Duncan's Bar and Bistro — Restaurant in Scotland

After reading decent reviews, sadly and disappointingly our dining experience didn't live up to the print!! Despite my dog having an assistance dog harness, I was told only guide dogs were admitted inside. This is not the case, it's actually any working dog for any disability and law which applies to Scotland, England and Wales. As the restaurant was busy, I didn't want to create a scene and argue my case, also my husband was crabbit and hungry so I just went along with being seated outside in the small dining area. After ordering, we kind of regretted the decision as it was rather cold and not the best environment to enjoy a meal. However, the worst was yet to come!!! It just hit rock bottom when our food arrived. The whitest colour battered fish I've ever seen in my life, think it could have done with an extra 10 minutes to be honest, the consistency inside was gungy and resembled a mucus like substance. And the chips? Resembling McDonald's fries were the driest and hardest excuses for chips on the plate. I actually couldn't eat the fish, the state of the batter made me nauseous but I'm sure the birds enjoyed it. Extremely disappointing and suffice to say, I don't recommend nor will we return. Note: I'd usually speak up regarding the food but my husband goes in a mood for hours if I...

I want to be fair but honest with this review.

We first visited Duncan’s in February and decided on the Cajun salmon, only to be informed later by our waitress that it was 86’d. I ended up ordering the vegetable tacos instead, which were fresh and full of flavor.

We returned last weekend and we both had starters. Mine was the lentil soup, a classic that I really enjoyed, while my partner had the calamari tempura. Unfortunately, the batter on the calamari was slightly undercooked, giving it a doughy taste.

For mains, we both ordered the Cajun salmon since it was available this time. Unfortunately, the salmon lacked flavour and had the texture of fish that wasn’t fresh—disappointing, especially given the restaurant’s proximity to the water and several fish markets within a 10-15 mile radius. The rice was slightly undercooked—not inedible, but it could have used a few more minutes. The sauce was also quite bland.

On both visits, the service was relaxed yet attentive. The waitstaff couldn’t be faulted, and the pricing felt fair—I had no issue with the bill either time. Unfortunately, the kitchen was the weak point of...

Sadly, I can't comment on the food as I didn’t even get the chance to try it. The door and website clearly stated that the venue closes at 9pm, but upon arrival at 3pm, I waited to be seated behind one other couple. They were informed that there were seats available, but since the bar was closing at 4pm, they would only have an hour to dine. The staff went ahead and accommodated them, yet when it was my turn, I was abruptly told that there were no seats available and that they were closing at 4pm.

No option for takeaway was offered—which I would have gladly taken—and the staff were incredibly rude and unhelpful throughout. Their priority seemed more focused on closing at 4pm rather than providing a welcoming and professional experience. As someone who frequently travels to this area and could have become a regular customer, I was disappointed. All I needed was something simple, light bites for lunch that i could have even taken away, but unfortunately, I will not be returning.

This level of service was...