• Added: 27th of August 2008
• Area: Glasgow
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Glasgow G1 3PF
0141 2041122

Robmods said
A top tearoom
Inspired by the tea shops opened by Miss Cranston almost 100 years ago, and famously decorated by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, this tearoom is in fact part of Glasgow's Bradfords bakers. The cafe is located above a baker's shop and is decorated in a modern, slightly minimalistic style with the occasional reference to Mackintosh.

It offers a wide selections of cakes, teabakes and bakery items, as well as a surprisingly reasonable selection of main meals. Of particular note are tea/coffee and cake specials, which can often be less than two pounds. Service is impeccable and this must be the best tearoom in central Glasgow.

• Added: 27th of August 2008
• Area: Langholm
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Langholm DG13 0JQ

Robmods said
Not bad...
This small cafe sits just off the town square in Langholm. It operates a takeaway as well as a back-room cafe. Our choice was the home-made vegetable soup was tasty and good value, though the room was a little crampt. The service was fine, but the Buccleuch Centre across the town is probably better for a 'sit-in' snack.

• Added: 27th of August 2008
• Area: Glasgow
• Category: Hotels and Travel

Glasgow G3 8HN

Robmods said
Not actually in the river, despite the map
The City Inn is a standard chain hotel, situated right beside the River Clyde. This has its advantages ( the decking area right beside the river is lovely, and it is close to the SECC ) but it is a fair distance from the city centre, and the public transport links are not brilliant.

My room was nicely fitted out with a TV/DVD player ( I was assured that a DVD library is avaible at reception ), air conditions and fine river facing window. The bathroom was also fitted out with a modern shower and nice handbasin unit and shaving mirror. The doorman at the entrance is also a nice touch.

• Added: 27th of August 2008
• Area: Kilmarnock
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Kilmarnock KA1 2DD

Robmods said
Nice pub with good food.
This pub is nicely outfitted with brass fittings, hence the name. There is a large bar area with flat-screen televisions, and a an eating area raised and offset slightly, which is pretty quiet.

When I was last there the food was good quality - I had the high tea, which for me was Macaroni Cheese ( a very large plate served with garlic bread ) followed by a couple of home-made scones. The service was also prompt and the whole experience was very pleasant.

• Added: 27th of August 2008
• Area: Glasgow
• Category: Stations and Transport

Glasgow G3 8YW

Robmods said
Nice and convient
This low level railway station is the main transport link for the SECC - it is linked by a long overpass ( watch out for cyclists! ) from just outside the SECC. The main destination from here is Glasgow Central, which is Glasgow's main station.

• Added: 27th of August 2008
• Area: Isle Of Bute
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Isle Of Bute PA20 0AU
01700 502928

Robmods said
All over the town.
There are several Zavaroni cafes and takeaways in Rothesay - all owned by different members of the family. They are by and large traditional Scottish Italian fish and chips shops, with the usual selections of fish, savoury puddings and pastas, along with ice cream.

Choosing which to visit is a matter of personal choice - each one offers slightly different food at slightly different prices. My personal preference is for the southernmost one, though it does not have any seats for 'eating in'.

• Added: 27th of August 2008
• Area: Largs
• Category: Restaurants

Largs KA30 8EZ

Robmods said
Legendary name lives on
While Nardini's famous art-deco sea-side restaurant remains gutted during the building of retirement apartments, some of the Nardini family have established this restaurant at the local yacht Marina. This location is not a problem, as there is ample free parking for visitors, and a courtesy minibus is available for groups. High teas are offered in the early evening and a full a-la-carte menu is available all night, with special fixed price menus appearing regulary.

The high tea consists of a starter ( ranging from the obligatory soup to apple and cheese in pastry ), a main course ( several varieties of fish and Italian style pastas, as well as many meat dishes ) and a cake ( or a scone, or a muffin ) finished with tea or coffee ( this includes any Italian coffee at not extra cost ), all for about £10.

I have always found the food and service to be excellent, and I am particularly pleased when a special, larger menu is available, as it allows me to enjoy Nardini's famous ice-cream, renowned through Ayrshire and the finest I have tasted.

• Added: 27th of August 2008
• Area: Ayr
• Category: Food and Drink

Ayr KA7 1DH

Robmods said
Good when it's open.
This cafe/takeaway offers a range of sandwiches, rolls, baked potatoes and soups. These are all made in the kitchen, in full view from the front window. They can also be eaten 'sit-in' but the tabling is rather confined. Be aware that it can close as early as 1 o'clock on a busy day, so don't rely on it being open if you arrive there nearer the end of lunchtime.

• Added: 27th of August 2008
• Area: Gourock
• Category: Restaurants

Gourock PA19 1ND
01475 638693

Robmods said
Nice but Noisy.
Long established Italian style cafe/restaurant that overlooks the bay. Only stopped in for a bowl of soup that was large and nourishing, served with a chunk of bread. It was all very nice, but at £3.25 it was not particularly cheap. Due to the fullness at the time it was extremely noisy in the back restaurant area, so it might be better to sit at the front of the building, near the bar. On the other hand, the acoustics seem excellent for one of their live music nights.

• Added: 27th of August 2008
• Area: Darvel
• Category: Food and Drink

Darvel KA17 0HP

Robmods said
Name Change
Ali's Tandoori has now changed name to Perfecto's, with a new focus on Italian food, though there is still a wide range of traditional takeaway food. The pizza I had there ( as Ali's ) was particularly to my taste, as they made it without a tomato base. The pricing on that date also seemed very reasonable, with the pizza just over two pounds.