haz's Qype profile

I had a meal in Bar Nou after it had been recommended at the resort I was staying at.

The word was that it offered rustic food in huge portions at great prices, and that is pretty much what we found there.

I was a tad irritated when the waitress told my 11 year he couldn’t order the T-Bone steak as it was too big. I saw someone have one later, and yes it was huge, but if we were willing for him to order it, and obviously we were willing to pay for it (a very reasonable 14 euros), then the serving staff have no place butting in.

We were further confused when my wife, and my other son having ordered two markedly different fish dishes had exactly the same thing plonked down in front of them. Being British, of course we didn’t make a fuss! Happily they both enjoyed it.

Despite these quibbles, we simply couldn’t fault the value on offer here and the food was enjoyed by all, so we shall be returning on our next trip to Majorca.

Rated by many exiled Ayrshire folks as the greatest chip shop around the Plaza as it is known locally is an Ardrossan institution, and long may that continue.

A traditional fish and chip shop offering piping hot servings that are always fresh, crunchy and delicious. You have the option to sit in on the cafe side, but there is something altogether more enjoyable about eating their fare straight out of the papers.

They also sell a lot of the old fashioned soft drinks, in glass bottles too - the only way to enjoy Irn Bru or Red Kola properly.

Graffiti is a really good little Italian just down from the train station. They specialise in pasta and pizza, all cooked fresh in the open kitchen where you can see the chefs at work, with a decent selection of each.

The fun aspect comes where they take the restaurant name literaly. Each table is provided with crayons and you are positively encouraged to draw on the table clothes to your hearts content - do a good enough job and your piece may even find itself up on the wall for posterity.

The food is always good here, and it’s a great place for an evening out with friends.

I have to redress the other review as I think this is the nicest pub in town. The building is ancient and full of character, especially in the public bar with its stone floors, and long tables for people to share. In winter there is a very welcome open fire.

The lounge bar is a bit less interesting, and it can be tricky to get served round there at times.

As for beer, they sell Timothy Taylor Landlord, which alone is reason enough to be paying them a visit very soon indeed.

Billy’s is a thriving bar and restaurant in the heart of town. It always struck me as a bit of a “rugger bugger’s” type of place, but it is lively and good fun for the occasional visit.

The restaurant has a predominantly American theme to the menu, and the food is reasonable without being anything sensational, not that you would really expect that. Portions are generous so you certainly won’t be going home hungry anyway.

This used to be my local when I lived in Harpenden and I always liked it. It is quite a nice old building, with a split level lounge bar to add a bit of character.

Not the greatest of selections for real ale loves, but with the landlord being a big Guinness fan, that is one thing you know you will get a good pint of.

Speaking of the landlord, neither he nor especially the landlay would ever win any awards for the warmth of the welcome they offer, but it’s a minor quibble, it’s not like you have to spend the whole evening looking at their miserable faces!

Emerson & Wests is a delightful little shop offering a fine range of foodstuffs. They have a splendid deli, plus a bakery offering an interesting selection of breads and cakes. Also you can pick stuff off the shelf and will always find something that little bit different. They even provide catering services and can do hot meals (such as lasagnes) for 2 people and up.

The manager is right on the ball so service is always excellent here.

Upstairs they have a tea room which is delightfully old fashioned and like stepping back a good few years.

Unlike my other review of a Subway, this location is an altogether more pleasant experience. This may in part be due to the fact that it is relatively new, but it does make a huge difference to the experience.

The food is of the same standard as you would expect in this chain, and it is particulary nice if you can get a window seat on the first floor and look out over the High Street as you munch it down.

As a word of advice there are always special offers booklets floating around for this branch so look for those as you can make major savings.

Not much bigger than some living rooms, The Red Cow is quite a throwback of a pub, with it’s dartboard and lino flooring.

The place really is a proper locals pub which can be intimidating to some, but there would never be a problem for anyone going in there.

The pub has a terrific selection of real ales, usually 5 on draught at any one time, making out the town standout in that regard, and the main reason I give it 4 stars. It’s not a place to go with the family, but for a quality pint or two it hits the spot.

Much as I love the Subway concept there are better examples of how it is down than this one.

If you have never been to one the idea is that you pick the type of roll you want from a selection of breads, then opt for 6 inch or footlong. You then choose what meat filling you want (or non-meant, calm down veggies….) with the option of cheese. There is a big selection, some hot, some cold. Once you have down that you can add from any number of toppings to make your sandwich a cracker, finally adding in your choice or sauce from another wide selection.

In theory therefore, unless you don’t know your own tastebuds you will always get a great sandwich.

The food isn’t so much the problem here as much as the fact that the seating area is small, not very well laid out, and often a bit on the tatty side which means it isn’t the nicest place to sit down and enjoy that sandwich.