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) 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 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 go back there as we had a very enjoyable experience.

Visited restaurant at 1.10 for lunch menu to be told it closes at 2. Asked what would happen if not fed by 2 would we be asked to leave? Yes we were told we close at 2 . So why don’t you advertise a time for last orders??? Very disappointed

The owners and staff are very friendly. The food is of a very high standard. Its a delight to dine there. the attention to detail and the quick response to anything you want will simply blow you away We were a party of nine and the speed of all courses that were served was phenomenal. A truly wonderful night.