Portavadie Leisure Cafe in Argyll & Bute

Could have waited open later than 5pm and would be another choice to have dinner. Disappointed the pool closed at 5pm

I wanted to share an experience that I feel tells you a lot about the staff at Portavadie. Stupidly, I managed to lock my car key inside my car (don’t ask - I started with ‘stupidly’) but luckily my windows were still open. FOUR members of staff cane to help me - no ‘disinterested’ body language as could so easily have been the case. None of them have up easily. So thank you more than I can say to Pavan, Bania, Ki Ki and Steven. We had a wonderful time there, instead of a nightmare process given we were nearly three hours away from my spare key. Heartfelt ‘thank you’ Caroline & Theo + my woof woofs

We stopped here when passing through whilst doing the 5 Ferries Cycle. We were warned by someone non the ferry to Portavadie that the food wasn’t particularly good or cheap but took our chance. It was expensive, pizza, portion of chips and a pint of lager was £22.50. I could have probably accepted the price if the food was of a decent standard as the location is very nice but the pizza was soggy and the chips were frozen type chips whilst the lager was warm and flat. We probably should have complained at the time but were very pushed for time to make the next ferry, eat what we could and moved on. The menu was very limited, you really need to like pizza as there is little else on the menu. On the plus side the staff were very efficient and friendly enough.

Came here for the day to go to the spa and pool. Not cheap. We were going to the cafe for coffee and cake. Shut. Does not open until 3 o,clock ?? What a disappointment . What is the problem with this place?

Great homemade pizza very good and good choices to be had.Other food available and very fresh and made to order.

Menu based around pizza and pre made sandwiches with some salads also available. I asked for the soup but no one knew the ingredients, as I'm allergic to garlic this made it impossible for me to have it. Possibly a good choice for families with children

We spent two night here with seven friends in two bungalows. First night we ate in the bar restaurant and it was lovely. Great staff friendly and couldn’t do enough. Breakfast was amazing with a great choice and really good quality food. We could not fault a thing. Spa facilities we’re amazing and even managed to go into the infinity pool, although this can be closed when the weather is very windy. We had such a wonderful stay and will definitely be back to this wee gem on the west coast. Thank you to all the staff for making our stay so relaxing.

Took a chance on the weather holding out and was rewarded with a life affirming day in the most wonderful setting. With a bit of sunshine it's very hard to beat, anywhere. 90 mins or so from Glasgow on a breathtaking drive led us to a spot where the venue fully complemented the stunning scenery. Not always the case in my beautiful country! Very good fresh food for snack+ lunch with fabulous service. Resolve to get out of town more often, probably to stay over at a great location, and absorb the clean fresh air.

Despite less than 20 diners there was still a waiting staff of four with two chefs. Staff were superb with a nice balance of support yet not being intrusive. Food was varied and rich in quality. I had Haggis Bon Bons which were delightful however a side Jus would have been nice to compliment. For my main course I chose the Argyll Smokery Seafood dish which was excellent. Four Mussels larger than your thumb, far too much smoked salmon and a nice wedge of cold salmon accompanied with potato salad side dish with boiled egg and a range of luttuce and sammphrey. Really struggled to finish the dish as it was so filling. Draught West beer was superbly chilled (and much as I loved it as it is brewed in Glasgow I wondered why Loch Fyne Brewery Beers might not have been a better local choice?). Dining room was well laid out with a warm open fireplace and seating area adjacent whre coffee etc could be taken after the meal (if you had any belly space left!) All in all Excellent..

The cafe is situated in a position from which the pools and the view of the loch and moorings can be enjoyed. The food is imaginative and fresh - to be eaten in or taken out in boxes.

We only had drinks here after a dip in the outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi, fantastic.The service was good and you had a great view of the indoor pool. You could also sit out on the terrace too. The prices were decent too for pizzas etc. It had all you need after an energetic afternoon.

Though the location could be nice (swimming pool and the loch in the background), the overall feeling is of a smart gym cafeteria. Bland modern decor, standard food and drinks (though contrary to most gyms they have plenty of alcohol), self-service style counter, slow and vaguely cold service. Portavadie is a strange place and there is not much else, but this is probably the most charmless place.