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Mary Irvine: Review of the Sugar Boat Restaurant, Helensburgh

Sugar Boat, 30 Colquhoun Square, Helensburgh G84 8AQ

Phone: 01436 647 522

‘The dishes were all rather special, the service good and the bill very reasonable’

Visitors from Oz

I recently visited the ‘Sugar Boat’ in Helensburgh for lunch. With me were my grandson, Ryan, and his fiancée, Blyth. They were over from Australia to see family and friends.  This was the first visit to the restaurant for all of us. Ryan remembered the previous ‘deli’, regaling Blyth and me with descriptions of all the wonderful foodstuff sold there. He was equally impressed by the Sugar Boat – as was I. 

Friendly reception

On arrival we were greeted in a pleasant manner, then escorted through the café/bar area to our table. We were allowed to to ‘settle in’ before menus were brought. We ordered drinks and began to discuss the wide variety of choices.

Quality food, excellent value

After some ‘chopping and changing’ I finally decided on hummus and radish, Ryan and Blyth both settled on the chicken liver. We were all pleasantly surprised at the generous portions. The paté, served with cornichons and toast was well received, witnessed by the empty plates and murmurs of enjoyment. My hummus was amongst the best I’ve tasted (don’t tell my Greek friends). The dukkha gave it a slightly ‘rough’ texture which went down very well on the triangles of charred sourdough. The plates were cleared and more drinks ordered. An acceptable short wait, then the mains arrived. I’d ordered ox shin gnocchi with a side dish of buttered baby potatoes. Ryan had moules frites in white wine, garlic & parsley, Blyth the fish pie. They ordered a side of broccoli and kale to share. Again the portions were more than adequate. We needn’t have ordered any side and still have been replete! None of us could manage a sweet.

Good service

We sat and finished out drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, not feeling we were being rushed.  Our waiter was Sam who was very attentive, helpful and efficient without being intrusive. All in all a very enjoyable lunch. The dishes were all rather special, the service good and the bill very reasonable, considering the quality of the food and the size of the portions. I have no hesitation in recommending a visit.

(The restaurant is conveniently located next to a large car park so no problems there.)

Mary Irvine, July, 2022

This section: Eating and drinking Glasgow West End, Mary Irvine: Writer and Philhellene, Scottish Restaurants