Craigard - Eilean Siar

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.