The Bothy — Restaurant in Scotland

We work in hospitality and know how hard it can be, so were looking forward to the very much anticipated opening of the Bothy this year but sadly it did not live up to expectations. If you want to endear yourself to the locals, spelling Stornoway correctly on your menu would be a good start. Service was woeful. People who arrived after us, served before us. Drinks order still not arrived after 15 minutes and only delivered when we asked when to expect them. Fish pie more like fish soup with blocks of potatoes and very little fish. Cauliflower and cashew nut curry (£19.95) with no cashews and dry rice. Curry tasted like out of a jar. Chicken burger, we asked for ketchup for the chips, and told "supplies hadn't arrived". So if that happens, support the local Community Shop, An Clachan in Leverburgh shop and get some. Wanted to love this place, set up looked great, but no heart in their service which was sad to see. Small menu (sometimes a good thing) but executed badly. It doesn't take much effort to create a great place with passion and pride but this sadly...

Our menu choices were inedible - and not as described. The sweet red pepper soup had far too much tabasco so was super hot, not at all sweet, and although I requested a vegan portion I was served buttery garlic bread! Even worse was the "vegetable casserole" which was actually a small portion of rice (which we suspected was leftover paella from the previous day) , with the red pepper soup poured over the top - no sight of any vegetables what so ever, certainly not a casserole, and soup being used in a different dish is completely unacceptable. My husband had booked a table for my 60th birthday, unfortunately they had no record of the booking, so we had to be squeezed in at 5.30. In every way, very disappointing, wouldn't return or recommend. We appreciate there are staffing issues, but it is unforgivable to charge these prices for dishes when the standard is...

It was a Sunday and the only place open so it was quite busy. I think they were understaffed. The woman running the restaurant was curt in her communication "I need to catch up/we'll get to your when we can" and could work on some customer service skills/friendliness. I appreciate she was busy. But just smile, offer a table, and let folks know you'll be with them as soon as possible, and do so with some friendliness...Maybe it's just the end of season and she's done. The meal was good enough. The serving size was quite large (chicken dinner), the veggies were very nicely done/flavored, but the chicken was quite dry. The coffee was great but the highest priced I've seen yet in the Hebrides at 4.50£ for an Americano. The young fellow helping out was lovely and trying very hard. It was nice to have somewhere (open) to get out...