Bandstand Restaurant in Highland

Excellent real ale bar, friendly staff and a must visit if you are in the area, this was a regular for me when I lived in Scotland. I now live in Australia and always visit when I'm on holiday. I contacted Paul before a recent visit, and he was able to accommodate me with some of my favourite real ales, as well as help out with my dietary requirements. This was so much appreciated and typifies the great service that you receive when visiting the Bandstand.

We were a table of 8 and the restaurant was very busy but food and drinks both arrived quickly and staff were pleasant. The main reason for the review however is the food. We live a five minute walk away and have eaten here a number of times but never as a first choice and was never overly impressed with the food. However on this occasion the food was amazing, everything was cooked perfectly and I wish I could have tried more of the dishes on the menu. If I had one complaint it would be the enormous portion sizes, so much wasted food. I don't know what's changed but it's definitely worked and we'd definitely make this a first choice in the future.

Bandstand is always the place we watch rugby together, great atmosphere

My fiancé and I were recommended The Bandstand by a local taxi driver (David @ Charlie’s taxis in Ardersier … absolutely cracking guy) I. Would highly recommend.!!! When we arrived we were greeted by a member of staff who was out for a cigarette break, extremely pleasant and friendly, I kindly asked if she would be happy for me to review this establishment and I managed to get one which I’ll post pictures of. Going into the restaurant I was greeted by a man behind the bar, again, kind and friendly. I booked online and asked to be seated at a sea view not realising it would be now dark. So we couldn’t see anything 😂 The waitress who served us was one of the most pleasant people I’ve ever met! The decor inside is beautiful! The. Bar it’s self it’s a friendly atmosphere just your normal pub for locals. Its very more rustic themed vibe. And the best bit is …. It’s dog friendly 🐶 💙 🐾 The food was to die for and well presented!!

Really enjoyed the bottle of wine, list was short but well selected. Pie was ok, crust good but filling a wee bit dry. Veg really overcooked. My fellas meal was pretty bad though. No courtesy check until we were done eating. He ate his burnt chicken as it'd been a long day and we were really hungry. Told the waitress when she came to clear the table and she just scowled and took the plates. I was trained to make things right if there was a problem with a customers meal... do folk not do that anymore...? We stayed for dessert anyway as wanted to finish our wine with some food. Cheesecake nice enough but no hint of Amaretto as described. Maybe she meant Amaretti, as it had the wee biscuits on top.

Serve burnt food with no seasoning. I ordered the harrisa chicken burger with aioli it arrived burnt to a crisp without even a hint of harrisa flavour and plane mayo instead of aioli and a soggy roll. Credit to them for the wine selection though. The house made coleslaw was good and the cheesecake was also good.

Really nice find. Long weekend stay. Rooms were well appointed. Food was outstanding and the choice of real ale was second to none.

The food and service is excellent.

Great food and service will be back

What can I say, a wonderful place in a great location. Stayed here for new years eve and was not disappointed at all. Staff were brilliant and friendly, the room was ace and they are doing something special here with the local music and the vibe of the place is top notch. Will be back later on in the year. Oh and the food wasn't half bad either!!! Great job all around.

Great food and great staff. Had a great time and love music.

Fantastic food,staff are awesome.

Paul and Lyndy are just wonderful proprietors and so hospitable. Couldn't fault anything, food is delicious, rooms so comfy and staff are just brilliant and the beach only a short walk away. What more would anyone want 🤔 nothing... it's just perfect!!!!

Sunday dinner, absolutely delicious

This review is strictly about the restaurant, as I have never stayed at the hotel. We went here one evening to watch football and have dinner at the same time. The place was very well laid out, and give that it was a full house, the service was extremely quick. Excellent menu and food quality and yet another one of the Nairn places that you will love.

Great selection of drinks and service

Nice friendly place with lovely food

Great Hotel amazing location, well appointed comfortable room. Great breakfast with amazing views

Staff were really helpful and friendly, Cullen Sink was super smokey and tasty, great local beers to accompany a super crispy beer battered fish and chips from the moray firth, add a fantastic view. What more could you want? Well dining in the same restaurant as Melinda Messenger……..

Great atmosphere. Live misic Friendly place for a drink. Only used the bar.

Best venue all round in Nairn, music, food, drink, friendliness, fun.

After finishing a walk along the beach, we saw the Bandstand Bar and went in for a drink. A great choice of ales on tap, we tried Cairngorm Gold, Yellowhammer, Vital Spark & Black Gold, to name a few. We enjoyed our visit there so much we went back again, several time, visiting on other evenings for a drink and twice for a meal. The staff are very friendly and approachable both in the bar and restaurant. The restaurant looks across the park area, the bandstand and to the sea with fantastic views. The meals on both occasions were excellent, and hubby had the venison haunch one night, which he said was the best meal he had ever had! The cost of the meals was value for money. We would highly recommend this excellent bar & restaurant.

We went for dinner to The Bandstand and were really impressed. A wide variety on the menu, delicious food; a relaxed, inviting and friendly atmosphere and superb hospitality from the staff. A view out to the Moray Firth was the icing on the cake. Definitely recommended.

Can't speak for the rooms as I didn't stay here, but the CAMRA website said they do good ales - and they really do. Well kept, clean and relaxed and helpful stuff. A few more taps would be amazing but i think it's a pretty excellent choice for the location.

Fantastic fish and chips and lager! Recommend a reservation, which we had. View is of the bandstand and park as well as the firth. Great service! Top notch!!

This review is in reference to the restaurant. Cannot comment regarding the on-site accommodation. This evenings meals were good. Tasty as they were generous. The pulled pork nachos and chicken burger were both great. Service was friendly and the restaurant atmosphere is cozy.

Excellent value for money evening meal. Very friendly staff, great views of the seafront. The three course meal was very good and portion sizes were too.

The food and service was very good indeed. The restaurant is a little but rough around the edges and could do with a refurbishment but as long as the food is good which it was, it can be forgiven.

We didn’t stay here as we only live 20 mins from the pub but I just thought I’d share the utterly amazing meal I had there for my mums birthday! MASSIVE PORTIONS! Tasty, all food was piping hot all came out at the same time (party of 5 eating) it was lovely. Fantastic service too, the girl who served us (blonde haired lady) was so friendly and nothing was too much. They had my mums cake brought out for us with the candles on and cut it up for us too! Not the first meal we’ve had here that was fab, been here a few times but this one stood out as better than exceptional! Little pricey but for the portions and food quality it’s worth splashing out

After a lovely sleep we had a lovely breakfast ,everything was hot and plentiful the staff were very helpful in getting our order just right.

Wow wow wow! We were only here in Nairn for two nights and wanted to eat in a good restaurant. The Bandstand is in the top ten trip advisor restaurants to eat in Nairn, well we think it is the Best! We came here as a family and we can safely say that nothing was too much trouble for the incredibly professional staff and the food was exquisite! Fresh, hot, flavoursome, and delicious 😋 The only sad thing is, it is 100's of miles away from our home, or we would eat there all of the time. Keep up the great work! Definitely worth a try! Families and couples will like it as well!

Sunday Roast beef at the bandstand. Meal was absolutely delicious. Meat cooked to perfection and roast potatoes to die for … light and fluffy. Iain the chef …. You are awesome Best roast we have had in ages ! Paul and Sonia

Can't comment on the rooms as I'm only here for a meal. I walked in and asked for a meal, only to be told I'd have to wait two hours. Fully booked, so if you're thinking of coming, book a table. I'm here on a Friday night. However, as I was sitting, I was asked, "If I was quick, they would fit me in. I had the steak pie and chips followed by the fruit cheesecake. The pie was amazing, really hot, but amazing. I'm still waiting for the cheesecake as I've just ordered. I'm surenits going to be great. There is a very good selection of beer, malt whisky, and then the traditional whiskies and gins and vodkas, etc... Cheesecake just arrived with cream, "yummy." Can't fault the staff. Very friendly and professional. I would highly recommend The BandStand for a meal and for live music if you're up for it. I wasn't tonight as I was having another gathering somewhere else. 5 stars from me for great food, beer, and friendly staff.

Fantastic restaurant with an excellent choice of beers. The staff were friendly and professional making us feel welcome and at home. The food is first class, the duck was truly delicious served along with sensational views. Highly recommend!

Still awaiting owners to call us after a week so writing my review, Would you tell you night staff thank-you so much for spoiling our wedding anniversary on the 21st July 2013,we booked for two nights stayed 1 as we were kept awake with blaring music until 12.15 am when I called down to ask them to shut it off to be told oh it's my P.A system kicking in?, then awakened by gulls at 5ish am that can't be helped, up at 7 for b/fast we liked the hotel although bathroom bit small for me being disabled unable to use shower, at breakfast we told Don lovely chap surprised at what went on that we wouldn't be staying another night so you got £150 for nothing guys well done...Don the manager lovely chap very pleasant and helpful and we enjoyed the live music, we asked when it would be shutting down to be told 11.30pm ok we thought great to be kept awake.So that lets you down guys we travelled home on our anniversary as we couldn't afford another night anywhere else...very disappointed you haven't contacted us about this matter shame on you and oh I have still the call record when I called down to tell them enough is enough just in case it's our word against theirs..so got home safe and sound although very tired and frustrated never ever have we been treated this way so no would not recommend ...guess other guests either heavy sleepers or don't like to complain Yours Sincerely Mr&Mrs Moffett Fife

Had dinner in the restaurant and the food was super! Loved the Gnocchi and my Dad said it was the best chicken burger he’d had in years! :-) Good atmosphere and lovely to look out onto the sea.

Great food, excellent vibe, music, great beer and service. Donald was a fantastic server. Music was local bands and singers.

This is one of the best meals of my life. I had the venison haunch, which in a word was “perfect“. We started off with the feta and olive plate - verrry tasty. My brother had the 8 ounce ribeye, and we cannot have been...

Stopped in for a quick meal and it was really good. Friendly staff, nice food, amazing view. I wasn't sure from the outside but it was busy and lively and I am glad I went in. Would recommend.

Visited the Bandstand for dinner whilst staying in Nairn. Food was well prepared and delicious with a good choice of dishes.

I stopped in to the Bandstand as it was recommended by my BnB host. I was dining alone and the staff made me feel comfortable. They offer gluten free fish n chips and it was delicious. Enjoyed the atmosphere.

Wir waren zum Abendessen hier und waren begeistert. Wirklich sehr gut. Der tolle Blick auf das Meer war noch das...

This place absolutely rocks. It is a lovely pub and first class restaurant, all in one, but separate! Loved every aspect of the Bandstand. The previous night we ate at the Witchery in Edinburgh and the whole dining experience, especially the food, was so much...

Excellent views from the conservatory, of the Links, the bandstand and the sea. Fair pricing for superb food. We all had different mains and each one was beautifully presented. Some had desserts, and the mango cheesecake was the special. One had Scottish tablet ice cream...

I came with friends who were playing music here and we all stayed over. We also had dinner here. The room I was in was beautiful - very comfortable, with sea views and the food was amazing! I had the cod with a chorizo broth...

Have been coming to the Bandstand for nearly 20 years every time we visit Nairn. They have always been famous for their fish and chips. We reserved a table for 18.30 and whilst the bar area was very busy, the restaurant part wasn't. Staff in...

Great service great view, good food. Friendly satff and atmosphere. Will come again. Evidently good music too.

Have lived a few miles away from nairn for a couple few years now, and the bandstand has never been on my radar. After it being recommended by a few people for a family meal we decided to give it a try last night and...

The food was amazing. We had the duck with pear and red wine ju, and cod with mash and chorizo broth. Very nice. The service was also very good and the staff are very friendly. Many thanks to Kiera and Ian for looking after us....

Lovely sea view from the restaurant area. Great food, rather large servings for me but good value for money! My husband enjoyed the local beers and there was a great choice of gins.

After doing some research prior to our holiday in Nairn, we booked here because of the gluten free options, as my friend is coeliac. We were first in for dinner service. On entering by the bar, there was no obvious place to say we were...

Average pub grub, steak and ale pie not much taste, battered cod and chips OK nothing special, we will try elsewhere before we come back.

Absolute gem of a find! My usual place to stay while in Nairn on work, was fully booked. The Bandstand impressed from the start. The room is clean, simple and the bed was crazy comfy. I ate in the bar area and that was not...

We enjoyed 2 nights at the bandstand. I thought the highlight was the mussels (4 doz of them) in a garlic wine cream sauce. They were steamed perfectly and tasted wonderful. I highly recommend. We enjoyed talking to Paul the owner during an open mic...

Lovely beer garden, dog friendly, found our favourite Thistly Cross Strawberry Cider here too. Staff really helpful anf friendly. Beautiful inside and restaurant looks great too. Already our 2nd visit in 2 days

Excellent quality food, pulled pork tacos, followed by 10oz sirloin steaks with peppercorn sauce. Gorgeous Seaview, clean, countryside style restaurant. Welcoming staff and efficient service. Will definitely be back.

Set in a beautiful location, overlooking the sea, the Bandstand is all you could wish for and more, We were lucky enough to visit the restaurant whilst visiting friends in Nairn. We experienced a Sunday lunch that was delicious, well presented and served by friendly,...

We went for dinnerand had a gread food. Very well presented food. Great selection of wine and beer. It was soo good ,we reserved a table for dinner again.

We were group of 9 adults and 1 toddler and received a lovely welcome today from efficient, approachable and happy staff. Good selection of beers and food was very tasty with the added bonus of a beautiful view. Would thoroughly recommend

Having been on a 4 week tour of the Highlands and Islands, one of the highlights was a great evening here. From walking in we felt welcome and at home. Great service from the bar staff, recommending some super new gins. Then into the restaurant...

Delicious meal…featherblade of beef was faultless. Generous portions. Staff were very friendly and the view was stunning. Great value for money.

5 of us had great food, restaurant style, near bar, so great beer too. Really good menu choice. Restaurant busy, but not noisy. All ages in restaurant, good for families, friends. Good portions, varying prices for folks, £15 to £22. I had bangers, mash, peas,...

Booked a table for 6 to celebrate parents 54th wedding anniversary while we were on holiday in Nairn. Great meal with massive portions. Liked the place so much I popped back a couple of days later for the start of the Bar’s Rocktober beer fest....

The Bandstand is without a doubt the most beautiful spot on the coast to stay, relax, travel in all Highlands directions for beautiful landscape. The staff is like family, accommodating and warm hearted. The cuisine is exceptional, the ocean roars and lulls you to sleep...

Sits across a park near the water so one gets a good view when sitting in the one dining area. We entered without reservations and were promptly seated. I had the golden vegetable soup that was very good. My wife had a burger. A good...

We stayed as a group of golfers at the Bandstand for 4 nights. Hospitality was excellent. Food delicious! Great array of ales. Great location for golf course Nairn West, Nairn Dunbar and Moray.

Looked at the reviews online and it seemed good - booking was for 6.30 and we left just after 8.10pm one main dish only, long wait for food, steak pie was the worst I have ever tasted, my partner liked his double burger which he...

We had a large party for dinner and the service and food were very good. Super fun and friendly staff.

Also a nice location with a view! People were very friendly and always available for you. Traditional Scottish breakfast, good lunch and dinner meals.

Visited here on the last evening of our hols and had the most excellent meal. Food was delicious, service was quick and the staff were friendly, helpful and professional. Would come again and would definitely recommend.

We visited this restaurant as a family, the food was hot tasty and a great menu . Great views across the links to the sea. Staff were great, cheerful ,and service efficient. We all enjoyed our meals, thank you Bandstand 😊

Great pub lots of beers very friendly staff we did not eat here but food looked good Outside area for warm weather or plentiful seating inside Definitely recommend

We stayed 3 nights at the Bandstand at the end of July 2022 and really enjoyed our stay there. Many thanks to Linda and all staff members who were extremely friendly. Great view from our room on the sea, with the sand beach just opposite...

Was in a group of 7 on Friday. Table was booked for 7.30 and restaurant didn’t appear too busy initially. We ordered drinks which took 30 mins to arrive at the table which did not bode well for the meal. Too true, we had to...

Kicked off our week in Nairn with a visit with family for Sunday lunch. Most had the roast which was delicious and a generous portion. Staff were friendly, service excellent and we would definitely recommend and will visit be back!

Wonderful location right next to the beach. Fun atmosphere, tasty nachos and several large TVs - was the perfect location to watch Wimbledon! Friendly patrons and staff. Highly recommend.

Amazing. What can I say. The rooms are beautiful, the food is all home cooked and superb. The owner Paul, Anna front of house, the bar staff, waiting staff all so nice. Will definitely be going back.

We had a lovely meal at the Bandstand on Friday 15 July 2022. We had the small portion of fish and chips and it was huge!! 😁 The staff were lovely and very welcoming and gave the dogs water and a bowl of biscuits too....

Our hotel recommended this ocean view restaurant and we were not disappointed. All 5 of us ordered something different and we each thought ours had to be the best choice on the menu. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. The views of the beach...

Maybe as it was really hot outside the restaurant was like a sauna . Seats were so close together making it worse. Food was average. Lots of good reviews so maybe a bad day with it being so hot

Due to band warming up , limited seating. Staff did offer a later dining time. Again fairly limited vegetarian choices.

Had a lovely lunch. The staff were all friendly and polite and the food was excellent quality and good value. We had the smoked salmon with cream cheese and beetroot on sourdough toast which was good quality and tasty. The only negatives being the salmon...

Fantastic restaurant! Lovely staff including Alastair, who called 4 local inns trying to help us find a room. We only had one course, but it was perfection. Husband had the fish and chips, and I chose the sea bass. My dish was accompanied by linguine...

Can't fault service, staff welcoming & friendly. Room comfy with a lovely sea view. Food well presented & tasty.

Sur le site il y a plein de fruits de mer mais lors de notre visite très peu étaient à...

Enjoyed evening dinner during an overnight stay at a nearby hotel. We dined in the restaurant where the food and service was excellent. Enjoyed chatting with a member of staff who was genuinely interested in our trip and telling us more about the area.

Posto spettacolare Una finestra su un mondo che puoi solo permetterti di vedere in un film La mente viaggia mentre...

Stopped in Nairn on my way to Skye during a solo trip through the Europe, including a few weeks in the UK. Staff was so welcoming and the fish and chips were amazing. Had it on again on my way out of Nairn. Best I’ve...

I had lunch here for my nanas birthday. I can honestly find no fault in my visit here. The food was excellent and the service perfect. I did not get the name of our waiter but he was very charming and attentive. We will definitely...

Well worth a visit. Steak was cooked to perfection, great staff and good atmosphere. Background music was excellent.

My wife and I were in The Bandstand today and I had the best Phillysteak sandwich, it was delicious, served with chips and coleslaw. My wife needs a gluten free diet and she said her fish and chips were lovely. Will be back

We had a delicious meal here last night. The steak pie didn’t arrive in a separate dish! It was lovely. We’ve been here a few times over the last 5 years and it never disappoints. I think we’ll go again tomorrow. 😀

Ate in the Bandstand in Nairn tonight, feather kade of beef hubby had Sunday roast he chose gammon,both of us cleared our plates (a huge struggle) and agreed it was the best meal we have had in a long time.Amazing food and staff too,if you...

We had a table overlooking the bandstand, the food was excellent and the service was friendly and efficient. Vegan diet very well catered for. Would highly recommend and we will definitely be back.

As a Mother’s Day treat we booked the family suite. The location was easy to find and we had a very warm welcome from ally. The apartment is gorgeous and perfect for what we needed. We enjoyed the bar a very cosy setting, with plenty...

The bandstand came highly recommended from our accommodation and they did not disappoint. We had a Sunday lunch there which all six of us gave a 10 out of 10, totally delicious and good portions. The rice pudding was outstanding. We asked if we could...

Had a wonderful meal with friends last night, food was amazing and staff were so friendly . It has a lovely welcoming atmosphere and we will definitely be back. Throughly recommended when in Nairn.

An absolutely phenomenal meal at the bandstand last weekend celebrating my birthday. Food was absolutely lovely and nobody left that place hungry! Portions were absolutely perfect. A massive thank you to all the staff on duty that evening, with particular thanks to Stevie who was...

On holiday in Nairn we popped in on Christmas Eve with our dog & enjoyed a few drinks. I asked for Christmas Day opening hours, the manageress was on duty & confirmed the bar would be open to the public 12-7pm ....fab Christmas Day we...

Relaxed, friendly atmosphere in the small function room. All dietary requirements accommodated and meal plentiful and delicious. An excellent start to the Christmas Festivities provided by friendly, attentive and professional staff.