The Beachcomber in Argyll & Bute

Good range of hot food and sweets. And drinks. Nice ambience. Wonderful view of the sea. Toilet was well-maintained. Nice spot to stop for food and drinks when walking between Helensburgh and Rhu. Prices were reasonable and service was friendly.

This was a very disappointing visit after have been several times before and enjoyed. My husband and I arrived at 2.25pm with our small dog. We were greeted very warmly by the waitress who gave the dog a treat after showing us to a table. We weren't given any menus so I went towards the kitchen and picked 2 up. A lady came in and asked for a sandwich. I overheard the lady in the kitchen say it was closed. I approached with the menus and said we were hoping for lunch not just coffee and cake. I was told in not uncertain terms "the kitchen is closed"...no apology. This is despite the menu stating lunch served till 3pm. I told my husband who packed up and we left. A polite apology wouldn't have been out of place.

Popped in out of the rain for a coffee, so glad we did . Met by Ann who was extremely friendly and professional, and had a Welsh connection! Food was excellent, and can definitely recommend the Gareloch Burger, Panini with salad & chips & hot chocolate with marshmallows & cream. Restaurant is very clean with a relaxing decor & beautiful views. Definitely worth a visit.

Friendly and welcoming staff with good, freshly cooked food. Great views over Gareloch. Perfect spot after a pleasant walk

We had hoped to spend a few hours in this location with its free carparking, playground and waterside walk; but were quickly disappointed on entering The Beachcomber at 2:40pm to find one or two people sitting at most of the tables, but not all. We quickly looked at the menu and went to order only to be stopped in our tracks by a member of staff who told us to come back in twenty minutes and that hot food was going to be stopped in fifteen! We were left feeling unwelcome and like the staff just couldn't be bothered to make any more food that day. I even asked if it was possible to just serve my three children and my wife at an empty table or even separate tables but this did not seem to matter to the staff who really came across as couldn't be bothered. So having arrived in Helensburgh with the expectation of spending the rest of the day in the town (and my money in several places) we took this café as a reasonable example of the welcome we could expect and simply drove away, never to return. We were unable to "relax, unwind, eat, drink and enjoy" as was stated on their sign outside.

We popped in for breakfast shortly after opening and were instantly greeted with a smile and we chose a seat overlooking the water. My husband ordered Poached Eggs on Toast as well as Porridge with Maple Syrup, the toast was thick and golden brown with perfectly poached eggs and my husband said the porridge was one of the best he’s had in a very long time. I went for the Cooked Breakfast, everything was cooked perfectly, great quality produce, decent portion and I have to say my favourite hash brown of any breakfast I’ve had in recent memory… so crispy! They also have a selection of cakes and muffins which looked amazing, I wish we took some away with us. They was a good vibe in the cafe with lots of laughter and conversation and the staff were all so friendly. Highly recommended!

It was a Bank Holiday and there were a lot of us, ages ranging from 71 to 3. We were made to feel very welcome by the staff who saw to us quickly and could cater for everything we needed. Big thanks to them.

Yet another visit to the Beachcomber service and soup excellent. Highlight for me was tea and cake which were made by three sisters bakes. Recommend this place for lunch.

Beautiful wee cafe Lovely sunday morning breakfast rolls and friendly service Good coffee Hidden gem

Lovely freindly staff and great food. Will definitely be back sometime soon. Highly recommend this wee cafe.

Have had food here in the past. Can't fault the soup but visited today and was disappointed. We sat beside a couple who commented that the sandwiches they had had no butter spread on them, dry to the taste and not enjoyable. They were told there was no salad cream, surely there is a supermarket close by.....I know there is! The biggest issue for me is that the place is dog friendly, Not an issue as such but the staff should be told not to touch the dogs. While there we witnessed one of the servers handle a dog and allow it to lick her hands. She did not make any attempt to wash them after handling the animal and went on to handle customers plates cutlery and food. I think the owners should take issue with this, it certainly is not hygienic. Will we go back, doubtful, I like to eat in hygienic surroundings.

Arrived here at 15.30 on a glorious sunny day what a view from the decking sadly that was as good as it got got feeling we were not welcome told coffee and cake only available which was served albeit reluctantly going round putting chairs on tables people arrived after us to be treated same way I would much rather have been told they were closed than this service such a shame as it is a lovely setting certainly won’t be back there are plenty other places in Helensburgh where we have always received good service

The ladies toilet could have done with a clean. More should be made of the fabulous outside area. We had to actually ask to sit there and staff had to reassemble the chairs, wipe down the tables and apologise for the slippy decking.

Popped in for a light lunch and had soup and sandwich and pot of sea. Food was very good as was service on what was a quiet day although it was busying up as we were finishing. Well worth a visit

If you are looking for a lovely place for food, coffee etc then this is the best wee place in Helensburgh, the food is always fresh and tasty, the service is fab. If the sun is shining u can sit outside looking over the water and kids play park. Oh and the prices are really reasonable too. Well worth a visit 😊😊😊

Found this wee gem when we were out walking our pup. We walked along Helensburgh seafront to Kidston Park on a rainy Sunday morning. What a great find at the end. Such friendly staff. Very dog friendly with a doggie Menu too. We ordered breakfast,...

My partner and I stopped at The Beachcomber during a dog walk on a miserably wet Sunday. Firstly let me say how nice it is to find such a nice dog-friendly place to get a coffee and a bite to eat. We were greeted warmly,...

What an amazing location, the views are beautiful and the food was lovely and reasonably priced. Unfortunately, the restaurant was absolutely freezing, we had to keep out coats on. Service was slow and despite asking for vinegar, it never came. The toilets were disgusting, I've...

I entered this please, signed in and sat down at a little tiny window ledge table so I didn’t take up a table for four. There was an elderly couple at one table and an elderly gent at the other and then only me. I...

Great wee spot on the seafront. Top service with a friendly vibe. Homemade soup. Lovely coffee . Will defo be back.

A friend and I were visiting in town, and walked along the seafront, and discovered this lovely beachside cafe... Staff were so kind and very welcoming. Choice of soup which was delicious, and 'wicked' cheesecake, which was scrumptious! The views were stunning over the water,...

We visited today on a voucher, we have been shielded for months. Recently we have visited a few restaurant's, this is a great venue, fabulous views, staff who are so friendly. The experience for us having a high tea there, a few drinks was excellent....

Terrible service. One out of five is being kind. Would give less if possible. I raised issues with the manager & got a poor attitude again. Inability to acknowledge very basic issues & continued to make a excuses. Won’t be back.

Visited Beachcomber with family for Sunday lunch. My friend is Vegan and myself and two children are vegetarian. No Vegan options are on the menu( unless you want to pay through the nose for tinned beans) and vegetarian options limited and dated. When we asked...

Good location, and nice coffee with friendly staff. Also a good assortment of food available. Only complaint was very slow service.

We stopped at The Beachcomber on the way out of Helensburgh having failed to find a suitable eatery in the town centre. The location beside the water makes this a pleasant place for a snack or a drink. We both had a breakfast roll and...

Soup absolutely awful, they certainly need a lesson on making soup and have the cheek to charge for it. Staff not listening to paying customers

Moved to the area 6 months ago, found this little gem. Situated loch side only a mile from home. Friendly welcome and service. Food and drinks great, whether it’s tea and scones, or full meal . Definitely recommend .

Visiting from Surrey and stopped to admire the view. Decided on coffee and cake before we went on our way. Great place. Tasty coffee, warm scone with butter and jam and delicious apple and cinnamon muffin. Staff friendly and attentive. Just look at the view!

This cafe is under new management in the past year and is well worth a visit. Friendly, helpful staff together with a varied menu of home-cooked food (try their 'maccy cheese!) is a refreshing improvement on the last owners and, when you take into consideration...

We stopped here for coffee & a cake whilst on a day out to Helensburgh. The waitress greeted us & immediately offered to clear the table by the window so we could look at the view over the Loch. There was a good selection of cake on display & we both opted for a scone, which was a good size & came with butter & a small dish of jam. It was a pleasant enough place for a coffee & to shelter from a passing rain shower.

Stopped for lunch on way home from Oban, a family of 7 and 4 generations. Have to say I was initially apprehensive as we have visited a couple of times previously (over 2 years ago) and didn't always get the warmest of welcomes however what a change, Had the most delicious lunch and the warmest welcome and good "banter" with the staff. It has been taken over in the last year by new owners who are doing outstanding things with this lovely little restaurant, with fabulous views. Just a shame we live so far away as this would be a regular haunt

7of us descended in this cafe bar for lunch We were made very welcome by the friendly staff some of us had mac &cheese which was delicious others had burgers salad pannins all of which was well presented Thanks folks from the Dumfries clan Sorry we cant make your theme nights a bit too far See you again

Saturday 1.15pm. Only 2 other people in. No specials on the board. No fish and chips and no lasagna available. Atmosphere was subdued. The 2 young staff good as usual but it seems to have lost something since it changed ownership. Must say the macaroni cheese was excellent though. I used to look forward to going here but somethings wrong now, don’t know what....

Just had a chilled Sunday at the Beachcomber listening to live music. The chicken and rice soup was delicious as was the home baking and coffee. Thank you for a relaxing day!

Wouldn’t even say this place merits 1 star, walked in with my mum, auntie and gran at 3.15 to be abruptly told that they shut at 4 so could only have a drink, we immediately weren’t impressed with the woman’s attitude but proceeded to a table as it was a hot day and we needed something to drink at least. Nice enough young girl came over to serve us but was unsure of what was on offer which would be a lot easier if they had any sort of menu on the tables. Felt extremely rushed the whole half an hour that we were in there by the older woman that was also serving customers. 3.45 we decided to leave as it looked as though they were shutting up even though there were still many customers sitting inside and out. As we were leaving my auntie approached the back exit as it looked a lot easier to leave from as she was helping my gran leave the premises in her wheelchair, only to be told by the woman that we were “too late you’ll have to just go out the front door” as they were about to put the chains up at the back door. Would this really have caused much of an inconvenience as it would have been a lot quicker and easier for us to leave the premises? As we approached the front door we realised that we had been locked in and the woman had to come and unlock 2 doors to let us out. This woman could not have been any more unhelpful and clearly hates her job. A little smile and a half hearted explanation would have been suffice. Feel sorry for the younger servers as they clearly looked embarrassed by this woman’s behaviour. Would definetly not be back and would suggest anyone avoids this place at all costs.

Located just a stones throw from city centre of Helensburgh The Beachcomber offers a relaxed friendly atmosphere with a stunning view giving plenty of photo opportunities. On a hot day a cold drink and some of The Beachcomber's delicious ice cream which is whipped up on the premises is just the what you need to cool off. Excellent selection of homemade baking, hot food, tea and coffee with plenty of space to relax with both seating inside and outside. Ample parking which is free. Would recommend the caramel shortcake it melts in your mouth. Very enjoyable visit

Yesterday I was in with my family it was very very busy but the staff were all very nice and kind and we understood that because we were just in we would have a bit of a wait. We were happy to wait in the glorious sunshine in the fantastic atmosphere that was radiating from the cafe. This place is certainly my most favourite place in all the world and I would 10/10 recommended it to anyone and everyone!

Went with my husband and 2 grandkids ,was a lovely day so we sat outside we waited and waited and waited. My husband went in to ask and was told it was table service so we waited again some 10 min later a young girl came to take our order not one table had a menu of so of she went and again we waited. She came back and left a menu and left again by this time we had been there some 20 min, it was busy but by no means packed. We had to go in and fetch her, at last we went to order only to be told that one the adult menu there wss only soup nothing g else it was about 28c we were melting so we ordered for the kids and drinks. Have to say kids food came quick, I asked for a large coffee o dear must have been the smallest cup ever. Then I see the table next to me getting baked potatoes with tuna seems it's OK for some tables but not ours. We also ordered ham sandwich for kids and they came as adults with mustard and had to be sent back. After kids were finished we tried and better tried to order ice creams but had to admit defeat pay and leave. I honestly must say it's the most unorganised cafe I have ever had the misfortune to visit. Go if you must but for my first time in this area it's not for us. My money is too hard earned to spend it here. Sad as it was a lovely place.

Visiting Helensburgh for the day we walked along to this venue at lunchtime. there was a good choice on the menu and when our meal came the quantity and quality was good. it was also good value for money and nice to look over the Firth of Clyde while eating. We will return.

We stopped for breakfast on the last Saturday of our holiday and it was one of the highlights. Beautifully cooked breakfast served by very friendly staff who stopped to chat and make sure we had everything we needed. After breakfast the children went and played in the park whilst we watched and enjoyed a second coffee. A real gem.

We decided to try out the new Beachcomber restaurant that was, until November 2018, known as Kidston Café and was a place we often visited and always enjoyed.

Seriously it's 22 degrees outside and my little one wanted ice cream, went in at 4pm to be told it was shut. Who on earth shuts a place like this in a play park and the kids are coming out of school??!! This is the worst I've ever seen of trying to get a business up and running. It's 30p to use the toilet but as I was asking she told me there are problems with the toilets and to use the disabled one, ok not a problem until you see how dirty and smelly it is, no toilet paper, very dirty and hairy under the toilet seat, health warning, do not use!! A previous person said about the decor, it's a bizarre choice, maybe in a bedroom but not a restaurant. Was very, very hot inside and due to heat was very smelly, like old food gone off. Obviously I won't be back and managed to get a really nice ice cream in Helensburgh town centre and there it was packed with queues so folk do want ice cream after 4pm!! Maybe take the hint??

I had the Lentil soup and it was gorgeous, the girls had fish fingers and chips which it was okay. The rest of the food served looked good and well presented. The cakes looked home made and fresh.

Popped in for the first time under the new management, little appears to have changed, smells like a greasy spoon and decor grubby. Had a look at the menu only to be barked at that they are only serving coffee and cake, told it was table service, sat on the decking and waited for 15 minutes in clear view of the staff, never got served yet.

Great family run cafe with a fine range of excellent food. Service and quality are clearly a priority. A great location too, next to a kids play park with views over the loch. Highly recommended.

Excellent food Beautiful scenery Lovely staff Very clean Lovely decor Would definitely recommend Right beside the sea Went down to watch submarines

After walking along the front to Kidston car park I realised there was a cafe. My husband had read awful reviews so didn’t want to go. Thankfully I convinced him. This place seems to be owned by new people and rebranded. It was cosy and busy on a bitterly cold Sunday afternoon.

Sitting here in January enjoying a marvellous lunch and gorgeous views. Dad says the soup and sandwich deal was amazing and has never tasted such a delicious lentil soup. I had baked potatoes with tuna and salad and boy was it amazing.

visited here with my friend on a day out and was excellent. I had the homemade soup was amazing .my friend had the mussels and said they were fantastic. we followed on with sandwich and hot drinks equally as good. staff very nice and nothing too much trouble an added bonus was the view which is just lovely. see u all again soon.

What a great cafe! New owners clearly care about quality produce and excellent service and it's super-family friendly- our child played in the park outside until she got hungry. Super-adult friendly- we could watch our child play in the park outside from the nice toasty cafe! Great homemade cakes, lovely coffee and a very warm welcome. Definitely be back very soon to try the rest of the menu!

I had read some reviews of this location when it was called Kidstons, and was a bit hesitant to drop in on our cold, but sunny walk along the seafront. Its a great location, and we got a table looking over the Clyde in a cosy and quite bustling cafe, themed as - well, a beachcombers. Service was prompt and friendly, even though we arrived just as the lunchtime staff were heading off. Nice food - lentil soup in particular and a brownie which will live long in the memory - the brownie was recommended by the owners (?) who were a wee bit humourously annoyed that they wouldn't get the leftovers! Great Kimbo coffee too. Lovely.

A lovely family lunch. Food was fantastic. Homemade soup, fluffy Baked Potato and great Macaroni and Cheese. Service was great. Staff couldn’t be nicer! Looking forward to our next visit!