Going Downhill, Unfortunately

Rating - Overall: 3  Food: 3  Service: 3  Ambience: 4

goodkid82
Foodie
Member since Feb 09
Rating: 1

5 Mar 2009

The first time I went to Spyglass was Fall 2007. I had high hopes as my husband had raved about it. Fortunately, it lived up to my expectations. However, in the subsequent seasons, Spyglass has been disappointing. The Llamb Kebab was chewy and the burgers tasted like they were the cheap frozen kind, a bit rubbery and not flavorful. My husband recommends the corn fritters and lamb kebab (when its not chewy). The ambience is fun and relaxed; a place where you don't feel like you have to keep your voice down. Generally, a great ambience to enjoy yourself. Some of the waistaff are great (attentive and helpful) while others are the opposite (why ask someone how s/he wants his/her steak if you're going to serve them all the same anyway?). Overall, we've been to Spyglass approximately a dozen times in the last couple of years. I would still try it once a season to see if they're up to par and base my decision to return that season depending on that particular experience. They are re-opening this season on March 19th.

Visited: September 23, 2008
What I ate: Beef Burgers, Moroccan Llamb Kebab, Hummous & Pita, Corn Fritter

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Bit of a let down

Rating - Overall: 2  Food: 2  Service: 3  Ambience: 4

freiny
Foodie
Member since Oct 08
Rating: 1

5 Jan 2009

I had heard good things about the Spyglass, eating aboard a boat in a great setting on the Welshback, but was sadly let down by the very average pub style food brought out - nothing special about the burger, chips and pasta dishes we were served and we actually left feeling a bit ill. Sadly would not want to return - although children were kept entertained by seagulls landing on the boat's canvas roof creating 'ghost seagull' shadows above us!

Visited: July 13, 2008
What I ate: Beef burger and chips

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It's all going South....

Rating - Overall: 2  Food: 2  Service: 2  Ambience: 3

sinky
Foodie
Member since Sep 08
Rating: 2

21 Sep 2008

As a Spyglass officianado for the last five plus years and one who has freely recommended the place on an almost weekly basis, I looked forward to an afternoon at here. What we got was poor service, poorly cooked food and a total lack of regard for the feedback. The portion sizes have reduced dramatically over the last few years and yet the prices have increased. My beef (both theoretically and actually) was thin and slightly gristley, my husband's nicoise salad was basically leaves with an over vinegared dressing. When it came to dessert, the magical knickerbocker glory of my youth became three scoops of icecream and the strawberry pavola materialised as two hard meringes, one scoop of icecream and one strawberry! No apologies, just a 'we ran out of strawberries' (no sh*t sherlock) but no reduction of the bill. They forgot one main of calamari too. What a shame, this restauarnt was a fun concept with good honest food and a welcoming atmosphere, now no more than a damp squib. I shan't be returning.

Visited: September 12, 2008
What I ate: Not worth the mention...

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BBQ on a Boat

Rating - Overall: 3  Food: 3  Service: 4  Ambience: 3

Sparky
Connoisseur
Member since Sep 08
Rating: 35

26 Jun 2008

Popped along to Spyglass after a day of golf for a early(ish) dinner (about 6:30/7pm on a Thursday) It wasn't very busy, just about 2 or 3 tables. The service was very good and the food came out quickly. It's not somewhere that I would visit very often but if you haven't been there yet and you fancy a bit of BBQ food I would recommend this place.

Visited: June 26, 2008

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Usually reliable, tasty grub..

Rating - Overall: 4  Food: 4  Service: 4  Ambience: 4

Matthew
Foodie
Member since Sep 08
Rating: 3

28 May 2008

A group of five visited this popular spot on welsh back - as we used to live nearby we've been visiting for a number of years. It’s usually reliable and tasty down to earth grilled food and depending on menu choice can be good value – though its easy to boost your bill with the taps, starters (thai corn cakes are good but greasy) free flowing beer, and desserts.

My only gripe being the menu that never seems to evolve, it’s the same menu year in year out! But then I guess why change a winning formula?

I'd avoid when very busy as standards slip IMO - I’ve taken back a couple of dishes there in the past when the queue is out the door.

Overall though, it’s a casual place to socialise and chat with friends over hot tasty food - also perfect for larger groups with pitchers of lager on the menu. Reserve and ask for a table by the water if you can but away from the kitchen!

Visited: May 25, 2008

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Alfresco dining at Spyglass

Rating - Overall: 4  Food: 4  Service: 4  Ambience: 5

Ruby
Rookie Reviewer
Member since May 08
Rating: 0

23 May 2008

If you're anything like me, sometimes all you're after from a restaurant is somewhere you can dwindle away the day with friends over a long lunch, without feeling rushed or thinking you'll be faced with a astronomic bill on departure.

That's why Spyglass is my top restaurant in Bristol....nestled in between the boats moored up on Welsh Back, Spyglass serves up a sumptuous selection of great value grilled food, cooked to perfection on the spot, catering for both meat lovers and veggies. With a fabulous array of puddings as well, from the Eaton Mess to chocolate fondue, there truly is something for every taste.

With main courses ranging between £7 - £12, the Spyglass burger is always a good bet, as is the grilled tuna steak and piri piri chicken. Washed down with a jug of stella or a caraffe of vino, you know you're going to swan off the Spyglass in a happy mood!!

Staff are always helpful, pleasant and happy and whilst service isn't always the speediest, ultimately that's if you're not in a rush, that's perfect.

Turn up early to ensure a table in prime position on the boat (part of the restaurant is ashore; whilst a small bridge takes you onto the converted barge with fantastic views of the docks).

Equally a delight on a hot balmy night, you just can't go wrong with Spyglass. Nothing beats the fab atmosphere!!

Visited: May 10, 2008

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