Posts Tagged ‘Bloody Scotland’

18 Sep

Henderson’s Bistro, Albert Halls, Dumbarton Road, Stirling, Scotland

Posted by Val Penny in Restaurant Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

bloody scotlandMy husband and I recently attended the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival in Stirling, Scotland. We managed to get a table in Henderson’s Bistro for coffee and cake. This, in itself, is an achievement. I strongly advise you to book a table! Henderson’s Bistro is located within Stirling’s premiere functions venue, The Albert Halls in Dumbarton Road, Stirling. It offers mouthwatering cuisine and a bespoke hendersons 2approach to all things culinary.

We were only there for coffee and cake between events on the Friday afternoon, but even then there was only one small unreserved table in the corner. Still, it was big enough for two people and there were only two of us.

The menu for meals is varied and original. It includes an interesting dipping platter to share amongst its starters. This caught my husband’s eye. My mother’s favourite, sea bass, was on the menu as a main and my particular favourite, a trio of deserts was amongst the puddings offered.

hendersonsThere is no doubt that Henderson’s Bistro is a very self-important restaurant. It is in a prestigious position within the Albert Halls and the staff are well aware of this so the reception given to those who have failed to reserve a table is rather superior. However, once you cross that barrier and secure a table, the service is friendly and professional. We enjoyed our visit and would go back – with a reservation!

Valerie Penny

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30 Sep

Stirling Highland Hotel, Spittal Street, Stirling FK8 1DU, Scotland

Posted by Val Penny in Hotel Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

It was some years since I had been to Stirling, Scotland and I have never stayed in a hotel in the city. However, recently, when I was attending the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival, I chose to stay in this central 4* hotel close to all the events. I was pleased with my choice. The hotel is situated in an old building which also house the Scottish Whisky Shop! This offers very individual style gifts and good advice if a traditional gift of the amber nectar is sought.stirling-gallery-2-267x151

The hotel itself is part of The Hotel Collection Group. The only real draw back is that there is no entry that completely avoids stairs. For that reason I would not use it if visiting with a disabled friend or relative. The lay-out of the hotel is also illogical.

There are entrances at different levels. The car park entrance is the level where you will find the leisure facilities. These are very high quality.Indoor-Swimming-Pool2-600x300

The bar and reception are on the floor above. Another entrance is up a flight of stairs leading from Spittal Street. One floor up again are rooms numbered in the 200s and 300s. Today it is unusual to have a numbering system of this type. The first digit of the room number usually reflects the floor the rooms are situated on. These rooms are all on the same floor as the restaurant.  The decor is a little dark and in public areas, throughout, a bit dated.

 

Having said all that, the staff are extremely kind and helpful. The hotel is spotlessly clean and the food offered is tasty and varied. I enjoyed my stay at Stirling Highland Hotel and have no doubt that I will use it again. Indeed, I look forward to visiting next year when I attend Bloody Scotland again!

Valerie Penny

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