Wee Lochan

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.

A good local restaurant gives its neighbourhood exactly what it wants, and at Wee Lochan, Aisla and Rupert Staniforth are hitting the nail on the head for Broomhill. A restaurant-café-bar in a pretty much pub-free zone, with a casual, family-friendly vibe and service right through from morning coffee time (10am for Sunday brunch) till tenish at night, the couple has quickly established the place as something of a clubhouse for the locals. The food is an elegant take on comfort food; stalwarts on a regularly changing menu include Stornoway black pudding, smoked haddock, steamed mussels and braised pork belly, while on Sunday a special roast menu is served right through the afternoon and early evening. Appealing vegetarian choices include soufflés and tarts, and desserts are largely old favourites such as sticky toffee pudding, or vanilla pannacotta. Dishes are accurately cooked and well presented, and while there’s nothing too remarkable here, flavours are wholesome and satisfying. Prices on Wee Lochan’s evening menu are reasonable, while lunch, pre-theatre and Sunday deals are significantly good value.

• High point: An atmosphere buzzing with happy folk
• Low point: No real surprises on the menu