the waterside in South Lanarkshire

Outstanding service and food received here today at my meeting with Dianne @ Castle letting Strathaven. Thank you to all.

This place has recently been taken over by new owners and what a difference it has made to the place. Difficult to say what was better between the food and the service, both were equally outstanding. Owner is a very friendly man who makes the effort to ensure his customers are satisfied. Special mention for the whopper burger and chicken shawarma. We will definitely be coming back here through Spring & Summer.

We arrived to what started out a lovely promising visit however after the drinks were ordered and the starters came it was rather disappointing! The haggis fritters my son had were so oily I understand they a deep fried but the batter was just mushy. The prawn cocktails were pleasant however the soup was very bland it was tomato and basil, bread with the soup was lovely this was a high point. The mains eventually came after a 45 minute wait, which to be honest I wasn’t too fussed about but my husband was starving and he was a little annoyed. The fish and chips were ok again the batter very mushy not crispy and flakey and the chips were very hard as if they weren’t cooked correct. The mac and cheese very bland. The pizza this was so disappointing I had so many high hopes for this having read previous reviews however is was so chewy and the sauce base was dry and overcooked. The roasts again were ok could have used more gravy my dad actually asked for more and had to wait, when it arrived it was bistro gravy which was so not what we expected. We had intended on having a dessert but by the end of the meal we were so disappointed that we paid and left. Unfortunately it wasn’t what we expected at all, and it’s a no from me! Maybe it was just an off day but even the toilets had no toilet roll in them and another customer had to alert the staff to this

Wouldn’t rush back. Very slow service. Waitress sat us right next to the door in the bar area when there was many empty tables in the restaurant- we had booked our reservation a week in advance so weren’t too happy with this as it created a draft with the door opening and closing. No check back on how our food was or if we even needed another drink which meant we had no drink for our starter. Once we managed to get the waitresses attention for a drink, we were almost finished our main so no drink for starter or main. Drink finally came and we had finished our meal. Fish was ok, not worth £15 especially when you get around 8 chips and my partner had lots of bones in theirs. The waitress spent most of the time on her phone and chatting to another waitress. Probably the reason for slow drinks, no side plates, no sauces, no check in. Definitely not worth £80 with the service we received.

We stopped off here when heading home from a holiday in Scotland and just wandered in for an evening meal having been recommended it by the barman of a nearby pub. We both had the chicken stuffed with haggis. It was delicious. The only (very) slight downside was the roast potatoes could have been a little hotter but everything else was very hot and tasted delicious. I had the passion fruit panacota and my wife had the afogato with amaretto. The puddings were superb. Highly recommend this pub/restaurant if you’re in the area and in need of a meal. The serving staff were very friendly and helpful.

Go here as it local for drinks and food but decided to host the wife’s 50th (party of 30). Night went off brilliantly, all of the staff are a credit to the place. Food was excellent (chicken and haggis was ace), drink came (and went!) quickly. Service was just at the right pace, no issues with the bill at the end of the night-and they looked after my wife in terms of the cakes and balloons 🥳 Highly recommended establishment, if you don’t want the hassle of doing all of this in the house.

Quite a nice although limited early menu in the bar and food was good and staff very attentive. I have also been in restaurant which was very good

Nettes, nicht typisch schottisches Restaurant. Guter und aufmerksamer Service. Vorspeise, Hauptgang und Nachspeise gleichermassen niveauvoll

Popped in for a bite to eat and very impressed with the quality of food, prices and excellent service. We had the fish and chips and the halloumi ciabatta. Both were delicious and cooked with care. I was really impressed with the vegetarian options which are often on the slim side. Service was excellent. Attentive but not intrusive and you felt like they genuinely wanted to make sure you enjoyed your visit. Would recommend

The Waterside is in a lovely location on Alison Green in Strathaven. In the good weather you can sit outside and dine or simply have a drink. The staff are very attentive and soon get to know you. Service is swift and courteous. There is a good menu for daytime and an early evening 2 or 3 course menu at good prices, a la carte is also available. Lots of space inside in dining area or around the Bar. Dogs are welcome with a 2 bark policy lol 2 barks and you are out so don't drink too much!

Popped in for a late lunch on the road North. What friendly and welcoming staff and a spotlessly clean, cosy place. The riverside view was a bonus. Our food was well-prepared, well-priced and delicious. We will definitely return and highly recommend.

The Waterside sits on the Allison Green the old washing green for the women of Strathaven in bygone days. It is by the river and enjoys sunshine on its verandah all day and evening. Serving ales, beers, cocktails and an interesting day and eventing menu. Staff are very helpful.

A cold wet November night with some fellow workers from London left me looking for somewhere decent to eat, as a former resident of Strathaven i looked it up, phoned, friendly staff booked us a table, nice warm welcoming decor and atmosphere, staff on the ball friendly and efficient. Food was excellent and not overpriced, highly recommended it you are in the area, we travelled to it from Hamilton.

Visited yesterday with my daughter for lunch. New lunch menu, with a good selection, especially the very popular ciabatta options. I had steak ciabatta, really tasty plus good quality. My daughter had her favourite of chicken burger, freshly made, and again great quality. Good service from friendly staff, and spotless, well worth a visit.

Totally rate this bar restaurant. Staying at the Crutherford Hotel and were advised to try Taal which was fully booked but ...the Waterside could accommodate us. Warm greeting on arrival, seat with a river view and friendly, relaxed, attentive service throughut from a lovely, efficient Staff Team! Dishes well cooked and presented and two wee requests were looked after with no rankle or problem. Mussels, pasta and cheesecake were perfect. Only feedback would be to automatically provide finger bowls with the mussels and offer black pepper for the pasta but, this is nit picking and didn't affect at all the most wonderful serendipitous visit to the Waterside in Strathaven. Thankyou to the Team.

This was our first visit to the waterside restaurant and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We took a window looking out at the park and old church in an air-conditioned room. The staff were great they were attentive and helpful. The food was the star of the show no complaints there we will most certainly be back.

Popped in for lunch at the weekend. Food and drink were delicious. Lovely decor inside the place. Staff were very friendly. Would visit again.

Food was nice and restaurant service good. Unfortunately the bar waiter was quite rude and ignored some of the patrons when they were waiting to be served at the bar. When I mentioned this to one of my party (who is a regular) informed that he is often rude to customers or decides who to serve. Pretty poor and it lets an otherwise lovely outing down.

Went there for a pre-cinema meal on a Sunday evening. Pleasant atmosphere, fair menu choice (although slightly limited) and great service. Prices were reasonable. Food was cooked very well. Have been before and will go again.

Just had lunch and is not something I do often add a review but was so nice I felt I should tell others.I had the fish which was huge and locally sourced and tasted so fresh alongside chunky chips and salad would recommend a 100%.The staff were so welcoming and meals were served very quickly and piping hot.Really really recommend

We had a table with a view of the church on the green- lovely ambience.On a busy Saturday night the service was excellent.I had the steak sandwich and my husband had fish and chips- both arrived piping hot and obviously freshly cooked. Lovely cocktails to start and one of the few places we’ve found which includes afrogatto on the dessert menu.Thoroughly recommended!

Recently visited on way home for drinks and light bite, ordered bruschetta and was taken a back when it arrived, two pieces not as big as a fish finger, I have sampled this on many occasions at various venues but never been served such a measly portion, liked the venue but would not recommend this dish. And it wasn't cheap.

We were in Strathaven for the afternoon to do some shopping at the small boutique shops and we decided to try this place for lunch.It was a great choice as the restaurant is really nice inside and the staff are very friendly and efficient.The menu isn't extensive but has something for everyone and all at very reasonable prices. The food was freshly cooked and piping hot when it arrived and was really good.My wife was unable to finish all her pizza and the waiter offered to put it in a box for her and take it home. A nice touch.Definately a place where we will return.

First visit this year and there will be plenty more. Fantastic food and great friendly staff. Wide range of gluten free options available

The Waterside is a very good addition to a range of places to eat and have a casual drink in the town. There is a varied and fresh menu. There is a dedicated restaurant area and you can also eat adjacent to the bar or out on the decking weather permitting. A lively place popular with local people.

Had lunch here with my wife and some friends a few weeks back. One of my friends is in a wheel chair and they accommodated this no problem after I highlighted this in my online booking. The restaurant itself is very nice and feels fresh and new inside. The food we all had was excellent and reasonably priced. It is situated right in the middle of town on the burn so pretty nice location. The staff were very attentive, friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend this place and will visit again for sure in the future.

Everyone we spoke to locally recommend this venue. We only had drinks but the setting was great and staff really accommodating.

Good quality pub grub. Nice indoors and out. Nice location. Would go again. Good for couples or families.

Had late Lunch today with my hubby & my pooch, this 1st time I’ve been out since way before lockdown, so yes was very anxious about going, and now am so glad we did.. The waiter was just wonderful and really gave me faith back in human kindness, he made our visit just seem normal/lovely, all covid things sanitizers/sections/took details, staff masked etc done..the food was just great, starters were great, my hubby loved his fish & chips and I had the steak sandwich it was great just regret not being able to manage desert, def next time, Hope to be back soon..

Hadn’t been in a while. Won’t be back! Social distancing is awful! Putting customers at risk!! Safety is a real problem

We had a long drive fron the south and instead of the usual moterway food we turned off to Strathaven instead. Just a couple of miles off the main M74.We were reccommended by a local to go here and we were not disappointed. Fresh fish and crispy chips with a bar if you wish to enjoy. We will be back . Excellent.

Always great food and pleasant atmosphere Staff very attentive particularly like the Halibut dish and muscles as a starter are so tasty

We had a lovely Sunday lunch of roast beef with all the trimming. The food was excellent as was the service at a very reasonable price. The only observation would be my personal pet hate of cold plates. No excuse for a restaurant.

Very high quality food though small portions and high prices. Menu is rather small and dishes are mostly unique and peculiar which is used to reel in their upper class customers.

Just enjoyed the new menu at the Waterside. Steak pie is absolutely gorgeous, tagliatelle and pizza delicious, son loved the halibut. The 2 for 1 pizza deal is excellent value and the Chocolate Box wine is highly recommended!

Popped in to the Waterside again to try their new winter menu. Great menu, some of the favourites and lots of new dishes to try out. Go on line to check the choices. As usual, staff friendly and helpful. Fair prices, beautifully presented and cooked to perfection.

Lovely place and super friendly staff! Fast service and great atmosphere. Gorgeous vegan burger! Kitchen always do their best to accommodate different diets! Highly recommend!

We have visited many times since refurbishment and have always enjoyed the food however our last visit was terrible. The portion of scallops was measly, no more black pudding served with them. Trio of harris pork was inedible and sent back. Re-ordered the chicken supreme with a15-20 min wait. It was taking a bit longer, they obviously thought it was acceptable for me to finish my main course while my partner waited on the chicken and for us to enjoy our meals separately. We decided to just pay the bill and leave. I was a little surprised by the managers reactions. The pork and chicken were omitted from the bill bit no sincere apology.....long time before i give the place a chance to redemm themselves.

I tried this place over the weekend! The place was well decorated as well as been clean & tidy. The food was outstanding and I will definitely be back. Highly recommend

We tried this restaurant for the first time and was not impressed. The location was the best part with a lovely stream out back. The staff could do with a smile on their faces. I have never been to a restaurant where all the staff were so dour,all it takes is a smile, or maybe they were all having a bad day .The food was a lot to be desired, the pasta was cold and sent back. Then it finally arrived it was so hot we had to wait until it cooled down. The deserts were burnt at the bottom. When asked if it was okay we said no and was not charged for it. So overall all not a good visit for us,would we go back NO.

Visited The Waterside for dinner with a friend - twice recently. Both times our main courses were delicious but the White chocolate panacotta with raspberry sorbet and warm chocolate sauce was to die for, which is basically the the reason why we went there again shortly after the first visit. Friendly staff although they seemed a bit unorganized the second time, when the bar/restaurant was a bit busier.

Le restaurant comporte une partie bar où on peut prendre l'apéritif.

Popped in midweek lunchtime, and took advantage of the 2 4 1 Pizza offer, great value and the pizzas are delicious, great friendly service and a good selection of beers too.

I have eaten here many times both in a couple and with various size groups. The service is always excellent. There is always a great selection of food and drink, with the option of outdoor dining. Keep an eye on their facebook page for any special offers.

we had a very pleasent lunch fisg and chips mushy peas the fish was fresh tasty batter home made and crisp chips again home made not frozen only down side was the mushy peas a bit dried and taste less fast service a very pleasent atmosphere stayed for a few hours and enjoyed our experiance

Once again the food and service was excellent. Nothin was too much bother. Staff were very attentive. Thanks

Great bar/restaurant on the banks of the Burn with a delightful atmosphere and TWO fantastic local ales, both IPA’s.

Nice venue which we visit fairly regularly. The food however is really inconsistent, some meals are a fairly safe bet e.g. steak sandwich, fish and chips. On Saturday 3 meals out of 6 were really poor trio of pork inedible, chicken supreme nice but the size you would expect for a starter.Perhaps need to stick to the basics, and also ensure you give value for money as prices are fairly high for what is on offer.

The food was very good and the staff was nice. Service was very fast, which was nice. I recommend taking the pannacotta as desert, it was delicious!

Had a hen party with 11 ladies, lovely restaurant, fabulous food and staff were very attentive and pleasant, could not fault a thing, would definitely recommend

Lovely stylish restaurant but was utterly let down by the choices on the menu and the quality of food. Not a great selection and the burger was mediocre. Hand cut chips were nice though. Manager’s approach wasn’t very friendly. Won’t be back!

Stopped off here for drinks, it was a lovely setting & the staff were very pleasant, we didn't eat here but the food & service looked good.

Service very good Atmosphere very good Food was a bit of a letdown with fancy names given to items on the menu with poor follow through on to the plate. I really like visiting the restaurant but in future will stick to the Pub Favoutites!

2nd visit to The Waterside, really good value and perfect food. Previously ate in the bar area which can be busy, but do prefer the restaurant. Reasonably priced offers at certain times and definitely recommend the Strathaven Pale Ale. A young team who work really hard to please. Well Done

I feel the waterside has unfortunately fell from its high standards and needs to take heed of other local establishments that have continued to improve.

We've used Waterside since it opened ,it goes through phases and right now its really good. Clean, fresh , toilets much improved, great friendly service and food very acceptable.

We recently went to the waterside for dinner with another couple. From start to finish the night was perfect. The service was amazing as was the food and wine. Staff were friendly and attentive.Two of us shared the chataeubriand which was done perfectly and I had the haggis, which was really tasty.

Booked the waterside for evening meal , excellent service staff could not do enough ordered the special Chateaubriand simply amazing vegetables were also superb highly recommend.

My wife and I enjoyed food from a pre theatre menu. The food was excellent and the service was first class. Go on line to check the price. I had to look twice as I thought there might be a misprint.

Having tried unsuccessfully to get lunch at two other places I did a google search for what was near us and lucky for me and my friend The Waterside came up.

Easily accessible, attractive location. Excellent selection of beers. Very good menu at affordable prices. This was out 4th visit.

Well guys thanks for looking after us again every time we visit you the service is just the best from Paul ( who is always gracious) and his merry band of girls and guys you just always give a great welcome and the food is always of a standard in a busy restaurant is very good ! but it’s the combination of both that keeps us coming back and well it’s just a great wee haunt to chill and eat and I hope you can continue to excel and continue the great work and service !

The roast sirloin was perfectly cooked and absolutely gorgeous with perfect roast potatoes and a host of different vegetables. The chocolate orange brownie was a little piece of heaven. Having an area we could take our dog with us too was perfect.

A first class experience all round - from starters of leek & potato soup, haggis & neeps in a pepper corn sauce to the mains of fish & chips, rack of lamb, linguine with chicken supreme - all delicious, cooked to perfection, beautifully presented and topped off with service from a friendly, efficient team who looked after us very well - a great night out !

Myself and the girls went here last week for our Xmas night out and what a night the service was top notch so accommodating with some demanding women. The food was first class the presentation and blend of flavours really was amazing can’t wait to come back again I also hear the menus change frequently so no chance of becoming bored of the fair on offer.

I was with friends for a day out in Strathaven and we went to the Waterside for lunch. It is set in a lovely location, next to the burn, and has recently been refurbished to a very high standard.

Been many times now. The service and food are always excellent. Had the 2 for 1 pizza deal for the first time which is great value for money. Pizza base is thin & crispy with plenty topping - a great mid week treat. Fish platter for two is also excellent.

First visit to Waterside after been recommended by a few people however left feeling disappointed. Lovely welcome by waiter and we ordered 3 x Steaks (2 fillet and 1 Sirloin). Initially when plates were brought to table the wrong vegetables and chips were mixed up on each plate so they were all taken back to kitchen by waitress. Food returned quickly however it was ALL barely Luke warm. I did say to waiter as my mum felt hers was cold rather than Luke warm. Our garlic butter sauce I did not put near my already Luke warm steak as that was cold too. Asked for my mum,s food to be heated which was taken back to kitchen but her steak returned still cold and extremely tough to chew. Had fillet steak many times but it was even hard to cut and hence mum left a fair bit if her fillet steak. Waitress did offer a few dessert to my mum which we declined. My steak and my daughters steak was tasty but far from warm enough - sorry‼️‼️

My date and I opted for the two for one pizza option as we fancied a light bite nothing too heavy.the pizzas came relatively quickly and looked great, however, when attacked by the steak knives we soon found the bases needed a saw to cut through them! My date left half of hers but I devoured mine minus the crusts which were charred and inedible.most of the base was left too, just couldn’t taste anything or wanted to break my teeth.really the worst pizza I think I’ve had anywhere, wish I’d gone for the burger now, but I didn’t like the idea of a brioche bun

Another lovely dinner was had again by my wife and I. Service was a little slow but they were very busy.

Nice décor and views. The menu was varied and the food well presented. not too expensive and the Service was very efficient

While the restaurant was really busy I anticipated a great dining experience. However. We ordered the pretheatre menu . 3 courses. Chicken liver page for me. Hubby black pudding croquettes. Pate was grey. With 2 small slices of sour dough bread. And onion chicken. Poor taste. Hubby croquettes were more potatoes with just a hint of black pudding.

I would likely walk past this on the street if I didn’t know before it was there but once inside I was pleasantly surprised with the chic modern and welcoming interiors.

Needed to rest after enjoying a walk out to the Spectacle E'e Falls.

after walking the dog in the park on a wet day we decided to visit the waterside bar where there was a warm atmosphere and good food , we had previously went there for Pizza and this time it was for hot chocolate. The staff were excellent and friendly , the fact you can bring your dog into the bar area is great. The large windows allow a view out to the town park area which is a nice setting. The hot chocolate was good and would recommend this place

Visited for the first time and found the food fresh and good quality. The service was also good and friendly. Will certainly return.

Had fish and chips off the lunch menu which is served until 5pm. £3 for a tennents. Food was good, no complaints there.

The atmosphere of this place was excellent. Really well designed with some modern style and then a nice outdoor area that is right next to the river. The food was hands down fantastic. On top of it all our waiter was super friendly and had some light casual conversation with us, so it felt really warming. When the food was cooked to perfection and came out so tasty, I had it in mind to come back to this small town JUST to eat here again. This place is that good. We were 50-50 about eating here or perhaps someplace else, but I'm so glad that we dined here.

Always have a lovely meal when here, the wine is lovely and staff very nice and attentive, lovely decor ad I great outside seating area with a hot light and parasol to come over you, nicest place in strathaven, would definitely recommend

This is the second time I have been here and unfortunately experienced the same poor service each time. Although not too busy, drinks and food orders took an age to come out. Food is ok but service needs improved.

Visited this twice recently and on both occasions the food was lovely, especially loved the Sticky Toffee Pudding. The staff are lovely. Food prepared fresh so you wait a little while but I would rather wait and have lovely food which this is.

Nice area to sit out and have lunch. Food a bit more expensive than your average diner. Not a place to go if you are in a hurry

We were out driving and popped in pubs nearby and stumbled on this gem .It was our sons girlfriends 18th birthday and they have a week old little boy Ollie so we didn’t want anything too pub style or chain .

A little pricey but oh so nice to sit out in the sun overlooking the park. Staff are really nice and oh my word those chips they do are amazing. Had the homemade burger which was scrumdiddlyumtious. Defo worth a visit.

Location great, service great but the food ... what a disappointment, thought we would try the Waterside since it had been awhile since we were last there.The food was bland, very small portions, my daughters (children's menu) macaroni looked more than my father in laws portion..

The sun came out so we rushed here to have an al fresco lunch at the Waterside. Very nice furniture outside so make the most of the sun when it appears. Everyone enjoyed their food but the fish and chips was the best. Fish was very white and tasty. Service was friendly. Bit pricy though.

What a disappointment, we were looking forward to returning to the Waterside as it had a while since we had been. The food was bland and the presentation left a bit to be desired. Sorry Waterside I think we shall be staying away again.

Service was good, and food quite good. Portion size was modest and unfortunately my main course omitted to bring broccoli. Don't go to the Waterside at the weekend if you feel like pizza. Pizza costs twice as much at the weekend (as buying for 2 Mon-Thurs).

Decided to pop in for a quick bite today at lunchtime and chose this place as it allows dogs. We were only people in when we arrived at 12. My wife went to the toilet which caused my 9 month old pup to cry at...

We visited for lunch last week (second time visiting since October 2017) and were a tad disappointed. I ordered chicken liver pate and it was quite a small quenelle that was on the plate with the smallest bit of bread and some chutney: no salad....

Well done The Waterside Bar & Restaurant , you defiantly deserve the 5 star . Went went in today for the first time , and everything was perfect . The premises are spotless , service was prompt , food was excellent and not over expensive...

Food Good Staff pleasant helpful ,but didn't appreciated waitress feeding dog then wiping hands on apron ,did she wash hands after feeding dog and petting dog .I don't know extremely off putting .

I have visited this place for drinks at the bar and also for lunch and have not been disappointed. On our drinks visit the staff were very attentive and would notice if you need a refill and remember your order. Drinks selection was good and...

The unassuming posioning of the resturant shouldnt be a downside to this gem of a restaurant. The welcome was typically warm and welcoming and we were seated in a clearly renovated and refurbished booth and then taken through a well balanced and tasty looking menu...

Adult menu was good. But children's burger was a disappointment. Burger was very dry and nearly burnt. Hard to cut even by an adult. Rest of meal was reasonable if a bit pricey. Service was excellent. The

Went with some family while visiting and we all left thinking the restaurant was very good. We had the mussels to share and a couple of other starters. The mussels were excellent and the white wine & garlic sauce superb. Definitely recommend eating here if...

Popped in for quick lunch and had the lunch pasta of spaghetti chorizo with a tomatoey sauce simple but amazing partner had roast beef sandwich with soup on side both tasted excellent also. Such a relaxing mood also. Maybe need to broaden menu choice but...

Recently refurbished to a very high standard, probably best described as a top quality 'gastro pub'. Good selection of beers although quite pricey but ok given the luxurious setting in the Park on the stream. Lovely outdoor area for Summer evenings. Good food selection ,...

We arrived mid afternoon and had the choice of the lunch menu and A La Carte. The scallops, and pate starters were lush. The lunch fish and chips was plenty big enough even for our hungry men. The staff gave us all a great welcome...

Lovely, friendly, restaurant. Well worth a visit, amazing food and lovely staff! Happy to accommodate with allergies and preferences. Dog friendly lovely location. What a perfect evening.