The Cartvale — Restaurant in Scotland

My wife and I had gone to The Cartvale as she used to work there many years ago when it was just a pub, so she was curious as to how it had changed in that time. According to her there is a massive difference (she described the pub as being a "spit and sawdust" place), and if that was the case then the transformation has been incredible! She said as much herself... The online menu is enticing, and was one of the reasons we took the opportunity to visit. We'd also considered booking it for Mother's Day. My wife uses a wheelchair, so it was important that it was accessible. We arrived by car and although there's a car park behind the building it was full when we arrived. Additionally, it is a steep entrance so pushing a wheelchair up it wasn't an attractive proposition. Luckily there was another - free - car park just across the road. There are also some car parking spaces about 50 metres up the road on the same side as the building, but these were full, too (plus the road is very busy, so not the safest way to unload vulnerable passengers). The entrance opens to reveal a space with various tables and chairs. In all honesty, in terms of accessibility, it could be much better laid out. Right at the door, there is a tall table with stools. The occupants of the stools had to stand and move to allow us to get in with the wheelchair. It was kind of them, but this is indicative of a poor accessibility layout. The main (more attractive) dining area is up a flight of stairs, so there is no way to get this if someone is wheelchair bound. However, they had the forethought to put the "easy access" toilet on the same floor as the entrance. "Easy access" is a bit of a play in words. The entrance to this toilet is narrow, so it's tricky to navigate with a wheelchair anyway, but there was another tall table with stools placed at the entrance (also occupied) and a number of other tables and chairs in the floorspace between our table and the toilet, so it was impossible to get to with a wheelchair. Inside the toilet itself it became clear it was being used partly as a store room for high chairs, among other things (in our experience, this happens a LOT with disabled toilets). This meant that even if a wheelchair could get into the toilet, its user would have a hard time maneuvering inside it. Because my wife had to use the toilet just after we arrived, it immediately put her in a despondent mood, somewhat spoiling the evening we were looking forward to. To their credit, the restaurant accommodated us without a booking, as long as they could have the table returned by 6.30. The service was also prompt, attentive, and courteous. The food options were OK, and I had the Balmoral chicken special, with my wife having the salmon special. Both were tasty, but the salmon was served with a green "gunk" which looked unappealing. I should point out - as my wife feels this is important - that the onion rings are made with real onion and batter and aren't the nasty breadcrumbed, frozen variety. In total, for a starter, two meals with a side of onion rings, and two soft drinks (pint sized), the meal came to £44. The helpful staff and level of service, plus the tasty food and reasonable cost means The Cartvale deserves its 3 stars. The issues surrounding accessibility means it lost 2 stars. These issues somewhat spoiled our evening and the disappointing thing is that they could be easily solved with careful thought on layout. Like most disabled people, my wife is very conscious of how she might be a burden to others. Careless thought around accessibility only amplifies this, especially when she has to disturb others to gain that access. This isn't something that's unique to The Cartvale. Sadly it's all too common in many of the establishments we've visited. I just wish more of them would pay more attention to the wee things that can make a massive difference to...

Nice food and location but rude owner

Went in for a meal and drinks, a group of us 5 young women. Upon arrival, we were told by the manager that although we had made a booking for dinner we were not guaranteed to be served food because they were too busy, however most of the tables were empty and remained as such for the duration of our visit.

Then, while asking if we could sit inside instead of out and explaining that we were still waiting for 1 person, this lady - who we assume is the owner - was rolling her eyes and making us feel like we were being an inconvenience. We asked if we should order our food at the bar or if it table service, she said “I’ll get to you when I have a minute” in a very dismissive and rude tone.

There was a hassle when ordering a second round of drinks as this lady asked the late member of our party for id, and then demanded to see everyone else’s as well. She threatened to remove us and ban us from the building if we did not, baring in mind everyone in our group is 20/21 years old. We were not drunk as we only had 2 drinks each and were having our meal too, so we were not behaving in a remotely disruptive manner.

She continued to speak to us with the same rudeness throughout our meal, and we could see her speaking to the bar about us, looking and actually pointing at us as well while she did so.

I’ve asked other locals about this place, and they said she always behaves this way towards young people but completely changes her tune for family meals and anyone else who is older. If you are going here for anything but a family meal or you’re under 30 then don’t bother as you will be made to feel like nothing but an...

Been going for a while and spent a fortune there. Only to have had a terrible meal and experience. Both felt not wanted and stared at the while time.

Meal was awful and was challenged when I mentioned it..got a free drink which just didn't cover the disappointment.

Was then looked at by 5 members of staff and the manager at the bar! Intimidated.

Ordered a full bottle of wine to drink or I would have walked out.

Asked what I was paying with when I was still drinking, as if they didn't trust we would pay! I mentioned this and was not apologised for this.

Served smoked mackeral when it was meant to be salmon. Plate of fried unseasoned fish. Greasy and definitely not a seafood platter, £24!

Change your menu if you don't have the ingredients. Pizza bread sticks served with it when it was garlic bread. The worse seafood I've ever had. Whitebait not crispy and disgusting.

Upset when I got home as I spend over £100

Cleeky family run pub with no respect for...