The Waterside Bistro in Haddington — Restaurant in Scotland

We booked for a table of 20 for a family meal in honour of a relative that recently passed away. Whilst booking, we had specifically requested that we had a separate room and a large table that could fit us all. Upon arriving, we were split across two tables - a table of 12 and a table of 8. There were also 2 other tables of people in the room (groups of 6+ who looked awkward as a result). This meant that we, as a family, felt awkward moving between tables or socialising across them as we didn’t want to interfere with the other tables experience.

At no point in the evening did the staff ask if we wanted refills or any further drinks. We had one drink each and only got further ones if we asked. A family member asked for a latte to be told it ‘wasn’t included in our set menu’ but were fine to include tea or Americano’s, didn’t realise milk was sooo out of the question. Especially with a bill that came to over £800.

The staff were quick to clear the mains but there was no ask if we were ready for desserts, they had them ready to put down as soon as the last main was cleared. The whole experience felt very rushed, which didn’t feel right since the rest of the restaurant was empty and it was 3pm on a Saturday - so not even peak hours.

The male waiter who took our orders was genuinely lovely. It’s a shame about everything else in the experience.

Pretty underwhelming experience and a lack of care and attention for customers who have travelled over 3 hours each to meet at this location. It was the first time some of us have seen each other in 14+ years, first time meeting kids, new partners etc and I...

We were silly enough to drive from Orkney to Ashington (our one stop off on our way to kent) and were tired with children and still some way to go when we decided to detour off the A1 and looked for a place. We could not see anything we liked in the high street so pulled over and looked on my iphone app f food places around Haddington and we found the Waterside Bistro. A quick call from in the app and we had a table ready in 5 mins.

We explained our need to eat quicklyu and then get on the road to our destination and the staff accommodated us very well. ~I wanted the smoked Haddock but it was only a starter but they made a main course for me - it was fantastic. My son wanted the risotto and he loved it while my daughter had the childrens menu and it was fantastic sausage and mash with a beautiful onion rich gravy. She loved it and as for my wife she had a cheese and fig combo which she raved about.

Puddings could not be missed and my wife and I had a coffee each - cappuccino and an americano. We both said it was the best coffee we had tasted in our time in scotland. We got the make and have since contacted the company to enable us to get our own. Of course it could be the right blend for the water in Haddington but we will give it a go as it was so nice.

We were delighted with this stop and could not recommend it highly enough. Well done the Waterside for giving such good food,at reasonable prices and with fantastic service. We wish you were nearer to us in Kent and we would...

We chose this restaurant because it is a gluten free friendly place. With that in mind it has to be said that the batter on the fish was excellent and the chips were fine but the peas were actually hard. The tartar sauce that was advertised with it had to be asked for as did one of the meals! There were four of us, the waitress brought three meals and we thought she would be right back with other. After about ten minutes we had to seek out another server and ask where the fourth meal was. He brought it about five minutes later, but we were still missing the tartar sauce, which, for me, makes fish and chips special. The tartar sauce was clearly home made and I would highly recommend it, if you have the patience for waiting for your food. It was Friday afternoon, around 2.30 so I don't see what the issue was. A wedding party did arrive on site shortly after we ordered, and I do understand that this could make them a little more busy, but were they not expected? If not, then surely the customers who were already there and who had already ordered should have been attended to first. All in all, top marks for the fish and tartar sauce, low marks for the peas and the service. Sorry guys, this breaks my heart because I actually do like to give...