Restaurant REVIEW

1 LOCATION

Just by the Forth and Clyde Canal between Kilsyth and Croy. It’s at Auchinstarry Marina which is also a hugely popular rock-climbing venue that attracts the adventurous from all over.

2 FIRST IMPRESSIONS

It’s really spacious yet also cosy with super views on to the boats tied up directly outside. The decking area is understandably popular on nice days.

3 SERVICE

Attentive from the minute we walked in, plenty of helpful staff but not fussy or intrusive. An issue with one of the puddings was quickly dealt with.

4 MENU

There’s a daily brunch menu from 8am and an attractive lunch menu but we are ordering off the main one. Starters include Cullen skink, Stornoway black pudding and steamed Scottish mussels. There’s a Scots flavour to the mains too with a larger portion of the mussels and haggis, neeps ‘n’ tatties.

5 TASTE

We settled on Cajun chicken with salad, salsa, sour cream and skinny fries and a chicken, chorizo and chilli risotto. Both were generous portions, nicely presented and very tasty. The Belgian banoffee waffle was a towering, delicious fare but the winter berry bread pudding (with coconut ice cream) wasn’t fully defrosted. The substitute was nice.

6 PRICE

The mains, puddings, a side of cheesy garlic bread and a couple of large soft drinks came to just under £50.

7 AMBIENCE

A classy white-walled layout with low lighting. Clientele was a mix of couples and families. Nice feel.

8 SOMETHING SPECIAL

Chargrilled steaks have their own section from a 12oz rib-eye to an 8oz fillet.

9 TOILETS

Sleek, modern and super-clean.

10 VERDICT

Other than the pudding hiccup, a thoroughly enjoyable meal.

16/20