BELMILL HOTEL, HAMILTON RD, BELLSHILL

1 Location

In close proximity to the train station and in the centre of the town, it’s pretty easy to find.

2 First impressions

Quite nice for a bar/bistro. Spacious, with contemporary lighting and décor. It’s lunchtime on a weekday and it’s not full but there’s a healthy flow of customers which bodes well.

3 service

A little rushed. We were asked what we would like to drink before we’d got our coats off – and the food came a little too quickly for my liking. Our waitress was lovely and friendly but did forget the order as she hadn’t written it down and had to come back to check. We were given plenty of time to digest before thinking about dessert.

4 menu

From light bites such as soup, sandwiches and baked potatoes to main meals such as steak pie, fajitas and macaroni cheese, the dishes are simple and there’s something to suit all tastes. They also do cakes and coffees.

5 taste

We settled on the steak sandwich and the soup and sandwich combo. The steak sandwich was huge and really tasty, and served with big chunky chips on the side. Very filling. The lentil and parsnip soup was nice and the cajun chicken sandwich fine, but the tasteless, greasy dressing covering the side salad was disappointing. The latte wasn’t great either – very bitter and too frothy.

6 price

At under £20 for two meals and drinks, it’s reasonable for a pub lunch.

7 ambience

Warm, comfortable and relaxed. After the initial rush at the beginning, we were left to our own devices. Could have easily sat for an hour or two.

8 something Special

Afternoon tea looked a treat for a celebration or special occasion, as did the cocktail list! There’s a deal on mains – two for £15 – which runs all day.

9 Toilets

Pristine, but absolutely freezing which made spending a penny a pretty bad experience.

10 verdict

Points off for the food letdowns and the chilly loos. 14/20