The Linden Inn Bar & Steakhouse — Restaurant in Scotland

We dined as a family of 8 for a special birthday which included the birthday boy's elderly grandparents who don't get out much due to their frailty. The food was good but the service let it down. Firstly, the menu online is different to the one in the restaurant. False advertising when you're unable to provide a drink listed on the online menu. Mistakes happen but it was pointed out at the time and staff apologised, yet 2 days later the incorrect menu is still on the website. In this digital age it isn't difficult to update it.

The table for 8 was a bit cramped, not much room to move your elbows. We weren't a last minute reservation to be squeezed in, having booked weeks in advance. The little things count, like changing the batteries in the decorative lights in bottles and switching them on. I'm guessing they're there to create ambience, not much point if they don't work. They didn't work in a different part of the restaurant on my last visit either.

The food was cooked well with steaks as ordered. One of the orders was incorrect with the wrong side for the steak ordered so was swapped over at the table. With desserts a glass of water was ordered but it never came despite asking for it twice.

The worst bit of it all though was that my partner had asked for the 21st birthday cake to be brought out after dessert. In the end only 2 of the group chose to have dessert and 2 a cocktail instead. But suddenly, before the dessert, the surprise cake was brought out. The birthday boy's Granny was not at the table as she was visiting the toilet. We all felt so sad that the elderly Grandmother had missed her grandson's special moment. Very very disappointing. She had decorated the cake and missed it coming out, missed the singing of Happy Birthday and the blowing out of the candles. To put in to perspective, she's not been out for dinner for 6 years since her other Grandson's 21st. This was a very special occasion for grandparents who don't go out. But even if it hadn't been the cake should not be brought out without checking first that everyone is at the table. It left a really sour taste. I did mention to the staff afterwards and they were apologetic but what's done is done. I hope that's enough to not have it happen to another family. These are the moments in life you can't get back. I've only visited once before and had a lovely meal but my partner is a regular customer with his friends. This is his first...

⭐ HIGHLY RECOMMEND ⭐ What a hidden gem, in the mood for a steak, I found this place via a Google search. I pre booked a table and rightly so as this quaint place is a busy one.

Walking in we were greeted by a lovely front of house, promptly sat down even though we were a little early. The cosy cabin in the woods feels like the place adds that seasonal feels perfect for the festive time.

A great selection of drinks with an in-house bar, and ample options on their menu even catering to children.

We both had the soup of the day (lentil) and I myself had a sirloin steak medium and my partner had the chicken burger.

Both cooked to absolute perfection, the steak was beautifully seasoned, every bite delicious. The peppercorn sauce I could have drank it was so delicious. I have eaten at some very high end restaurants and this by far is the best steak I've had.

My partner voiced high praise for the chicken burger, hand made in house with their batter.

The chef is impeccable at what they produce and I cannot praise them enough on their standard and attention to detail.

We absolutely will be back and will be recommending to friends and family too.

Thank you The Linden for such quality and class and again high praise to all staff especially...

We went here because we wanted a sharing steak experience.

Our waiter was very good and was fab at problem solving when issues arose, a good personality and a great laugh. The sides were amazing with lots of options to go with a steak and the deserts were tasty. The steak sauces were awesome as well - a must get. The atmostphere was warm and inviting though could do with some additional work on seating furniture.

However, our steak (ordered medium rare) came out blue and was initially sent back and was put under the grill which raised it to a rare with a semi-charred outer layer. For the price point (£70) a good cook on the steak was expected .

Our steak was a difficult cut which is why we went to a steakhouse to have it. But the steakhouse's current method provides inconsistent results, we noted comments from others that it is an ongoing issue, especially with the larger cuts.

Using a reverse/Sous vide prep method to a rare temperature then using grill or pan to temperature requested would create more consistent results. A Meat Thermometer for larger steaks would also benefit.

Nonetheless, a great dinning experience despite the issues with the steak and would recommend it if you are...