The Strand Byford Lakeside Restaurant & Cafe

I expected to get a much higher level of food at The Strand. Maybe it was because we went for lunch and not dinner, but I feel if they wish to be at the level they are promoting, they need to lift the menu! Everything sounded really great, but it did not come out as expected.

We were a group of nine work colleagues and met for lunch at the Strand on a wet and windy winters day. The menu was reasonably comprehensive and offered the usual cafe style fare. We weren't advised of any specials of the day and there wasn't a blackboard advertising additional meals. The drinks on offer are limited and the prices pretty much mid range which is ok for this sized cafe. Our group ordered a number of different main meals and all arrived quickly and were presented well. I selected the squid dish along with 2 x friends and we all noticed that the squid was overcooked and probably was left in the deep fryer a minute or two longer than necessary. The accompanying salad was less than adequate and one cherry tomato doesn't make a salad! The others in our group commented their mains were ok, but nothing special. The Strand is OK for a burger or similar light meals but lacks a signature dish or two, to draw patrons back on a regular basis.

After having had a couple of great experiences here, we took some friends here for breakfast, and once again, the Strand did not disappoint. The service was great, the food was fantastic, and we will be back again.

Friendly staff, great food options, lovely views, good size plate portions. Give the strand a go. It is a new modern restaurant which offers a relaxing and comfortable seating with deliciously good food. Enjoy????

My wife and I experienced a fabulous meal last Friday night, the rib eye was perfect and the mash with a drizzle of the jue was smashing. My wife had the avocado parmigiana and this, I will order next time. The staff were extremely friendly,helpful and the interaction was nice.I was that impressed I had to try it out for breakfast, so I was there the very next morning with my son. The pancakes are up there with some of the best.I cannot speak highly of this Cafe (and yes it is a cafe) and it is a credit to the staff and owner.