Restaurant review: The Station Hotel, Carnoustie

Location

Off the high street and down by the seafront in the town famed for its championship golf course.

First Impressions

Clean and simple white tables, unfussy decor – just right for a traditional Sunday high tea.

Service

Very efficient, professional and friendly. We’re served and drinks are brought to the table promptly. Each course arrives swiftly and plates are cleared in good time (don’t you just hate it when they’re left for ages?). This is a big, busy dining room, but it’s run like a well-oiled machine.

Taste

The strong, meaty liver and bacon reminds me of how my mother used to make it – a taste of the past! The juicy steak and chips, and cheesy macaroni go down well. Fresh, crispy peas and sweetcorn, onion rings and fat juicy mushrooms are the perfect sides, too. We award an extra point for the warmed plates – food stays hot until it’s scoffed. The cake selection – Belgian biscuit, eclair and Viennesse whirls, plus scones – is a dream for sweet-toothed diners. But there’s a point off for the plastic tubs of jam – Scone Spy would not approve! A lovely pot of tea finishes off things well, though.

Price

£12.95 (extra for steak) for high tea, £7.50 for kids.

Ambience

Great for a relaxed teatime. A busy buzz of background chat with the clink of cutlery and teapots. Generations of families – from toddlers to grannies – laugh, eat and enjoy time together.

Something Special

The surrounding area. It’s picture perfect – 100 metres from a beautiful beach and coastal walks, fantastic kids’ adventure playground, leisure centre and world class golf facilities. Plenty of options to help work off those high tea calories!