The Port Askaig - Argyll Bute

We just wanted a light lunch before the ferry journey. We ordered BBQ chicken wraps with salad. What we got was 2 very small curried chicken wraps with a garnish not a salad. Inedible for me as I don't eat curry, my partner ate both which was equivalent to a normal pub lunch wrap. At over £30.00 a total rip off. They have a monopoly as there is nowhere else to eat nearby.

We had lunch here before catching our ferry. I loved the retro decor, it felt like a step back in time! However, the food was disappointing considering the prices. The Cullen skink was bland and the scampi and chips seemed like they were straight from the freezer.

I had another disappointing and not inexpensive meal on Islay. My companion enjoyed their fish and chips, but my wild mushroom dish on crusty bread was a letdown. The mushrooms were not truly wild and lacked seasoning, served on a burnt and soggy slice of white bread. The bar had outdated decor from the 1970s that could use some updating. However, they offered decent local beers and a nice view of the harbour from the beer garden. The staff was friendly and the pub was conveniently located for ferry travelers, but there isn't much else to recommend about it.

We were only able to find food at this restaurant when we got off the ferry last week. The scallops were amazing and well worth the price. However, the langoustines were not flavorful and were disappointing. The hosts were incredibly kind and welcoming. It seemed like we were there early in the season, as the place didn't appear fully prepared. The bathroom had a unpleasant smell and the dining rooms were still being set up. Looking back, we should have either eaten on the ferry or brought our own food, as we had planned to stay the night in Bowmore.

Great food, we had the haddock and the scampi, cooked to perfection and served with a very unorthodox cut of chips, apple corer cut? Excellent homemade tartare sauce, I’m not usually a fan but I tried it, and scoffed the lot, quite exceptional. Washed it down with lager from the bar and a couple of drams. Be guided by the proprietor in all matters pertaining to malt whisky, she is a star and a fountain of valuable local knowledge. Locals are very friendly and can take ‘up for a laugh’ to the next level.