The Wee Kelpie - Argyll Bute

Decided on drive and dinner with my elderly Mother and opted for Helensburgh and The Ruby having been there in the past (last time about 2 years ago certainly)... read more Decided on drive and dinner with my elderly Mother and opted for Helensburgh and The Ruby having been there in the past (last time about 2 years ago certainly) and found it to be excellent then. Not the case this time. Arrived just before opening and stood with a little family of 3 waiting to get in. Door opened at 5pm and we were, at that point, the only 2 occupied tables in the restaurant. We were told the window seat we took would need to be back for 7pm as it was reserved, not a problem. Orders taken just after 5pm for 1 starter, 2 mains with rice, drinks of 1 latte and 1 soda water with blackcurrant. The drinks came within minutes as did the prawn cocktail starter. Prawn cocktail was generous portion but had no flavour whole thing was watery. This was cleared from table about 5.15. Sitting at a table with no food about 5.30 a waitress asked us would we like to order anything else? Reply being we’d just like our mains please. By 5.45 still no food and other diners tucking into their main courses despite arriving after us. My Mum still hadn’t eaten a thing as she was ordering a main and planning a dessert . By 5.50 I decided to ask where food was and if it wasn’t ready we were paying for the drinks and one starter and leaving. I approached a waitress and was told the food “wouldn’t be long now” .. remember we’d to vacate table by 7pm. I honestly don’t think the order for our mains had been passed to kitchen until I asked. I returned to table and my Mum and me decided to pay for what we’d had and go so asked waitress for bill as we’d waited 55 minutes by then with no signs of the food. Before leaving I went to the bar area and asked to speak to the manager. Eventually the manager came over. I voiced my concerns about the time we’d waited and was met with complete disinterest and excuses.. “the restaurant is busy” (it was 50% full at this point) , if they struggle to cope at 50% I dread to think how they manage when it’s full. Then she said “the majority of people don’t complain” .. not really a great selling point is that ??? Apparently the lady was the owner and couldn’t have been less interested in the valid point I was making. We sat almost an hour with my mother having no food . Bad enough but the level of apathy and disinterest was surprising for what was once a gem of a restaurant (I believe it’s changed hands since my last visit) Certainly won’t be going back and I’d advise others to spend their time and money on a different restaurant in Helensburgh deserving of both of those and custom welcomed and appreciated

Went for a birthday lunch. The food was lovely, hot and good value. However, two of the party are intolerant to onions so asked for the dishes to be served with... read more Went for a birthday lunch. The food was lovely, hot and good value. However, two of the party are intolerant to onions so asked for the dishes to be served without. This was not accommodated. Had to ask for water and salt and pepper a few times and eventually had to go and source ourself. The restaurant was very busy and seemed understaffed. Was rushed to pay our bill. Would maybe order takeaway but unlikely to return to dine in.

Booked table easily, welcomed by friendly staff who were very attentive to my friends and myself. Food was served piping hot and good portions too. Overall I'd... read more Booked table easily, welcomed by friendly staff who were very attentive to my friends and myself. Food was served piping hot and good portions too. Overall I'd go back there as we had a very enjoyable experience.

Whenever I dine at The Ruby, I always have a great experience. read more Whenever I dine at The Ruby, I always have a great experience.

My sister-in-law and I ordered Chinese takeout and I drove to the town to pick it up. The interior of the restaurant is impressive, very clean and unique. There... read more My sister-in-law and I ordered Chinese takeout and I drove to the town to pick it up. The interior of the restaurant is impressive, very clean and unique. There was a small issue with the card machine when paying, but the lady I was dealing with resolved it quickly and was very apologetic. She even gave us some extra prawn crackers as a gesture of apology. The food was delicious. I ordered the sweet and sour scallops, which were amazing and a unique item on the menu that I had never seen before. I also had the sweet corn soup. My baby niece tried a scallop and loved it, and she devoured the sweet corn soup. We will definitely be returning to this restaurant.