Eilean Siar
An Lanntair

An Lanntair

Ionad Ealain Arts Centre, HS1 2DS, Eilean Siar, United Kingdom

Fish • Steak • Coffee • Cheese


"It is with sadness i feel obliged to write such a negative review. Having received through mail shot details of the Christmas Menu we decided to book said meal for Saturday the 5th on a visit home to the island. We invited two old friends...and were greatly looking forward to it. We were warned ,and we did think it odd, that the Christmas meals might be off if not enough folks booked. Indeed that is what happened we were told two days prior to our booking that there would be no Christmas food. We kept our booking which was for 7.30, we arrived half an hour ear;y and told the waiter we would have a drink in the bar. The waiter said nothing at that point to warn us of any time constraints. We moved through to the dining room ahead of our 7.30 slot. We had barely sat down when the waiter brought the menu to us and almost immediately asked us what we wanted to eat, we informed him that our last guest was 10 minutes away. The waiters attitude to us change at that point. He said you know the chef needs to get home, been here all day. He then said in a curt fashion did we know what our friend might eat and we should order for him. We said we would wait for him and again were told that the chef wanted to get home. Eventually we made our orders. The waiter was not happy that were choosing to have a starter, he in fact, tried to persuade us we might not be hungry enough for two courses. Our food came was plonked down, we were not asked if we wanted drinks but ordered some prosecco ,this was also just put on table ,it was not opened or poured. We did try to get the waiters attention at this point but he had his back to us laughing and chatting with friends. He went through to the empty bar and we never saw him again. He did not come to see if were needed more drinks or were enjoying our meal. We were not asked if we would like a desert or coffee. The food was by far the most mediocre we have had in many many years of coming to the café bar h ere. An Lanntair if a great place to visit for shows,plays art exhibition ns and music, it is being badly let down by this awful service and poor food. It was not always thus. we were treated as an inconvenience and with scant regard ,it pains me to think of first time visitors to the island being treated like this. In order of fairness I have been told lunch time service is better. In the past we have been served by delightful local young folks but not this time. I might add my husband who has written only two letters of complaint in 47 years wrote one this time. To sum up. They should not have advertised a Menu they knew they were unlikely to put on. Tell folks the last orders are 7.30 and don't, if this is the case, take bookings for 7.30 . Take your staff along to The royal bar for a simple coffee and see just how its done .There lovely staff could not do enough for us. The quality of the food was not great and i had scampi that i think Farmfoods or Iceland might reject, clearly the cheapest that could be found. This a lovely venue that has served great food prior to 2017 given the amazing local produce available on the island its pretty shaming to get whats on offer. I cannot with good heart recommend this place to eat."

Vatersay Community Hall Cafe

Vatersay Community Hall Cafe

United Kingdom, Eilean Siar

Food • Coffee • Vegetarian • Community Centre


"I can't comment on the camping side, but the cafe is uniformly excellent. I've just come away from my second visit in two weeks, and have had a great lunch for the second time. It was cold and wet outside, and going in it was nice and warm. There are 6 tables inside, 2 outside under cover, and three more outside. Having just swam off the nearby East beach, I was hungry, so had the leek and potato soup for £3, and the morning roll with lorne sausage for £3.50. The soup was delicious, with nice big chunks of potato and leek and it came with a big roll. This could have been a meal in itself. The morning roll was toasted and buttered, and the sausage was savoury and nicely crispened. Being English, I don't get lorne sausage at home, so it's a treat (I can hear Scots laughing at this). It's our last day on Vatersay, so we decided to go for the cakes this time. There were about ten to choose from. I had the raspberry icing cake. And it was one of the best cakes I have ever had. The sponge was moist and fluffy, and melted in the mouth. It had about an inch of the freshest buttercream icing not an iota of crystals and topped with fresh raspberries. But all the other ones looked really good as well. The staff are uniformly pleasant and helpful. They make an effort to keep things clean. Just a couple of points to note: Vatersay is not a big island, and everyone seems to have multiple jobs, so they might not always have the staff to open. Make sure you have cash. You never know when someone might be practicing the bagpipes in the adjacent hall. Parking: 10 spaces outside the hall. I noticed people parking across the road, but was nit sure if this was official."

The Park Guest House And

The Park Guest House And

30 James Street, Eilean Siar, United Kingdom

4-star • Lodging • British • Scottish


"a little late writing this one (august stay). The interior is dated and worn in places, BUT clean ! I had to wait quite a while for host to show up i think this was more about covid protocols and not their normal way of doing business. but be aware they are not always onsite. Basic hot pot with coffee and tea options. Room was small size, bed ok. Old furniture but everything was very clean and well maintained. I reserved ensuite but room wasn 't working or something, so bathroom for room i was given was down the hall at the opposite end of room. Breakfast was a 'challenge . on site restaurant was closed. hours for local options were all wrong not BnB fault, but take that into consideration if onsite meal is important. there is restaurant across the street but buffet is major part of meal service (no thank you during covid) or fried fish or very over cooked hamburger. Bathroom was clean, well appointed shower only. Lighting in room was ok hard to use desk because it was stuffed between bed and wall, so i ended up sitting on bed to use natural light from window. Room was not what i reserved some issue with the one i reserved so i will chalk that up to maintenance. Nothing bad but nothing over the top awesome either. It is clean and basic. Very expensive for a basic room. You are 15 mins walk to the ferry which was why i picked this location. There is a grocery store about 5 mins walk down the road. Plenty of places in town to eat but make your reservation for dinner (WEEKS) before you travel. there is no walk in during covid even though window signs say it is okay it just doesn 't work. Rooms: 2 Service: 3 Location: 5"

Craigard

Craigard

United Kingdom, Eilean Siar

Fish • Wine • Coffee • Breakfast


"Visited with a group. Booked table and had pre-ordered meal. Expected to be in an out within an hour or so. We arrived in time for a drink in the bar. Told our table was just being set and would be ready at 7:30. Called to our table at the appointed time- 7:30. Just after 8:00 pm we went to check on the order and a few minutes later someone came to ask about cutlery for the starters. At about 8:30 the starters arrived- for those who were having them. At 9:00 pm starters had been cleared but still no sign of main course. Staff kept asking if we wanted more drinks. We said that we would like our food. Given that most of us had been waiting almost 2 hours for an order that had been with the hotel for a week they should have been grovelling and apologising and offering us complimentary drinks Eventually at about 9:20 our food arrived. Paid on our way out. A very sullen silent woman took our money- not a smile, no warmth and certainly no word of apology or explanation for the excessive delay. On top of this they did the thing that winds me up more than anything. They took an order and served some people who had come into the restaurant after us. They left after their dessert at around the time that our mains were being asked for. My food was OKish. Nothing more. I had fish and chips. The batter was thick and heavy and covered with salt. Why this obsession with salting my food. I wouldn't presume to sugar someone's tea or coffee so why is it he fashion to determine that I like a lot of salt. I would definitely NOT recommend this restaurant, which is unfortunate given the limited choice in Castelbay. Good points- well the view from the dining room is good."