The Boathouse Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Scotland

Was not that impressed with this place. I'm not usually one to give bad reviews. We were looking for somewhere to stop for dinner on the journey to our next accomodation and this was the last option. We booked on onlytable and had one of the shed tables outside as this was apparently the only option despite it not actually being that busy anywhere. We were told to order at the bar which is not a problem. Nice looking menu, made our selections and went and ordered. Guy at the bar seemed a little off but all was fine. Tapped card to pay and returned to our table. We were travelling as a small group and were using an app to keep track of charges so started trying to work it out from the menu, and realised something was really out. Checked the menu to see if there was a service charge and none was stated apart from maybe for tables over 6 people. Guy from the bar arrived with our drinks and we questioned the order concerned that we may have ordered wrong or ordered an extra meal, the guy was super rude with us, really made us feel like rubbish for asking about it. I asked if there was a service charge and he immediately kicked off and said that there was and that they were allowed to take it off, I immediately calmed the situation by appeasing him by saying that it was fine, we just wanted to know. But was actually very annoyed by the whole situation, the service charge must have been a significant amount, I didn't work it out but must have been about 15 or 20%. For ordering at a bar? And for the lovely nature of the staff? The two ciders were served in a glass full with ice, which I ended up watering the grass with. The food then arrived and was pretty awful as well, especially for the price. Taste was off, selection was off, no real seasoning, nothing felt fresh. Didn't enjoy it at all, but were just hungry and wanted to get on our way. I honestly wish we'd just got something from a supermarket and waited to eat until we'd arrived. The location is nice and we went upto the lake afterwards. The outside shed tables are not in a good location to enjoy this though. Some of the staff were lovely. But the whole experience was just not...

Long-time Loyal Customers Disheartened by New Atmosphere We've been coming to this restaurant for years… long before the holiday park and the restaurant gained the popularity it now enjoys. It’s always been a quiet gem for us: great food, relaxed atmosphere, and a warm, welcoming feel that made it a highlight of our visits. We've supported this place consistently and recommended it to many over the years. This weekend, however, was the first time we left not just disappointed, but genuinely disheartened. We understand that things have changed—it's busier now, which we're actually glad to see. It's great that more people are discovering what we've always known. That said, the way we were treated by (what I presume was) the manager left a sour taste. On Saturday night, we didn’t book in advance, which was our oversight. It was busy, and we completely understood when we were turned away. No issue at all. On Sunday, I checked OpenTable and saw plenty of availability, so again we tried to pop in… given we were staying just 100 feet away. We were turned away, which, again, we would have accepted had it not been for the tone and attitude of the manager. There was no attempt to make us feel welcome, no effort to suggest an alternative time, and no basic courtesy or apology… just a blunt, dismissive interaction that made us feel more like a nuisance than valued, long-time customers. It was enough that I actually hesitated to try again on the Sunday , knowing how we’d likely be treated. We fully accept that not booking was our mistake, but what really stings is how far the vibe of the place has shifted. The intimate, friendly atmosphere that made this place so special seems to have been replaced by something cold and impersonal…at least under this particular manager’s approach. We genuinely hope this was a one-off, and that the heart of the restaurant hasn’t been lost in the shuffle of its newfound popularity. We’d love to continue supporting it, but this experience has made...

Staying at the Loch Tay Lodges, a dinner at the Boathouse Kitchen seemed a no brainer. Why drive to the restaurants in Killen when we appeared to have a waterside venue with a wholesome menu and great views. After an hour of disappointed and probably one of the most unpleasant and also overpriced meals I’ve had in years. The menu was small but sensible, so we chose sensibly too. One fish and chips, and one steak and sausage pie. After a pleasant day outdoors we were more than just hungry, so even a mediocre offering would have been heartily accepted. The food looked ok when it arrived. In fact a bite if one of the triple fried chips was a delight. And from there on it went downhill faster than I could have imagined. The fish came in a strange, yellow batter. With the first single cut I knew it was wrong. A strong whiff a ammonia with the steam announced the fish must not be eaten. Ammonia. Off. Dangerous. I politely found the jolly waitress and explained. She whisked it away. Then returned a minute later. The chef told her the fish had been delivered yesterday. Her jolly ness gave way to annoyance. Well, I wasn’t going to eat a mouthful so that was that. I was asked rather grumpily if I wanted something else. Well, yes of course. I’ll take the pie. And when it arrived ten minutes later, a bowl of watery over salted gravy with a few bits of tasteless beef floating about in it. Edible? Just. Pleasant? No. Worth £17? Absolutely not. And my companion agreed, hers was equally poor. The baby carrots unpeeled, untrimmed and sad looking. Clearly older than a few days. If a chef is told that his fish is off, an instant apology should follow. Not a challenge and counter excuse. We ate because we were very hungry. We got the bill, paid and left. No apologies, no offer of having the drinks for free (all £6 of them). Bad cooking is one thing. Potential food poisoning another. We’ll never go back, and...