Restaurant review: The Commodore Inn, 112 West Clyde Street, Helensburgh

Location

A great location with open views over the Firth Of Clyde. Easy parking or a 15-minute walk from Helensburgh train station if you are coming by foot from out of town.

First impressions

The rustic decor and open fireplaces give this large open-plan restaurant a cosy cottage feel despite its size. You can choose from the main dining area or if you have a canine friend, you are welcome to eat in the bar. Easy wheelchair access.

Service

We are greeted by a smiling waiter and immediately shown to our table. All the staff seem very experienced and the service is swift but not rushed.

An extensive menu of pub classics including steaks, chicken and smoked pancetta pie and beer-battered cod with triple-cooked chips, alongside vegan offerings, including plant-based mountain burgers, vegetable Penang curry and squashsage and mushroom roll. Starters include prawn cocktail, baked whole Camembert and maple-glazed chicken wings.

Taste

We start with fish and chips and hunter’s chicken schnitzel. The generous piece of cod comes with sides of mushy peas and homemade tartare sauce. It’s cooked in a light (non-greasy) crispy batter. Simple but satisfying. The waitress says the hunter’s chicken is a favourite. It is hearty and tasty, topped with cheddar, pancetta and a smoky barbecue & tomato sauce served with triple-cooked chips. The mains are so filling we share a delicious trio of ice-creams for dessert – strawberry, vanilla and chocolate toped with Belgian chocolate.