Kailyard by Nick Nairn in Stirling

The food was perfect! The server’s were inattentive. We were denied the reservation time we asked for but was offered 15 minutes before and after. We chose the earlier and noted that the dining room was never more than half full. With our plates empty for over 20 minutes with servers checking on and chatting with the guests around us, we finally went to the cashier to pay our bill. There was a server at the register who left as soon as I got there. The other server finally allowed us to pay our bill but was very short with us. I cannot recommend.

Girls were friendly but not very experienced. No clean glasses. Even dirty bits in the glass. The waitress was then busy looking but couldn't actually find a clean glass. Didn't get a new drink. Cider and a beer for €25 😱 Starters very small and not special. Ribeye was very good and tasty. A bit of faded glory

Main review on Tripadvisor but the basics are I had really bad steak with an insult £11.95 surcharge. I would expect something superb for that, it wasn’t in fact just the opposite. Served with some wilted greenery as decoration and some chips, greenery wasn’t supposed to be wilted just not fresh, same as greenery decoration on my starter, would have been better left off. Steak was just badly cooked and tough. Unfortunately if you want to stay in hotel you really have to eat at this restaurant. I haven’t worked out whether this restaurant is ruining Nick Nairn reputation or whether he is affecting the Hilton brand!

Tasty food, nice menue, slow service.

Had a meal there on Monday night. Lovely setting. My starter, whipped goats cheese was v nice and tasty as was my main course of Salmon. However the dessert a pineapple cheesecake was completely tasteless. I don’t mean it tasted bad it just had no discernible taste whatsoever. I would normally have mentioned this to staff but someone had taken Ill in the restaurant and ambulance were there so it didn’t seem the time to complain about a dessert.

Horrible experience with unfriendly and rude front of house staff. Ill-mannered male at front desk of hotel who used degrading tone and language towards me when I presented him with a request. Possible undertone of racist behaviour as I was a guest at an Asian wedding. Dont dine here if you have any self respect.

The Kailyard Nick Nairn by the DoubleTree Dunblane was the perfect meal to finish out my time in Scotland. Thanks to my server Craig for the great suggestions. I ordered the smoked salmon as a starter which was light and a great place to begin. The salmon was not overpowering, which I’ve had before, and served over a fresh thin slice of rye. For the main course I ordered the red braised beef daube which was fantastic. The beef easily fell apart and mixed with the mash was wonderful. I also got an old fashioned but with Balvenie Doublewood 12 instead of Woodford Resevere- a much better choice especially in Scotland! If you’re over in the Stirling area of Scotland, you need to eat here.

Dull dark ambience could be tolerated if the food was good. Basic drink coffee was bitter, as if the coffee machine had no been cleaned. Informed the steward - who gave no reaction or apology. Smoked salmon sandwich was the most average sandwich with a few roquette leaves and some crisps. Served in a quarter plate. The presentation in a small cafe is better than this. Quite a disappointing experience. Wouldn't recommend a visit and myself not go again.

Breakfasts much better than meals. Pleasant atmosphere

Spent a lovely evening here last week. The first time I've been to the hydro to eat although have lived in Dunblane for years. The Kailyard was superb, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was perfect.

After a week's holiday down South we ( my husband and I and our daughter) stopped at the Kailyard restaurant at the Hydro for dinner on Wednesday 1st of August. A lady showed us to a table in the middle of the dining room and we soon wished we could move to a more private corner. Stephen who came to greet us and give us the menu was very helpful - I asked him if we could have a different table. With genuine helpfulness he immediately went to ask and we moved to a lovely and private spot by the window overlooking the garden. We enjoyed our dinner very much and had a most pleasant evening. Thank you, Stephen, for your excellent customer service and looking after us so well.

Dinner was absolutely brilliant. We got the 2 courses at £31. Service was great. Food was sensational. Would highly recommend the duck and the chicken with peppercorn sauce. We ate in the hotel bar and here. Both restaurants are good but this is a level above for something special.

We ate here this evening whilst staying in the hotel. When we went to book a table in the restaurant (they don’t take walk-ins even for hotel guests) we were informed that there were no tables for another two hours. As we are frequent travellers and had only booked the hotel a few hours earlier I decided to book, what a mistake I made; even during the process of creating the booking the gentleman walked away to fix a card machine for a colleague. With a one year old baby this was less than ideal but we happily went back at 8pm. We were then made to stand in a queue for another 10 minutes before we were seated. They had forgotten the requested highchair so we reminded the gentleman and he said he’d go and get it. Another 20 minutes later our very helpful waitress arrived to take our drinks order and apologised profusely when we pointed out the missing highchair. Generally the service across the restaurant was poor with a clear lack of management or communication. I’d assume something went really wrong with their service this evening as I don’t remember seeing such poor service for many years. The food was ok when it arrived and the waitress seemed to work hard to make up for the problems we had seen early on. Overall service was 1/5 but through no fault of our hard working waitress. Food quality 3/5 average for a Doubletree. Value for money 1/5 they were charging £32.95 for a steak and £4.50 for a Coke! Almost tourist trap prices, and that’s from somebody who stays in Hilton brand properties several times per month. I’ll review the hotel separately upon checkout and I’ll update Flyertalk also but the poor F&B service has unfortunately let the whole hotel down.

We really enjoyed our meal. Highly recommended.😀

Love the food here! Really good with a good range of options, cooked perfectly! Staff were good fun too. Highly recommended! Chicken was superb! X

Food was lovely. Restaurant was quiet as we were in early. Good service and friendly staff.

We had two super meals here recently. The restaurant has a lovely and cosy atmosphere. Staff were extremely pleasant and attentive. Reasonably priced. The chicken was amazing with the tarragon sauce. Only gripe would be to have a larger choice on the menu, ie pasta, risottos, fresh prawns , seafood , crab.

The hotel has a 1st class location. Surrounding scenery is beautiful, even in the Wintertime. Food is great. Would definitely recommend, the braised beef, baked salmon, and th chicken. Good selection of wines. Some reasonably priced, to the more expensive. Staff excellent. Nothing is any trouble. Very friendly, and professional. Breakfast buffet and continental. Leisure facilities good. Hotel is not too far away from railway station. Stayed at hotel a few times. Definitely be back.

Great flavoursome food and good service.

Excellent dinner on St. Andrews Day. We had smoked salmon to start, followed by chicken supreme for me and mushroom and cashew nut wellington for my husband followed by sticky toffee pudding and cheesecake. The meal was beautifully presented and served by delightful staff.

We were slightly sceptic at the beginning as some hotel associated restaurants turns out not so good. Oh we were not disappointed. I had fish of the day and my partner had pork. Both really lovely. Desert lemon tart was so yummy, it was so heavenly! What made this restaurant outstanding was Children's food!! It was so yummy, my 2 years old daughter loved it to no end.

Food is good though portions are small and limited choices on menu. Service good the first night but very slow the second night. Maitre D have us drinks on the house by way of an apology. 👍

We used the bar menu felt it was better value for money and lots of choices. Service great x food excellent x couldn't ask for more x

Food was amazing. We both had chicken supreme with the haggis/potato cake, absolutely delicious and flawless. Puddings were also excellent. Good diversity on the menu and staff were quick and professional.

Really loved my spicy prawn cocktail. Great food but very rushed although this may be due to the challenges of accommodating people during covid.

Sorry not lunch with Nick sent to a desperstely needed updated bar. Seating was minging as they say. A young waiter was left on his own to cope with too many departments needing attention. It took 35 min to get a drink another 20 min to get a menu 15 min to order and only because I had to complain to the barman about the lack of attention. When the food eventually came it was actually very good.But would not recomend it to anyone as is.

Lovely restaurant and the staff were really nice. First night my boyfriend and I stayed the food wasn't up to much but on the second night the food was excellent.

I really enjoyed the food here. Started with the haggis bonbon, followed with the Lamb rump, finally creme brulee. I really could not fault the food, nor the service. This was the best meal I have had in a long time. Loved it l.

It was ok/fine, I think that the name Nick Nairn draws people to this restaurant. The service was better, been there done that.

The food at this restaurant was incredible! Wow! One of the best meals I've ever had and the service was excellent with friendly staff and quick service. My husband and I absolutely loved our dinner here and wish to go back again soon! Brilliant!

Good food but waiting time was awful .

Professional staff try hard to make your visit an enjoyable experience in a pleasant ambience.

Great food breakfast is buffet style and selection and quality is excellent

Meh. I was excited to eat here but wasn’t really impressed. There was something about the food that just lacked any genuine feel - it was dry. Perhaps from the menu being too formulaic to appeal to most, and the product being too over-prepared and stale (from sitting in the fridge or oven too long?!) to cater to the large restaurant. I wonder if Nick checks up on this place and if he does, I would be surprised he is happy to still attach his name to such food that seems to have decreased in quality. Ok for a family meal, but not one to seek out for the true foodies out there.

Good food served with a smile by the friendly staff. Well laid out with plenty of space.

Had dinner here but weren't staying. Great food in a relaxing atmosphere. Menu is set price for 2/3 courses not cheap but worth the food and night out.

Food was so tasty it's ridiculous

This is my only five star review for restaurant on the basis that I wouldn’t hesitate to go back. Had a DBB deal at the hotel and really enjoyed the food and setting. Superb. Only thing was breakfast in the morning was a bit of a let down after such a good evening meal. But still fine.

The food is practically divine and is a perfect place to go to celebrate a special occasion. This place is definitely one to go to!

Great meal, well priced. Food was plentiful and tasty. Would return

Great food in a wonderful setting. Top class staff!

I think this is over rated, service not great, food not great.

Fab food an good portion size even for kids

I had the curried parsnip soup it was delicious. Creamy loveliness followed by the cheese burger which I also enjoyed very much. Hope to return soon.

All I can say is that its the best restaurant I have been in and I cannot fault the meal ,absolutely brilliant.

Food was excellent and price very reasonable too.

Très beau restaurant, personnel impeccable. Le suprême de volaille et ses bonbons de haggis est excellent. Le burger trop trop cuit mais les frites en accompagnement sont délicieuses. En revanche, déception sur le dessert. La crème de la tarte au citron est bonne mais la pâte est molle. Et pour le pavé chocolat il manque un biscuit croquant a notre goût.

Excellent hotel food by Nick Nairn based on the 2-3 course fixed price menu. The cured salmon starter was awesome and the burger probably the best I've tasted in a hotel. The missus had prawn cocktail and supreme of chicken with haggis bon bons and thoroughly enjoyed it. Great gastropub style food, good portion sizes at a reasonable price too.

Meal delicious! 😊 Atmosphere nice and relaxing

Love the food in here and the breakfast is outstanding

Courteous staff, excellent service and fine food. All in all a most enjoyable eating experience

My family and I visited 'The Kailyard' in the middle of a cross-country move that was not going to plan and nothing could have improved our spirits more! What lays in store is a truly excellent dining experience and one which just leaves you wanting to come back for more. Before we even touch upon the beautifully balanced food, the service is really superb. On a whole, the staff are welcoming, friendly and will treat you like royalty. A special thanks to Lauren who was our waitress for the evening and who never left us wanting for anything. As would be expected, they have a comprehensive drinks menu and I can definitely recommend the Malbec. For starters I went with a Salmon and Prawn cocktail - a dish which seems to be seeing a resurgence in Scotland in reasont years. A beautifully balanced dish, with the perfect ratio of seafood to salad. The prawns we're fresh, the smoked salmon was delicious and with the crunch of the iceberg lettuce it's just a wonderful combination! Not sure why they ever fell out of fashion. This was followed up by incredibly tender pheasant, served with apples, chestnuts, potatoes and gravy. These flavours paired wonderfully together and you can't put a price on the smile it brought to everyone's face as they took their first bite. The buttery chestnuts and lightly crunchy apple worked so well with the pheasant - it was just perfect. One of the best dishes I've ever had! If you can find room for desert, you won't be disappointed by the apple and bramble crumble. The crumble is delightfully oaty, and not overly sweet. The filling again just brought a big smile to my lips. A personal favourite of mine, but just cooked to perfection. The apples were not crunchy, but perfectly firm and the brambles were deliciously sweet. It's served with custard, but it's really not required. I prefer my custard slightly thicker, but I can't fault it on taste. All in all, a really great dish. As a meal together, you can't really ask for better. Expect to have a great experience, enjoy some lovely food and all for a reasonable price! I can't express how good value 'The Kailyard' is for the experience you will receive. We'll be back.

Delicious food, wonderful friendly staff

Amazing quality food in a great atmosphere.

Very impressive! Superb steaks, at not too bad a price. Loved the interior and feel of the restaurant. Staff very attentive.

Very nice restaurant in a great hotel. Staff could not be more helpful. Food was excellent. Highly recommend it.

Exceptional cuisine and exception service

Good food very good service. I would use again certainly

Lovely food in a comfortable setting. Staff were great.

Delicious food, excellent presentation, and attentive staff.

V tasty food. Ribeye steak was superb.

Absolutely fantastic. Great staff, very proffesional and courteous.

Excellent food and nice atmosphere.

Superb food and excellent value for money. Will definitely return.

Great dinner. Have been a few times and never been let down. Never had a bad meal yet.

Had and lovely meal in on wedding anniversary

Food was delicious and well presented. Definitely worth a visit

Wonderful meal, expertly prepared and served.

Quite disappointed with the Steaks served at the Kailyard. With two great butchers in Dunblane it appears they do not use them or buy their meat locally. Good attentive service from the waiting staff.

A wonderful place to dine very friendly atmosphere

Excellent restaurant superb food great staff

Comida escasa y de alto precio, calidad buena, pero un poco puturresco, estuvimos una semana por escocia, en este lugar, dónde peor nos entendíamos con el personal, acento muy cerrado... Si te alojas en el hotel, ojo con la media pensión, salen extras por todos lados

Loved our visit , the rib eye steak with whisky sauce was gorgeous Emma our server was lovely friendly and very attentive Look forward to going back soon

Having visited the Kailyard for my partners 50th birthday while visiting family in Scotland, the disappointment I felt having had a meal with Nick Nairns name attached to it was nothing short of pub grub! Living with a real foodie this was a let down as I felt Sue would prepare and present something better at home, Oh well another overrated effort portraying itself to be the real deal. I would detach your name ftom this Mr Nairn. Sorry! Only being honest.

Enjoyed a great dinner with lovely attentive service. We are locals and enjoyed the dinner.

Stayed at hotel and had dinner and breakfast, dinner was delicious, service was lovely and professional.

From starter to dessert it was bang on. Steak cooked to perfection

Great food ! Kids loved children's menu, Service excellent,been coming hear with grandchildren for last 10 years.....

3 excellent courses enjoyed by all 4 guests.Good service,nice room.

The food was good but the service was poor. Slow delivery and incorrect bill at the end.

Poor service and over priced food We decided to have a main and desert. The food took over an hour to arrive, in this time nobody came to appologise or offer us any more drinks. This is despite the fact the restaurant was extremely quiet! When the food came it was average at best. The seabass was messily presented with cold veg and the chips with the burger were far too salty. At the price the restaurant charges it was terrible value for money. We didnt have desert in the end, so 2 mains, a beer and a gin was over £50. We were asked to pay at the front desk as the card machine wouldnt work at our table, which we did and then left. An error had been made using the machine and the payment was void. The waiter therfore ran after us down the hotel corridor with the card machine and made us pay again while other guests watched from the bar/seating areas!! I understand we had to pay but considering the restaurant and hotel had our name, contact details and room number surely there was a more subtle way of getting the money than embarrassing us in the hallway!!! The whole experience was extremely disappointing and made worse by the expensive price tag!!

So disappointed to have to make this comment but Sunday night 25th September and the Kailyard Restaurant was complete chaos. Starters arrived an hour after we ordered. The main course, vegetables were uncooked and served an hour and half after ordering. There was no wine list available or prices confirmed when we ordered. The fruit salad dessert was made up of melon, watermelon, apple and pear with a small amount of pineapple, all unripe fruit. Guests walked out after waiting ages to be served. The hotel was full, and the kitchens unable to cope with the numbers. Despite this pressure the staff were polite and worked hard to serve the guests. The bedroom corridors were strewn with used glasses from 10.30pm Sunday night and were still there at 10.00am Monday morning, carpets needed hoovering. it was second rate. The breakfast too was poor, rescued only by the good quality bacon. This hotel lacks leadership and effective management, such a pity. I wonder does Nick Nairn know his name is attached to such poor quality? The Dunblane Hydro is a key establishment in Scottish tourism, please, the owners need to seriously improve the management of this hostelry. Dunblane is such a great visitor destination completely let down by ineffective management.

Fantastic dinner excellent value for money the food was excellent. I will certainly be back again!!

Good munchies at dinner, breakfast okay buy let down as cheap tattie scones and not Nick Nairns own brand