The Glasshouse Restaurant — Restaurant in Scotland

While I generally try to be constructive in my feedback, I'm afraid I have to say that my Sunday lunch at Rowallan Castle was a bit of a letdown. The food was, relatively speaking, uninspiring. For an item such as a Sunday Roast dinner to be highlighted on the menu in such a way and then be a bit of a let down was disappointing.

Our recent disappointment regarding our experience at The Glasshouse Restaurant at Rowallan Castle. It's disheartening to find out that a place with such a promising reputation failed to meet our expectations. A Sunday Roast Beef dinner should have been a delightful and memorable occasion, but it seems that Rowallan Castle fell short in several crucial aspects.

We have given two stars on this particular occasion in respect of the failings encountered. The actual roast beef lunch : Although the vegetables were quite tasty, portion size in the meat area were not impressive. We have visited various restaurants in and around the area over time and there have been highs and lows where a Sunday Roast is concerned. There are many places that offer a ‘great plate’ where others have not. The Glass House falls into the later.

Lackadaisical, lacklustre service is another significant issue that can significantly dampen a dining experience. Slow and inattentive waitstaff can make guests feel neglected and unvalued, contributing to an overall sense of dissatisfaction. However the young waitress that served us on the day outshone the other male members of staff with her attentiveness, and friendly manner.

As for the atmosphere: unfortunately we cannot comment on this, as there wasn’t any. The absence of atmosphere is equally detrimental to the dining experience. A warm and inviting ambiance is essential for creating a pleasant and memorable dining.

Our other concern was with the cold draft that was felt during lunch. In spring / summer the Glasshouse is a nice place to enjoy, not so however once the weather has changed We actually found ourselves eating at a pace so as to leave and make our way to somewhere warmer. My feet and lower legs were particularly cold towards the end of our meal. The overall impression of a cold venue further reinforces the sense of detachment and lack of warmth. A restaurant should be a place where guests feel cozy and comfortable, not chilly and uninviting.

This is a constructive criticism of the restaurant. I have read a lot of 5 star reviews about the restaurant and can I say this was not our first visit, ( nor will it be the last ) we have taken friends and family to the Glasshouse over the years and barring a few hiccups it was generally a pleasant experience. I can only assume that this was an “off day” and our visit on that particular date was unfortunate.

With a few additions and a little updating the Glasshouse could be a great place for guests for years to come, however, as it stands we won’t be returning in the near future.

Cold, uninspired, uninviting, overpriced, lacking, …. I could go on …. in fact I...

I went to the Glasshouse Restaurant today with my Mum, to mark her 100th birthday. I made this reservation in June, and had arranged transport, there and back, to mark this momentous occasion. It was a hot day, and the server said it's hot to eat in the Glasshouse, but offered a table outside, but said there were no parasols left. I counted 6 tables outside, only 3 parasols. I declined the unsuitable option to sit directly in the hot sun. We were advised air-conditioning wasn't an option, as it was a listed building, I overheard this "excuse" from more than one member of staff. We were given the option of sit in the bar (no, not an option for a special occasion) or at a table in the Glasshouse Restaurant with a fan beside it. We took this table, and turned the fan inwards to keep us cool. It was acceptable. Time to order. I had already checked the website and was looking forward to the roast beef and Yorkshire pudding option. I was advised the Sunday lunch menu wasn't available ( yes, it is Sunday today)...I was told it shouldn't be on the website , they need to change it !! We ordered from the available normal lunch menu. While we were waiting a couple arrived for a pre booked table for 6, and they had to make the decision to cancel their booking and go elsewhere, due to the heat in the restaurant. They were told "no parasols no Aircon, it's a listed building". The girls serving were attentive and pleasant, and even brought a fancy cheesecake with a couple of candles, nice gesture which was appreciated, but sadly the dining experience was ruined by the lack of thought, by the management, for how to deal with such hot conditions. More fans, portable air con units, parasols for every table outside, blinds that could be pulled over the ceiling, just a few sensible suggestions ??. It has been hot for more than a few days, so it wasn't a surprise. The bookings were in the system, but they had not considered the actual safe, and comfortable way for the diners to enjoy their experience. This was to be a wonderful dining celebration for myself and my Mum, but...

Glasshouse Restaurant in Rowallan Castle

While we were eagerly anticipating a delightful birthday celebration at the Glasshouse Restaurant, our experience sadly fell short of expectations. Despite the enchanting ambiance and the commendable service from the polite and accommodating staff, the afternoon tea experience left much to be desired.

Although the venue itself exuded charm, especially in comparison to other fine dining options in Glasgow. However, the quick and attentive service, coupled with their efforts to accommodate dietary preferences such as ensuring halal options, was appreciated.

As for the afternoon tea menu, while it boasted a variety of selections, including finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts, we found the portions to be disappointingly small. Some of the items, like the Cheese & Red Onion Quiche and the Vanilla Cream Cheese & Gingerbread Sponge, didn’t quite meet our taste expectations.

Despite expressing our concerns to the host, the offered solutions, such as a 10% discount after payment or a return visit for a similar experience, didn’t quite convince us of a worthwhile return.

Overall, while the Glasshouse Restaurant may have potential, our experience left us longing for more in terms of portion sizes and flavor profiles. Perhaps with some adjustments, it could truly shine as a top-tier dining destination.

Halal حلال can be provided upon request ✔️ Value for money ❌

Ambience 10/10 Service...