My husband and I went to Cecchini’s, Clyde Marina, 5 Dock Rd, Ardrossan, Scotland for dinner with friends recently. It was their recommendation because we had never been to the restaurant. We were booked for 7pm and were greeted politely and shown to a table upstairs. It was bright and pleasantly situated.
We chose a table near the stairs and the server brought us a menu and took a drinks order.
One of our friends was the designated driver. I chose a gin and slim, my husband had a beer, our other friend had a glass of wine and we ordered water for the table.
The menu is interesting and varied. Italian cuisine forms the basis of the menu, but there are also a variety of fish dishes that reflect the position of the building at Ardrossan harbour.
We chose a garlic bread foccachia between us to start and that was fun to share and our chat started flowing easily. We all chose different things for our mains.
I had mushroom risotto, which was delicious. My husband had a meat feast pizza and really enjoyed enjoyed that. Our friends chose the lasagne and fish respectively. The lasagne was homemade and the fish very fresh so they both enjoyed their meals.
I was unable to finish my main, the portion was so generous, so I didn’t make it to desert. My husband chose a sticky toffee pudding which was, apparently, delicious. He certainly made any effort to share!
We all had teas and coffees. The restaurant offers a good variety of both, including decafe. We were not rushed to leave but just as we were leaving a singer arrived to offer live music. Had we known, we might have tried to book our table for a little later so that we could hear her.
Cecchini’s, Clyde Marina, 5 Dock Rd, Ardrossan, Scotland, offers seating for those with mobility issues on its ground floor and, although this was our first visit, I hope it will not be our last.
Val Penny
I arrived late for lunch at The Birchwood, but could not have been made to feel more welcome. The decor is bright and clean and the service friendly without being obtrusive. Access is easy for those with mobility issues.
Recently, I had to organise a festive family lunch where I could be sure my mother and her wheelchair would be accomodated and my granddaughter would have access to a highchair all on the Sunday before Christmas. I chose the centrally situated Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh as the restaurant, One Square is highly praised. It was years since I had eaten at the Sheraton, but my mother was delighted by the choice but unfortunately she was belatedly unable to join us.
Our servers were pleasant and helpful and brought drinks but yhey were not efficient about refilling water glasses. The meal was buffet style. The buffet was set in three parts, starters, mains and deserts and cheese. Access around these areas was virtually impossible for those who were not able bodied.
The deserts were delicious and the selection of cheeses varied. The coffee was provided by a machine which needed cleaned when I went to use it, but there was nobody to ask about this. No provision was made for tea and, again, no member of staff was anywhere to be seen to ask. Even getting my bill was a struggle and I did resent the 10% service charge. However, I paid it, but did not add a further tip. It was not deserved.
and our granddaughter, but the food was mediocre and the service far too variable for such a feted hotel. Would I book lunch as a family treat in One Square in the future? No. Would I return to One Square in any other circumstances? Not voluntarily.
After we had drunk our publisher dry, but not under the table, we all ordered meals and the food was excellent. Our main courses ranged from fish to risotto, steak pie. All the choices were much enjoyed and all were very reasonably priced.
When we arrived about 3pm the bar was quite empty: by the time we left to find a different watering hole some five hours later, The Cafe Royal was back to being the bustling bar I remembered from years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to The Cafe Royal. The company, the food and the drinks were all excellent, so whether you are looking for a pub to watch a rugby match or a restaurant to enjoy a meal with friends, I highly recommend Edinburgh’s Cafe Royal.
for afternoon coffee and cake. We were delighted to find the Brig o’ Doon House Hotel, its fine-dining restaurant offers traditional Scottish cuisine, and panoramic views of the gardens and river. The hotel also retains exclusive fishing rights on the river for its guests. Other amenities include landscaped gardens, event facilities and limited parking, but coffee and cake sufficed for us. 
of apple pie. The service provided by the staff was excellent.
disadvantage to the Brig o’ Doon House Hotel is that the access for those with mobility issues is poor. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Brig o’ Doon House Hotel and we hope to visit there again.
Val Penny's Hotel and Restaurant Reviews 