The Brander Lodge Bistro - Argyll Bute

Visiting here for the first time and certainly the last. Rooms tired and in desperate need of a refurb, to reflect the description on website. Making the most of things we decided to go for a nice meal in the restaurant which could only be described like entering the Marie Celeste. Decided to play things safe by ordering a pizza … resulting in an uncooked base topped by cheddar cheese. The highlight of the meal was the side of fries to cleanse my pallet, from the pizza which started off with an after taste! Unfortunately wouldn’t recommend Breakfast poor, cold coffee and extremely under staffed. My partner asked for a side of beans with his cooked breakfast to be told, “ the chef doesn’t serve beans as we serve mushrooms instead”

This charming hotel offers a fantastic Sunday lunch that is a true delight and great value. The staff is friendly, and the bar is cozy, making it a must-visit if you are in the area.

We hadn’t been in the Brander since it reopened under new management, and decided to give it a try on our way home from a trip to Glasgow. On arrival we were offered our choice of the bar or restaurant, and opted for the latter as it gave us lovely views in the bright modern restaurant area. It was such a lovely evening that the door to the outside patio area was open. We weren’t initially offered the set menu, but when our server Lesley spotted we didn’t have it she brought it immediately and was very helpful with comments on our choices. The menu £17.95 for three courses) includes three choices for each course. We opted for soused fish and haggis as our starters, followed by the Sunday roast and the spaghetti with chicken and crispy bacon. For dessert we both had the lemon curd and raspberry WhimWham like Elton Mess, but better)! Everything was freshly cooked, excellent quality and large portions. Extremely good value, backed up by cheerful, friendly and efficient service. Will definitely return.

My partner and I recently spent four days near Loch Awe in Scotland. We noticed a charming bistro/hotel as we drove by for three days before finally deciding to stop in on Sunday, June 5th, 2022 for lunch. It was definitely the right choice! We were greeted warmly and enjoyed drinks on a lovely terrace before indulging in a delicious three-course Sunday lunch. The food was exceptional, the surroundings were beautiful, and the staff were excellent. Jane and Lesley took great care of us. We will definitely be returning and are already looking forward to it!

The staff were amazing and so was the food, we were there for our mothers 70th birthday. The staff couldn't do enough for us and everyone was so friendly and helpful. Fantastic night had by all