The Allanwater Café — Restaurant in Scotland

It's a bit of a mixed bag this one; I've been in twice and the first time, they didn't have any jacket potatoes, so I opted for the chicken nuggets and chips, which were really nice, despite the fact I don't like chip shop batter - yeah, I was dragged in here by my parents! My parents are semi-regulars in this restaurant and they always go on about the brilliant fish teas, which looked really nice and the generous portion size. They wax lyrical about this place. That visit was definitely 4 stars, with 1 star deducted for not having what I wanted from the menu.

Anyway, this brings us on to my second visit, which was a whole different kettle of fish - pun definitely intended! We had to stand around for about 5 minutes to be seated. It wouldn't have been so bad if the staff weren't walking by and ignoring us. The female staff member appeared quite dazed and confused, as if she didn't know what she was doing. The place was packed and they definitely needed more staff. Where we were seated there was a cacophony of coughing from three patrons, so we were getting it in stereo. The seating was quite close and only one of them was covering their mouth when they coughed.

Thankfully this time the restaurant had the jacket potato and it came with cheese and the beans on the side, which was different to how I normally receive them when ordered elsewhere (usually the cheese was already melted in the potato, but it was a nice potato and the cheese portion was substantial). The issue this time was the size of the fish for the fish tea, which was, as my Father described it, the sort a chippie usually keeps back for late night drunks who buy a supper for the way home. It was measly, small and had next to no meat. My Mum ended up complaining about it, which she wasn't going to do, but the whole experience had been negative. The male member of staff was a bit surly and completely defensive of the tiny piece of fish she'd been served. In fact there was not a single apology, he just blamed it on what they get from their suppliers and they can only work with what they had. They would clearly have seen how puny the piece of fish was. What made it worse was the people roundabout all had the usual better sized portion of fish.

My take on all this was I was not impressed with the service, they were badly under staffed, some of the food provided was sub-par and they were unapologetic regarding the poor meal provided. My Parents were regular customers there, but I think that might be past tense. I was really unimpressed with the service and they definitely do not believe in the customer being right. We hadn't complained for money off or anything like that. I just wished she'd complained before eating the meal and that I'd photographed the poor looking fish dinner. We all know restaurant's have their off days, but when the staff are completely defensive, even when being spoken to politely by a very disappointed customer...well, let's just say, it speaks volumes about customer service, or lack thereof.

I must add the ice creams are really nice though, so I may be back to order one to go.

Oh, and a word about their gents toilets - tiny and cramped. Two urinals, one cubicle and the positioning of the cubicle means if you open the door, you're basically right on top of the other people and they have to move to let you by. The ceiling is also too low, meaning anyone above 6ft has to stoop, especially when exiting the toilet, otherwise you will bang your head on the...

I had never been before but always wanted to go as heard the food was amazing , so went along Sat night at 7.20pm , we were greeted by a young student by the looks of the badge on his T shirt ..and were quickly shown to a table ...not before he looked at the time and turned to me whilst walking and said " Do you know what you want as we close at 8pm " at that point i should have just left as we were obviously cutting into his own time .Nevertheless we sat and looked at the menu , i knew i was having fish as it had been recommended but my wife opted for the macaroni ... a young polite waitress took our order .. I had asked for a mug of lLate as was described in the menu but alas delivered was a cup ...hmmm strange seeing as that was not an option .We waitied a few mins and then the impatient young waiter( that we were obviously keeping from finishing ) came along and asked for our order and i advised it had been taken he promptly returned to the food service area to get our food but in his rush dropped my dinner on the floor . He sat my wives aside on a nearby table whilst fetching a brush etc but obviously hiding his embarrassment also . Soneone lifted my wifes macaroni and delivered it to the table and i got a fresh Fish & Chips ... The fish was lovely not the best ive had but certainly knowhere near the worst.. The chips tho were really nice and fresh . My wifes macaroni she said was very bland and stodgy and the dozen or so chips she had were warm at most ... i think half her chips had made it to the floor at same time as my fish... We ate what we had but felt rushed as the staff were clearing plates and closing blinds behind us awaiting our departure even tho there were other customers sitting ... The experience wasnt great the food was ok alas we wont return...

This place came recommended from our hosts in Inverness and a restaurant in Auchterarder, so we had to check it out. We stopped for lunch in between our site-seeing. We were told this was the best chip shop place in Stirling. I have to tell you, they weren't wrong. This place, hands-down, had the best fish & chips we've had during our entire holiday. The fish was cooked perfectly and the outside perfectly crisp and not greasy. The chips were pure perfection. His homemade tarter sauce was memorable. This place as ruined me for all other fish and chips. If I could give them 10 stars, I would. The "small" is a great portion and there are several lunch specials available until 3pm. Restrooms are available. Breakfast is served until noon and breakfast rolls until 3pm. They take all cards except American Express and Discover.

We met the owner, Adrian, and he runs a great place. We had welcoming and speedy service and everyone was so friendly. He even makes his own ice cream in house. We really enjoyed it! We tried the raspberry swirl and it was yummy. I'm kicking myself for not also getting a scoop of Ferrero Rocher. It was really nice to chat food with him and about Scotland.

If you find yourself in Stirling, you must eat here...