We first came here five years ago (was it really that long?) when it was still 'An Lochan'. I heard…read morea rumour that they changed the name because people kept asking them who 'An' was... are people really that thick?
It's changed a lot since then - physically there seem to be more tables than I remember, and the menu is now a single-page affair of broad-spectrum Scottish fare including meat dishes, whereas before it was a multi-page seafood-only extravaganza. I still fondly remember the shared seafood platter... mmmmm.
However, although the menu may have downsized, the quality is still as high as ever. I started with crab spring rolls with a chilli jam dip, which were light and very tasty, followed by a Thai-style seafood medley in coconut sauce, which managed to carry a fair degree of kick without overwhelming the delicate flavours of the fish. Delicious.
Herself had scallops to start, which were really fresh and cooked to perfection, and followed this with the lemon sole with salmon mousse. I had been tempted by this, but when it arrived I was quite glad I hadn't picked it as it looked a bit too creamy for my taste. Yet it disappeared without trace so clearly was appreciated!
We were both hungry enough to manage a dessert - Herself had a kiwi and mango pavlova that seemed absolutely huge; I went for an intriguing coffee jelly in brandy snap basket with caramel sauce, although I declined the clotted cream option. I wasn't sure about the coffee jelly as it was a very different taste, but maybe it would grow on me over time.
Overall, a fantastic meal; good portions, superb presentation, perfectly cooked and generally scrumptious all round.
Although it was pretty full when we arrived for the early evening shift, the staff were attentive and helpful at explaining everything on the menu (to my disappointment, it turned out that a 'financier' on the dessert menu had nothing to do with accountants).
The chairs are sumptuous and comfortable, although some could do with replacing as the seats are getting a bit on the saggy side; luckily cushions had been provided for those that were a bit too far gone.
Oh - and there's a giant pink and yellow raffia giraffe called Felicity in the gent's loo... I have no idea why, but it's quirky and I like it.