Stravaigin

Went here 2 nights ago with a few friends wanting a bite to eat. This was my first time eating here since the recent refit and expansion. We walked in and hung about waiting to be greeted eventually giving up and seating ourselves upstairs notifying the waiting staff we were there, and so began the wait to be served in an other wise fairly quiet restaurant... Flat beers arrived in a surly manner and our orders were taken, after having to ask if there were any specials. Starters were good other than the very stale bread that came with the two soups, the vodka cured salmon was great. The main courses were very disappointing with both fish suppers having to be sent back, the burger was edible but nothing better can be said. All three mains came with what looked to be deep fried frozen potato halves, these were under cooked and inedible. The tarter sauce was by all accounts the highlight of the fish suppers, the burger lacked any high point. Bad service, shoddy redesign and awful food, let's hope this place goes away and someone makes use of a great location.

Stravaigin on Gibson Street has a reputation for having an informal, cosy atmosphere whilst at the same time managing to deliver top class hearty Scottish dishes.

A few friends and I decided to chance our hand at being seated on a very busy Saturday night and, pleasingly, the hostess managed to find us a table for four impressively quickly - a good start. Unfortunately, however, our waiter left a lot more to be desired. After waiting about fifteen minutes to have our order taken, we finally managed to attract his attention. Clearly having put him out somewhat, he hurriedly asked us "Guys...what do you want?" before turning back to chat to a favourite table of his. Upon returning, he personally handed each of us our plates and drinks, accompanied by a full view of the underwear cascading from his backside. Willing to perhaps overlook all of this and put it down to a busy night and inexperience, I was disgusted when he came to clear our plates. Instead of taking my plate or, indeed, asking politely for me to pass it over to him ('cosy' remains an appropriate choice of word), the waiter instead made a 'hurry up and give it to me' gesture with his hand. Not impressed: I wonder if it would have made a difference if the party had been a few years older?

That said, the food was (of course) delicious. The fish suppers were simple, but just enough to keep you filled and the vegetable curry was tremendous. The price was also very reasonable for the quality of food we received. It's just a shame that one young man let the whole Stravaigin team down. Otherwise, the experience was enjoyable and I would perhaps consider returning on a less hectic afternoon when I might be treated with a little more respect.