The Beech Tree Inn - Stirling

Such a disappointment. The plethora of shouty signs on the way in should have warned us, but we duly queued up. There were only two people in front of us and it took 20 minutes to be served, by which time the queue behind us snaked out of the door. Filthy toilets (or toilet, only one was working , rude staff (as we got to the front of the queue they started serving the people behind us? and ridiculously expensive, £2.50 for a can of coke without even a glass! Keep walking on by until you get to Turnip the Beet.

If this is value for money then there should be a comedian at the front door. Two slices of average standard cake , a coffee and a small juice, £11.65 . Served by a rude owner who was more intent to demeanour her two very young waiting staff in front of the customers. Go to Costa coffee or Gregs the bakers in Milngavie before starting your walk and get two lovely cakes and coffee for half the price . My advice would be to walk on by

We have not visited for quite a number of years and the dark dreary setting upon entering did not provide a warm ambiance and when ‘greeted’ by the manager immediately knew we had made the wrong decision. We requested a table for 3, she asked if we had booked. Now, if you make a booking surely you mention that, don’t you ?? No ‘hello’ no smile, she huffed and said it would be 30 mins for food, we said that was fine. Thereafter she started ordering the young staff around, being quite rude and abrupt, quite embarrassing actually. Once seated we were provided with grubby menus and there was a strange lingering smell in the dull room we were shown to. We left, will not be back and am surprised this place is still open, although probably running due to tourist trade.

After a hike, I enjoyed a delicious Lentil soup and sandwich deal at this restaurant. The staff was friendly and the bottled beer was nicely chilled. While it may not be a fancy place like the Ritz, I actually prefer it that way.

We picked up dinner tonight and it was fantastic! The portions were generous and it was great value for money. We will definitely be returning and would highly recommend this place for dining.