Reivers - Dumfries Galloway

Dinner was lovely, staff were extremely attentive, service was quick and slick. We came down to Dumfries for filming my university documentary, we always stay at the Cairndale hotel. Monday night after hard graft out filming myself and my girlfriend were knackered. We couldn’t face going into the town for dinner or just ordering a takeaway. Contacted reception for the set menu, which my girlfriend had. I ordered off the a la carte. We hadn’t booked as it was a last minute decision we were met by the manager, who told us not to worry, and we were sat quickly. Server came over with menus, (we had a good idea of what we were having but it was handy to just have another look) then manager came over to take our orders. My girlfriend ordered the soup and chicken bacon cheese burger. I ordered the goats cheese crostini (I felt quite embarrassed as I had to ask what the crostini was, but was pleased to know the manager had to go and double check himself. We shared a laugh about this later) I ordered the lamb shoulder for main. Draft options for soft drinks were plentiful, we were pleased to hear Pepsi max was an option my only bug bear was the price of the drinks, I feel £7 was slightly steep for 2 soft drinks, however I do understand there has to be a certain pricing within hotels. However it didn’t hinder our quality experience. Starters arrived promptly and the quality and service of food was really nice, the manager was over quickly to ask for feedback. Starters scuttled, time for the main, mg girlfriends cheeseburger was massive 3 breaded chicken fillets 2 rashers of bacon and a lovely amount of smothered cheese, I actually wish I’d ordered it myself. And her chips were plentiful too, I don’t know what it is about the quality of chip in Dumfries but it trumps anything in Glasgow. As I say we’re down to the Cairndale often and are always impressed with the quality. You get what you pay for and especially the £40pp per night brd and breakfast deal at the moment, you’re laughing. My lamb was absolutely beautiful, I’m t total myself so I always get concerned when there’s a red wine sauce however, I wasn’t to be worried here. The sauce was lovely and sweet and I’m not one for turnip but even ate that alongside the beautiful roasted potatoes. It was a lovely meal and we chatted away with the servers and manager who were all very accommodating, we look forward to coming down again in the next few weeks. Apologies I can’t remember the names of those who dealt with is, it was a very busy day and we were just so glad to have a lovely evening with some gorgeous food. All the best during the refit and we hope the Cairndale gets its deserved 4th star, we’ll continue to support the restraunt and hotel whenever we are down!

I arrived late at the hotel and opted to eat in rather than venture out in the cold and darkness. Upon seating I concluded I ought not to have high expectations of the meal. The decor and service were certainly not especially encouraging. Well, what a surprise I received by the absolute quality of the dish I ate. I chose steak and fries , as described in the menu. However the meal was far superior than the basic description of the menu. The steak was gorgeous , beautifully cooked and presented. The chips were rustic and equal in quality to the meat. Even the tomato and mushroom accompanying the dish were delightful. The whole meal was fantastic and something I rarely do, but was compelled to do, was to ask to speak to the chef so that I might praise him personally. All in all, the meal far surpassed my expectations.

My husband, two sons and I dined here, whilst staying overnight in The Cairndale Hotel. We were very impressed with the amazing customer service we received from all the waiting staff. They were all friendly, polite and helpful. The hubby and I chose the three course dinner with coffee for £25, which is great value for such beautifully presented, tasty food. The boys chose from the children's menu and were very happy with their pasta and sausage and mash. The next morning we had a cooked breakfast which Was very nice. We all agreed it was one of the best restaurants We've ever visited.

Enjoyed an evening meal here whilst staying overnight at the hotel. There was a good choice of starters and mains. I had a goats cheese, walnut and pear salad whilst my partner had the smoked duck; both were lovely. We both had the Chicken Galloway which is a chicken breast, stuffed with haggis and sliced, served with green beans and potatoes. Really good. The service was very good, attentive but not over the top and our waitress was very friendly and pleasant.

How this place has 4.5 stars is beyond me I read trip advisor and thought great I'll go their what a mistake! 3 course meal consisted of salman starter steak main and cheesecake where to start some bitter lettuce with two pieces of salmon barely bigger than 50 p coin, rare steak was grey in the middle we ask for two more and they were just as disgusting, the cheesecake came from the freezer with two beers came to 68 quid I hate paying for rubbish food, don't let the trip advisor pictures or the website fool you the restaurant is dated and smells like schools dinners used to, utterly disgusted with the food and cost avoid if you fancy GOOD food!