as simply a place to go for a cup of tea and a cake. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Frances makes excellent meals, all made from scratch. The menu is full of delicious meals such as curry,mince, sweet and sour, and my peronal favourite, garlic chicken. I think Muneroy is one of the best places to eat the South of Kintyre. As I am only down a few times every year, I make a point of going in and visiting Frances and Ian, and I am never let down regarding food. The service is excellent and the staff are very friendly. I would recommend a visit here.

[KMillar]

I have to agree with the above statement, I worked for Frances and Ian many years ago and have to say they were fantastic employers and I loved working there

[jdcarra]

Glen Carradale .
Sunday afternoon - high summer. We booked in advance - however the place was almost deserted - and remained so for the duration of our visit 1hr 30min.

Obviously the locals got wind of your arrival

.

I ,four years on after a complete rebuild inside and revamp outside sadly now up for sale.

I have to agree with the above statement, I worked for Frances and Ian many years ago and have to say they were fantastic employers and I loved working there

Could not agree more with Cecile, 10 out of 10 here also .

[petewick]

Glen Carradale .
Sunday afternoon - high summer. We booked in advance - however the place was almost deserted - and remained so for the duration of our visit 1hr 30min.

Obviously the locals got wind of your arrival

.

I ,four years on after a complete rebuild inside and revamp outside sadly now up for sale.

I have to agree with the above statement, I worked for Frances and Ian many years ago and have to say they were fantastic employers and I loved working there

Could not agree more with Cecile, 10 out of 10 here also .

Agreed, excellent food and quality of service in both places.