Craigard in Eilean Siar

Good view from the dining room looking out across Castlebay to Kisimul Castle. That was the highpoint of our evening. The staff were pleasant but seemed to operate in a daze? This was coupled with a meagre portion of the starter (Hot smoked Isle of Barra Salmon) and mediocre cooking of potentially interesting mains (monkfish). Very disappointed.

I loved the haggis and the great sea view from the restaurant. Also had the soup, which was tasty, and the sticky toffee pudding. Full marks!

Huge fresh scallops beautifully cooked were the highlight of our meal. Friendly service in a restaurant with fantastic views over Castlebay. Would recommend

Food and staff where top quality and personaly as one who ran hotels ect the fact the owner Mr Brian Currie or Management are also always present is a big plus. The view from where you can sit with your coffee overlooking the Bay and castle are exceptional .Rooms are immaculate nothing is a problem if require special needs also a romantic place to hold a wedding dietry problems catered for 10/10 nothing to fault

We stayed for two nights at the craigard hotel in castle bay and had a meal there on both evenings, the staff were fabulous most helpful and the food really good, after a disappointing stay at the polochar inn on south uist which should be renamed faulty towers we were delighted with this hotel and the room over looking the castle was an added bonus.

Went for a drink here on a winters night, ordered a pint of kronenbourg it was disgusting, tasted like vinegar! Think the establishment needs to be more attentive to cleaning the pipes. We had our dog with us who is extremely well behaved however after sitting for half an hour we where told dogs are not allowed in the bar???? The barmaid must of been blind as the dog was with us for the duration. I used to life on Barra and to be frank hospitality has gone backwards in regards to this establishment. They need to catch up with the 21st century regarding customer service. Until then I shall not be returning.

Called in for lunch and a drink arrived in the bar area. Which we did think it was OK, just ok nothing posh. And were informed that it was a definite No Dog policy!!

The Craigard give you exactly what they say. We went with the fish & chips and Barra Burger, and boy were they delicious. A bit on the expensive side, but you're paying for quality. The staff were friendly and attentive (they passed the 'courtesy check' test), and the restaurant manager was a gem, squeezing us in when initially there was no space. He didn't have to, and we appreciated it. Along with Cafe Kisimul, the Craigard are doing the best food in Barra. Highly recommended!

Visited with a group. Booked table and had pre-ordered meal. Expected to be in an out within an hour or so. We arrived in time for a drink in the bar. Told our table was just being set and would be ready at 7:30. Called to our table at the appointed time- 7:30. Just after 8:00 pm we went to check on the order and a few minutes later someone came to ask about cutlery for the starters. At about 8:30 the starters arrived- for those who were having them. At 9:00 pm starters had been cleared but still no sign of main course. Staff kept asking if we wanted more drinks. We said that we would like our food. Given that most of us had been waiting almost 2 hours for an order that had been with the hotel for a week they should have been grovelling and apologising and offering us complimentary drinks Eventually at about 9:20 our food arrived. Paid on our way out. A very sullen silent woman took our money- not a smile, no warmth and certainly no word of apology or explanation for the excessive delay. On top of this they did the thing that winds me up more than anything. They took an order and served some people who had come into the restaurant after us. They left after their dessert at around the time that our mains were being asked for. My food was OKish. Nothing more. I had fish and chips. The batter was thick and heavy and covered with salt. Why this obsession with salting my food. I wouldn't presume to sugar someone's tea or coffee so why is it he fashion to determine that I like a lot of salt. I would definitely NOT recommend this restaurant, which is unfortunate given the limited choice in Castelbay. Good points- well the view from the dining room is good.

Booked at the last minute and the staff went out of their way to accommodate us at very short notice on what was a busy night. Service was friendly and helpful, although at times a wee bit slow due to being so busy. We'd have had more from the bar if we didnt wait as long. Food was great, well cooked and decent portion sizes. Menu isnt the most extensive but there is something for everyone. Prices were reasonable, much the same as other places we had eaten during our trip. I would be happy to eat there again.

Lucky to have got a booking for an evening meal here as our hotel were not doing meals. Lovely view and the food was very good. The scallops and the sole were fabulous and would recommend going, though expensive. Waitresses were young and not vey experienced but friendly enough.

Hand dived scallops, Barra gin, monkfish kebabs - all absolutely delicious and no room for dessert! Essential to book as very busy.

We had 3 nights in Barra and visisted the Craigard each evening, eating there twice. Food was great on both occasions, the Fish and chips were lovely! The bar had a nice atmosphere with frienly locals and we were even treated to some impromptu live music sessions. There was also a nice outdoor seating area to watch the boats arrive and the sun go down

Just came back from a brilliant stay in Barra. We ate at the Craigard Hotel and the food was amazing. Hand dive scallops, hot smoked salmon, haggis starter and the haddock were all delicious. The staff were excellent, so helpful and friendly. We would totally recommend eating at the Craigard. Also stunning views from the restaurant over the bay.

Our first meal on Barra and despite the staff shortages we were looked after really well. Nice restaurant with view of the bay and castle. Loved the Haggis Starter.

Room was clean and looked recently refurbished. Most people only stop one or two nights so size is not too important. If you keep your window open please note that the clock tower on the church next door chimes on the hour, every hour ! Interestingly breakfast was left outside your door if you wanted a "hot breakfast" (eg bacon roll, not a full cooked breakfast) but in the fridge on the ground floor if a continental choice (juice/croissant/jam/fruit etc). Like many hotels there is no room service during your stay. Hotel has great views from the dining area in the bar. Gets busy, used by non residents and they served what we would call good bar food.

Dinner was good and staff adequate in their professionalism. Limited options in the area and clearly that was why the restaurant was full

Ate here for an evening meal, food was very good, albeit a reduced menu. Sadly the service really spoilt the evening, it was slow and the staff seemed to lack direction, hence the loss of a star.

We had our final meal of our week long trip to the Outer Hebrides and it ended our holiday on a high. The scallops and haggis taster were lovely starters and we had Chicken Breast (stuffed with haggis and wrapped in bacon), Caesar Salad (with smoked salmon) and Salmon Fishcakes (a special dish of the day) as mains. A really good selection of lagers and young, friendly staff. Having spent two days on Barra we'd wished we had eaten here both nights!

We had dinner here the food we had was good but the whole place felt it needed a good clean and an overall upgrade.

I had 2 amazing meals here. One of prawns tails and the other of scallops. Both were the best I have ever eaten and the chips were proper handout chips and delicious. Truly outstanding food, a fabulous view over the bay and the nicest staff. The price was fair too. Can't fault it!

We had dinner a couple of times there. Not an extensive menu but perfectly adequate and reflective of the hotel and its location. Had drinks outside overlooking the bay before (and after!) dinner. The John Smiths, Pinot Grigio, and Malbec were all good! Lovely staff.

A great place to watch the sunset over the bay while eating dinner. Friendly staff and delicious food. Need to book.

What a view..! Food great. Staff helpful and efficient. Music in the bar was superb. A ceilidh band from the Borders of all places..!!

Great view and amazing position above the water. Food is just OK as it seems the chef is not really trying very hard. Also, attentive young staff could do with some extra training. Please do not reach across diners to deliver food to the next person! There was plenty of space to walk around our table. Small but reasonable wine list. This place has enormous potential if only someone had the vision and the ideas....

..much improved since our last visit. OK - decor still needs a bit of attention - but the food was good, service excellent and, as always, fantastic.

Food was fresh, simple and wholesome. At the end of a two week trip down the islands, frankly this was some of the best food we found. Great views, friendly service. Recommended.

1. Abend: wir genossen die herrliche Aussicht, die freundliche Bedienung und das gute Essen.2. Abend: Mit einer Reisgruppe war der Essraum halb voll, das Personal wirkte sehr geschäftig und gestresst. Da noch genügend Tische frei waren, setzten wir uns an einen kleinen Tisch und warteten, und warteten. Wir wurden schlicht ignoriert. Als ich nach der Karte fragte, hiess es, sehen Sie nicht., wir haben viel zu tun, wir bedienen eine Gruppe, wir haben keine Zeit und überhaupt, wurden Sie von irgendwem platziert?Auch andere Gäste, die nicht zur Gruppe gehörten, wurden kaum bedient.Wir gaben auf. Da auch die wenigen anderen Restaurants im Dorf überfüllt waren, gab es Nachtessen aus dem Coop.

Had dinner here last week on the final stages of our Outer Hebrides tour.While not the best restaurant, it certainly was not the worst, and definitely the 2nd best in Castlebay, Isle of Barra.Restaurant has a lovely view over the bay, service was friendly and efficient, and staff did tell us what items had unfortunately sold out.The Haddock & Chips was a generous portion, tasty and not greasy, and they provided normal peas after being requested which was good. Burger was good I am told.Would return as pleasant evening.

Happened to pop in whilst passing, and although up a slight hill, the restaurant was clean and busy. Great menu, keen prices and the food was lovely. Attentive staff and great views over the harbour.

Fantastic location but whilst staff very friendly, the food could have been better. The meals filled the four of us up, but it seemed rather as if the chef had lost concentration totally with my gluten free meal. Thankfully I checked before tucking into my scallops - which turned out to be covered in a sauce, meant for another diner (there were only about 8 of us eating!!). I was also served a sauce with gluten for my main course. Apologies were made, corrections done and they understood that this wasn’t acceptable. It felt rather as if the waiting staff had been let down by the kitchen. It was a shame.

The fish and chips were good but very disappointed with the desserts which were obviously frozen industrial ones....

Worst seafood meal experience ever at the Craigard Hotel, Barra - in my opinion the langoustines were overcooked, prior to that the soup had to be sent back because it was luke warm, the chef was then condescending and I found the manager very intimidating - Hebridean hospitality not!

We ate here again for tea with a choice from the excellent specials board ; t bone steak was delicious with proper chips .

We recently ate in the restaurant and thought the views over the harbour bay were great. Sadly, the food was of a pretty poor standard. We both had monkfish scampi which was over cooked and coating was quite brittle. Disappointing.

Fishcakes were tasty, but the fillet steak and langoustines amazing!!! Definitely recommended...as were the other steaks

Food was excellent, just what you need after a long journey. Reasonably priced food with a brilliant view in the restaurant over looking the bay and beyond in a relaxed atmosphere.

Der Abend fing schon doof an. Beim Einchecken ins Hotel sagte uns die (einzige) sehr freundliche Dame an der Rezeption, dass sie uns für 19 Uhr einen Tisch reservieren würde. Als wir um 19 Uhr ins Restaurant kamen, wurden wir harsch darüber aufgeklärt, dass gerade nichts frei sei und wir uns entweder mit einem Tisch in dem fensterlosen Raum an der Bar begnügen oder halt warten müssten. Eigentlich kein Grund, uns direkt so anzuranzen. Wir hatten nichts falsch gemacht, uns weder beschwert noch sonst irgendwelche Forderungen gestellt und entschieden uns zu warten. Nach 20 Minuten durften wir ins Restaurant wechseln.

Really good food. Fish stew on the specials menu was amazing. Really nice staff. Would definitely recommend.

We did not stay at the Craigard but did go there for an evening meal after it was recommended to us by some other travellers. The restaurant is at the front of the hotel with nice views of the bay and castle as well as the harbour. The staff were very friendly and the service was good. The food was fairly standard but very nice and reasonably priced.

Stopped here on our first night and had a couple of drinks then decided to stay for dinner. Food was superb and plenty of it, service was with a big smile and the views out of the windows were to die for. I highly recommend this place for drinks and food

We went for a meal, having looked on the internet at a sample menu. When we arrived the menu was completely different and we were advised that the website was being re-launched but it was taking longer than thought and the old menu hadn’t been taken down. We stayed to give the place a chance, but weren’t overly impressed with either the food or the pricing – it wasn’t bad food, just uninspiring after an excellent dinner the night before at a neighbouring hotel.

Excellent supper with fresh local fish and seafood. The cockles for starters was a winning choice- superb!

Went here on a miserable wet lunchtime but views were amazing over the bay and to the castle and beyond to Vatersay. Staff were slow to attend at first but once got going were fine. Food good would recommend.

We had fish and chips here. All fine but I would say it was a frozen fillet rather than fresh. The chips were frozen too. It's a shame as fresh fish surely should be readily available on an island like Barra. Wouldn't rush back.

Weekend break with breakfast included. Could not fault the staff in any way. Food was OK although the steak pie was just stew with a pastry topping and not what is expected to be served as steak pie.

Sin duda merece la pena una visita - si es una agradable tarde de verano querrás comer fuera en la terraza con fantásticas vistas del Castillo!

Nos alojamos aquí mientras que el ciclismo y dejaron Hebridean Exteriores manera poner las bicicletas en el trastero. Una ubicación estupenda y las habitaciones son encantadoras, tanto a la bahía o a las colinas de la parte trasera. Las habitaciones parecen haber sido recientemente decoradas y eran muy acogedores. El bar y el restaurante tenía unas vistas preciosas de la bahía y la comida era fantástica.

Cenamos la última noche. Un entorno precioso, el personal era amable. Pescado barra estaba sabrosa pero mejor probado extraño. . Toque de curry. quizás era el color de curry. Es bastante decepcionante, ya que muchos artículos de la carta no estaban disponibles. Era bastante caro...

The menu contains various starters and mains for meat-, fish- or vegetarian lovers. I started with the Barra prawn cocktail, then had the lambshank. Food is well prepared, tasteful, good cuison.Friendly staff. Their top USP of course is the view over the bay!

We were recommended this place by another visitor and we weren't disappointed, it is good sized well laid out and fantastic views across the bay.The staff are very pleasant the food also good however the coffee machine was giving issues and no one could sort it but they did get us some real nice coffee. There is some interesting items from the making of the film Whiskey Galore, tip watch it before you go to Barra as you will spend your time trying to spot the scenes from the film and given it was shot in the mid 40's very little has changed!

This is Barra so it's limited places to eat in the evening. No worries here tho. Over splendid views of the Harbour, I had the Chicken breast stuffed with haggis which was delicious. Washed down with the local bitter. Wife had the Fish & again a clean plate. Served by a young (Australian? How do they find such tiny isles so far from home?) Lass who provided a swift & friendly service (dealt apologetically for the Lamb Shanks which ran out early doors) on a busyish evening. Would go again.

We were on Barra for 3 nights and chose to eat at the Craigard to two of them. I had the same dish both nights (the ferry was not running so supplies were getting low) and the standard was good both times. I was part of a group and I heard no complaints about any of the courses.

We visited off season for an evening meal twice and though it does not have an extensive menu or much local produce it was well worth it. For our first visit we sat in the large open plan restaurant with great views over the bay. The service was quick and very friendly. The food well cooked and the portions were large. For what was fairly similar food it was much more reasonably priced than the Castle Bay. The second night we were seated in the cosy Whisky Galore Lounge. This is a must see! Lots of original artefacts and a real bottle from the Politician too! So in summary well worth a visit for a meal and a wander around.

If you go to this hotel! On a recent business trip we arrived in Castlebay early for our meeting and looked for a place to get a cup of coffee. The cafes were closed so we decided to try the Crap Ard, where a sign outside stated that non-residents were welcomed for morning coffees. We had no sooner stepped into the empty lounge before we were accosted by Barra's answer to Madame Defarge, who asked us who we thought we were and what did we think we were doing coming in 'off the street' to use their toilets without a by your leave. After explaining to her politely that we were intending to take advantage of their kind offer of a coffee as outlined in the welcoming sign outside, and that we had in fact booked to stay in their estimable establishment that evening, she calmed down somewhat, to a level of deep suspicion and ill-disguised mistrust. We then were questioned as to the truth of that statement, as she demanded to know what our names were, as if we were chancers who had made up a tissue of lies in order to case the joint. You would think from her demeanour that we were gatecrashers at the Queen's Garden Party.After furnishing the necessary information, she immediately checked our names against the list of bookings for that evening. Having ascertained beyond doubt that we were in fact telling the truth, the sense of disappointment she felt, in that she had been deprived of the opportunity to tell us to take a hike, was written all over her face. With nary an apology she pointed to a table, took our order and told us to sit down. The bloody coffee eventually arrived and was plonked down without a word before she stomped off, doubtless to catch up on a spot of feverish knitting. A blistering example of Highland hospitality at its finest.On checking in after our meeting finished in the afternoon, we were spared another interrogation session, the necessary information having been wrested from us in the morning grilling. My room was fine-no complaints there. Ditto the evening meal.Overall, if you want a warm welcome, choose somewhere else to stay in Barra, unless some staff change their attitude to paying guests and stop seeing them as a nuisance. The hotel seems to be run for the overall benefit of the staff rather the residents.

Like all the places to eat on Barra, the food is a little more expensive than the mainland however then portions at the Craigard deliver good value. The restaurant sits overlooking the castle and bay offers great views regardless of the weather. The food is average to good -average if you order sausages and chips as our daughter did. Not he best sausages ever but our daughter happily wolved down all 4 she was served with great homemade chips. We opted for the homemade lasagne, it was more than good, exceptionally good tasty and came with salad and chips. The table next to us ordered the scallops special in cointreau cream sauce and we're served a mountain of delicious looking scallops. Service was friendly and attentive. All in all a good place to eat with lots of tables outside for sunny days.

Have eaten here a few times now when staying in the hotel. The food has always been excellent with a good menu and reasonable prices. The staff are always courteous and efficient as well. The restaurant looks down over the village and out across the bay and Kisimul Castle.

We pre-booked the room for 50 Scouts and Leaders. This was our formal meal for the expedition whilst staying on the Isle.Great evening, good company, good 3 course meal and perfect view out over the bay. Haggis, neaps and taddies for starter, followed by Angus pie and veg and finally Eton mess.Great setting, very pleasant staff.Would book again.

Lovely staff, very friendly and helpful. Pleasant surroundings. Sadly the food was average and not particularly tasty. Left feeling disappointed

Abbiamo cenato due sere in questo semplice ristorante.Vista meravigliosa sulla baiaCucina affidabile e di buon livello. Ottimo anche con bambini.Personale gentilissimo.

...poor food, overcooked and overpriced. Staff no particularly engaged. Only compensation - the spectacular views across the bay

Just back from a weekend stay at Craigard Hotel. If I had to use a single word to describe the service, it would be outstanding! Granted, the hotel is a wee bit dated but so what. It's a genuine place and full of character. (Great big bedroom, spotless, lovely hot shower, tv / sky and extremely comfy bed!) The food was amazing. Really fantastic - black pudding and scallops main course was awesome! The staff could not have been more helpful from the moment we checked in, until we left. Nothing was a problem. Wish everywhere offered this level of friendliness, which costs nothing and makes such a difference. Our experience of the island was fantastic - from the beach airport, taxi driver and the exceptionally genuine and welcoming locals, (who randomly twice offered us lifts around the island!), to the unbelievably great Vatersay Boys. Boy, the know how to bash out great music - do not go to Barra and miss out on a gig! Craigard Hotel - thank you for a great stay!

Lovely meal had with family and friends. We were squeezed in at short notice and the food was delicious. Cockles were top notch! The bar next door had a great atmosphere when we went there for a few drinks afterwards. Would definitely recommend.

With the Hotel having elevated position overlooking the Bay and the dining area located at the front with an outside verandah the restaurant area offers one of the best views in Barra. The staff are friendly and attentive and the food is very good and nicely presented.

We had two meals here during our stay on Barra. Both times the meals were tasty and well presented, only fault was the vegetables which were slightly overcooked for our taste. The restaurant is light and airy with good views of the castle and the bay. We paid between £11 and £14 each for our main courses.

We booked as we were advised. If you book early you get the best seats. Varied menu and special offers. So good we decided to just go back service was very good. First night the waitress suggested Strongbow +fruits Thank you.

Went for lunch. The staff was very efficient and attentive with quick service. We ordered 2 paninis and 1 burger - all very nice, well presented and tasty. Lovely view over the harbour.

Stayed for one night during our Hebridean tour. Hotel is a little bit run down but nevertheless we had a pleasant room with lovely view of the bay and a good en suite. Breakfast and dinner were both good and the staff were pleasant and helpful.,

We visited the Craigard Hotel for a meal on our last night of our week in Barra (April 2016). We had a truly excellent meal, with both my wife and I sampling the lovely scampi. All dishes were very well prepared and served to a high standard. The service was excellent from nice, pleasant young waitresses/waiters and the ambience was just lovely. There are superb views of Castlebay harbour from the conservatory, where we were seated and the whole experience was hard to find a fault with. If this is to be the standard of the Craigard, we will definitely be back. It was, in our opinion, ten times better than the Heathbank Hotel, which used to set the standard for Barra. Clearly there has been a changing of the guard because the Craigard is now serving such fine food.

Good lunch here today, great company of the owner Brian. Well worth a visit. Try out the scampi, big portions. Recently installed satellite TVs.

We went for dinner at the Craigard on a Saturday evening and although they had a wedding party and the bar was busy we were served promptly and with great friendliness. The food was unpretentious (a good helping of simply cooked cockles that tasted of the sea followed by a nice haddock fillet)and nicely cooked and presented. There was a very jolly atmosphere - the wedding helped of course but we felt that even without it,it would be a cheerful place to be.

Had a lovely time eating at this hotel on Saturday night. Very friendly and efficient staff. Would recommend the special spiced batter haddock, which was very tasty. Worth a visit and reasonably priced.

I started with the mussels, which were ok. To drink I went with a bottle of Clansmen local ale. Neither especially recommended. But the main course of beer battered haddock was possibly the best fish and chips I've ever had (and I've had a lot!). Staff were ok. Friendly but young and inexperienced.

Castlebay only has two restaurants and a café. The Craigard restaurant has good views and very good local food. The steaks in particular were good as was the fresh local seafood. Staff seemed a bit young and as a result service was not as good as you might expect - but nothing detracts from the good food. It seemed popular with locals and that is always a good sign.

The dining room has lovely views over the bay and the staff are very friendly and helpful. The food was sadly a little disappointing. It arrived very quickly and appeared to have been reheated in the microwave. The vegetables (small portion) were rather limp and dried out. The haddock in breadcrumbs was a bit soggy and slightly overcooked. On the plus side, food was reasonably priced.

We arrived late-ish (just before 8:30) looking for food. We tried the Castelbay Hotel but were turned away as they had stopped doing food (we were glad, the prices are ridiculous there!). The kitchen here very kindly said they would cook us some food. I had the sweet and sour chicken from the specials board and my boyfriend had the chicken course from the menu. It was very nice (we were so glad we didn't have to go to the co-op and eat sandwiches in our tent!). Vey much appreciated, thank you.

Amazing, but interesting that Brian would take out such a long response to justify his hotel. I will be first to admit that meals and location are fabulous... as most of reviews reflect. Yes, my daughter and I had great evenings in the hotel, blissfully unaware of what was going on behind. I did book a room back in March (verbally) and yes was desperate to secure any location in Barra. However, I quickly found another more than suitable accommodation and so (verbally) days later cancelled night at Craigard. I was aware that I would be liable for cancellation fee. Out of the blue, months later, I received a phone call from Barra about accommodation and assumed it was from my B&B... why on earth would Craigard still be hassling me? When I phoned to query, manageress was more than agressive and unhelpful (as borne out by other Tripadvisor comment). By all means enjoy meals and drinks here.... but don't ever try to stay!

Great staff and food every meal we had here was very good with superb service and attention to detail with fantastic views from the conservatory