Loch Fyne

I have to admit I have only been to Loch Fyne twice - last year for a Burns supper special menu and again this year for the same. (No I didn't have haggis!) I have to say I thought the food was exceptionally tasty - the cullen skink soup and salmon were extremely flavoursome and it is one of the best meals I have had in a long time. I like the cosy atmosphere and the staff are incredibly helpful. It is difficult to find good places to eat in Oxford and I will definitely be back!

Geronimo (Unverified), 26/01/12

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Still reeling from my experience tonight at Loch Fyne. Have been before, and the environment and ambiance is really pleasant.

I ordered whitebait, and my companion smoked salmon as starters. The smoked salmon was very small, but apparently tasted good. My whitebait came in a mock newspaper in a basket, and, not too put too fine a point on it, was absolutely horrid. It wasn't crispy, and - as you do, whilst talking - I ate a bit of it before realising the taste was awful: fishy in the worst kind of way. In fact, it left a taste in my mouth which is still here at 11pm, an hour and a half later. Left much more than half.

When the waiter came back, I commented to him about how horrid it had been, asked for a jug of water to take the taste away, and said that perhaps the fish was not fresh.

I then had Goan curry, whilst my other half had fishcakes, which were apparently ok. What can I say about the Goan curry except I find the M&S Thai curry in a plastic pot rather better. Completely against my normal custom, I found that I couldn't be bothered to finish it. Anyone who knows me will understand that is quite out of character. Quite honestly, I could have cooked rather better myself. Again left a significant portion of it.

To be fair to the restaurant, the waiter passed on my comments and someone came to talk to me. He said the whitebait was fresh today, and the chef had tasted them and thought them ok. This, of course, was not really what I wanted to hear (especially as I was still trying to get the taste out of my mouth).

They took both the whitebait and the curry off the bill, and when we left the manager was equally concerned to get my name so that the General Manager could be in touch.

But I suppose I am still so struck by how awful the experience was - all I wanted was a decent meal, I hadn't gone for cordon bleu dining - that I'm absolutely decided that I'll never go to Loch Fyne again. That was enough.

IgorStrav (DI User), 05/02/11

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This should all have been so different. From the moment you walk in the door, the Oxford branch of Loch Fyne seems warm, inviting, busy; the staff at the door efficient, affable and anxious to please. We were led straight to a central but not over-exposed table at the centre of a group of chatty diners, opposite the bustling kitchen, catching a glimpse on the way of the enticing perambulating pudding blackboard which we knew would reach us towards the end of the evening, and settled down, comfortable and optimistic.

Unfortunately, the experience rather went downhill from there. Our waiter was very attentive and well-meaning, but went into a long-winded explanation of the specials (which were already clearly described on the board) while no one seemed to have time to bring our drinks. Our starters were really quite nice though, and we cheered up a bit; the fillet of lightly smoked salmon with wasabi and soy sauce was delicious, tender and piquant, though perhaps a bit rich for some tastes. The crispy fried calamari with wasabi mayonnaise (the wasabi theme worked for us) was decent in a standard sort of way, not too chewy or too greasy, though the breadcrumbs were a little dreary, and the lemon slice devoid of juice.

For the main course, the marinated king prawns with chips and lemon mayonnaise lived up to expectation - oily, garlicky and not under-generous, but the chips were undercooked, and we were given a mixed, rather than a green salad. Small things, but disappointing. The grilled lemon sole with shrimp butter, on the other hand, was sadly under-cooked. I should have sent it back, and the fact that I didn’t means that the restaurant didn’t get the opportunity to rectify the situation, as I have no doubt they would have tried to do fully and politely. But I couldn’t face it, and by that point, I really wasn’t after a replacement meal. We skipped the coffee and pudding we’d so looked forward to at the beginning of the meal, and left, paying £65 for two courses and wine.

Surely it doesn’t have to be this way? The warm bread and salty butter were moreishly delicious; the wine was fine, the ambience is good, and everyone is trying really hard. But the pace seemed rushed and the staff harried – nothing seemed to have been given enough time and care, and it turned what could have been a really nice mid-range dinner into a bit of a damp squib.

Miranda Rose (DI Staff), 07/06/10

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I used to go to Loch Fyne and loved the food. I hadn't been there for a long time and decided to go back last week. I was told by the hostess that there is new management and staff and she was sure it would be better than before. I'm afraid that was not the case. We had booked a table and even so we had a table in the worst area of the restaurant. The waitress was very nice but took ages to take note and service was quite slow in general.

The portions of bread were ridiculous compared to the old times and there was even less butter (not enough for the few slices of bread). We had to send two of the three mains back to the kitchen - twice! The bream was half cooked, so we sent it back to the kitchen. When we got it back it was still not properly cooked and some of the scallops and all the sauce had disappeared from the plate and it was poorly presented. We sent it back to the kitchen again and it was still not fully cooked and they had replaced the original sauce by a buttery sauce. The manager didn't even bother to come and speak to us. In a nutshell, I'm not coming back there and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Disappointed customer (DI User), 06/04/10

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I have dined at Loch Fyne on many special occasions and also for general get-togethers, and have never been disappointed. The updated decor of the Jericho restaurant makes for a light but atmospheric meeting place for large groups during day or night, and the same goes for more 'intimate' moments. I'll completely agree: if you don't eat meat and you're not a fan of fish - don't choose to come here. But for those with specialist diets - ring beforehand (as should be done in any decent restaurant) and the staff will be happy to help figure out what you can eat, or what they can cook for you.  Give this place a chance, be honest on the day and try the breakfast - it goes alright!

JK (Unverified), 13/07/09

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To everyone who has left (and will leave) comments about Loch Fyne - we have had a fantastic refurbishment, and have re-opened as the BRAND NEW Loch Fyne Bar & Grill.

Although still focussing on our sea-based roots - Oysters, Smoked Salmon & plenty of fish on the menu and specials - we have now incorporated some more non-fish dishes. Rib-eye steak, marinated poussin, homemade burger and gammon & duck egg is on our new and exclusive (no other Loch Fyne has it!) menu.

This allows those people who thought we did not cater for the non-fish lovers out there to come and experience the airy but comfortable surroundings and relaxed but professional service.

With a re-opening comes new management. I have seen that most of the poor comments are to do with the quality of food and service. With a new GM, Head Chef & Assistant Manager team, with over 20 years restaurant experience behind them already, these problems are being erradicated. I can't promise over-night success, but my god are we trying! Please leave any comments, positive or negative.

I look forward to welcoming you to the new-look restaurant (even Poseidon - if there's any way of getting him/her to come back...)!

Jim Robinson, GM, Loch Fyne Bar & Grill (Unverified), 01/06/09

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A friend and I went for lunch recently - not a good experience. Our (cold) starters arrived about 15 minutes after ordering because the printer in the kitchen was not turned on. The starter I originally requested was also out of stock. The main course was reasonable, if overpriced, whilst the side portions of potatoes were miserly. The wine was acceptable, if a little bland. I would not eat here ever again.

31/03/09

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Loch fine, a fantasic restaurant for a speacial evening. The service has been faultless on our visits and the food delicious. My only reservation would be that the portions are on the small side, however the food is of outstanding quality. I personally recommended the Thai spiced mussels.

Jess (Unverified), 11/12/08

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Had very disappointing supper there recently.

Nice service, excellent moules, dull as ditchwater pollock curry and seriously overpriced fish (?bream) dish.

Thinnest white wine ever.

Expensive and uninspiring.

01/08/08

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Having eaten in the Reading Loch Fyne a few years ago, and had amazing food both times, I tried the Oxford Loch Fyne for my birthday last week.

Our waitress was very lovely (although, it seemed, on her own). We were seated at a table for 2. We ordered the Royale platter (£59.95) for 2, which comes with 2 glasses of champagne, a bowl of chips, and the fresh vegetables. Our platter was brought almost immediately to our table (I wasn't ready for it - liking to soak up the atmosphere for a couple of minutes first!). Following the platter came our wine and glasses, our chips (like comments below - looked refried) and our "selection of fresh veg" - a small bowl of sad-looking broccoli and peas. There was not enough room on our table - and our wine had to be put on the next table.

We realised, 4 minutes in, that our platter was actually missing half its contents - which, when reported, were eventually brought out 10 minutes later, on a separate plate that had to go on the next table. We had to remind our waitress about our champagne.

The platter itself was amazing - the mussels superb, and the crab divine - I can't complain about that at all. However, after a 15 minute wait for a coffee after we had eaten, we were not overly impressed with the service. For value for money and an experience, I don't really recommend Loch Fyne, Oxford.

BethKate (Unverified), 18/07/08

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Decided to lunch here on Sunday. We were not impressed as the chips were sent back because they looked like they'd been 'refried in old oil'. A fresh basket was offered, they too tasted of old oil. Mushy peas were not delivered with the main, so had to wait for ages before they arrived even though the restaurant didn't appear busy. A free dessert and coffee were offered. The desserts did not arrive together so I had to wait for my friend's to arrive before I ate mine, so by then it was cold.

I have eaten here several times before and had no complaints, but sadly felt that today was disappointing.

anon (Unverified), 17/03/08

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Eaten there twice. Very friendly and helpful staff - without being fussy or intrusive. Pleasant surroundings. Food fresh and excellent. Not even that pricey for what you get.

Funniest sight a couple who ordered two fruit de mer, one of which defeated wife and self.

Loch Fyne deserves any success it gets. Puzzled by the very bad meals it appears it sometimes dishes out.

Andrew (Unverified), 28/12/07

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They appear to be using frozen chips and I found them inedible. When I pointed this out I was told that this is the case throughout the chain because preparing fresh cut chips 'would be too much trouble'. I have no idea how much else of the menu is frozen, but chips are a pretty fundamental part of a fish restaurant's menu.

Given that a Loch Fyne meal can cost £35 a head, buying it frozen from a supermarket might be a cheaper alternative.

T A (Unverified), 31/10/07

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Just made my second visit in 2 years - never again!

Same story both times. Fish has to be (a) totally fresh, preferably caught that day (b) just cooked enough (c) served at once. Otherwise it's an ordeal.

This stuff was dreadful - tired fish, over cooked and then left to get lukewarm before reaching the table. Like a motorway service station.

Meanwhile too much folderol about being met by greeter, shown to table and told in 'Sebastian will waiting on you tonight' etc. well hoo bloody rah, whom does that impress?

Someone, please, shoot this reastaurant and put it out of its misery. And if you want fish, try the chippy opposite - unlike Loch Fyne (slander on a lovely loch), they know what they are doing.

erica (DI User), 12/09/07

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Congratulations, you are a real chain restaurant.

My wife and I ate their last saturday evening, the food was lukewarm, except for the chips which were stone cold, sent back and finally re-appeared on the menu. Tasteless fish and a salad that was gone in 2 forks (!) with old lettuce.

Enough about the awful food, the hot stuff was at the bar close to our table, a group of guys running back and forth to the gents and making a noise like a troupe of monkeys, some of the staff were more than happy to participate.

Come on Oxford, get your act together, put away the microwave and serve us real food with a decent level of service.

splash (DI User), 08/09/07

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We had an awesome meal there last week. The food was fresh and cooked perfecctly. Our waitress, Francis, was knowledgeable and informative. Will definitely return.

Gavin (Unverified), 04/02/07

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Now Bob, is this review actually about Loch Fyne or about how far you are up your own a**e? Sorry that everyone is not as sophisticated as yourself but us mere mortals do have valid opinions too, as it's us who are the bread and butter (probably be wind-ground organic foccacia with hand milked Normandy butter in your case) of the restaurant trade.

I myself would rather take the opinion of the average Joe in the street than that of some pompous critic anytime.

However I do agree you would have to go a long way to find such an excellent dining experience from a chain restaurant. I have eaten at Oxford Loch Fyne many times and have yet to be disappointed.

gareth (Unverified), 02/12/06

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I have worked in the upper echelons of the restaurant industry for 10 years almost, serving fantastic food to some of the most powerful and famous people in the world. (Clinton and Major didn't tip.) There is very little about the industry I don't know in terms of wine, food and service standards.

I really hate these "everyone's a critic" blogs which are written by someone who eats out once month and wouldn't know fine dining if it stabbed them in the heart with a steak knife. Loch Fyne is fantastic: for a branded restaurant to have that sense of warmth, such a personal touch to every restaurant and to deliver perfect food, fresh is a tall order and one they do extremely well.

P.S if you don't eat any kind of meat whatsoever don't go to a seafood restaurant and whinge about the lack of veggie option. Here's a novel thought: go to a vegetarian restaurant...

bob (Unverified), 25/11/06

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A total disappointment. Going there for the first time as a birthday present, we were seated in a corridor with staff shouting over our table. For starters we were served fish soup which was saltier than the sea, but I had some nice smoked salmon (which to be honest the chef didn't have to do a lot with anyway). The main course was dreadful and made us leave the restaurant in a hurry. I had lemon sole disintegrating in a sea of melted butter and my partner had a clot of congealed linguine served with entire quarters of red onion and an overcooked white vegetable of indeterminate origin. On leaving we were still presented with the bill, excluding the bad food at least, but still amounting to £30, - for a marked up bottle of cheap wine, bread and smoked salmon.

Not recommended (Unverified), 19/11/06

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After a blisteringly hot and steamy incursion into the city, Loch Fyne was a haven of fresh and blissful air conditioning.

I ordered from the a la carte menu which was lovely as usual (fragrant and perfectly cooked coconut and lemon grass mussels; delicious, very rare tuna with noodles) but sadly the "brunette's" set menu (£10 for 2 courses) was less of a success. His "Paysanne" salad (which in France would traditionally have warm potatoes and bacon on salad leaves) turned out to be nothing more than a small garnish of a few green leaves - less than inspiring and "a bit mean really". His main course, half a crab and crevettes, was fine, although he had to ask for the crevettes as they forgot to serve them to him (a pretty major part of the dish!). Also the crab was served directly on a bed of undressed leaves again, and these had wilted due to the wetness of the crab and become uninspiring and inedible. The mayonnaise, however, was perfect, as was my aioli.

The service remains excellent but the bread (usually wonderful and fresh) was a tad stale, possibly due to our visit being on a Sunday.

So, as far as I am concerned, Loch Fyne is great as long as you stick to the "A la carte" - but don't expect much if you go for the set menu. It's a shame that the continental tradition of good value, imaginative market-based daily set menus, and the provision of excellent food at affordable prices is still a bit of a mystery to most British restaurants.

Pamplemousse (Unverified), 25/07/06

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After spending an eveing at Loch Fyne with a group of 11 friends, I was quite impressed. For a mere £10 one could choose a glass of house wine or coffee, a starter of either fish soup, whelks, or smoked salmon salad, and a main of fish cakes, mackerel, or trout. While my friend and I expanded our menu, ordering an additional queen scallop starter to share, the two courses were plentiful and enjoyable. The whelks were slightly overcooked, coming out chewy, but the smoked salmon salad was amazing. My friends reported the fish soup as very good, and coming in a filling large bowl rather than a small cup portion. The mackerel came filleted, but with the head and tail still attached, a somewhat trendy but unappeitizing move. However, once properly attended to, the fish was well prepared, though slightly skim on the sauce. The fish cakes were good as well, with a nice sauce to complement them. Overall, the meal was quite good quality for the price, and the atmosphere very relaxed and upmarketly trendy-casual.

lo (Unverified), 20/02/06

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Having quite a few times eaten at the original and having been disappointed every time, I found myself mentally boycotting the Oxford restaurant. Finally last week I decided to give it a go, feeling particularly adventurous and positively foolhardy (rowing across the Atlantic? Pah! Trying a new restaurant is a far better indicator of a person's character! :) ).

Well, I hate to admit it, but I had been missing out... the food was really very good. The lobster bisque was well seasoned, moreish and very tasty indeed! Like a bouillabaisse but slightly more subtle in flavour. The accompanying croutons were delicious and the mayonnaise absolutely superb. Mayonnaise is a disappointment in most restaurants but this one was thick, creamy and had a bit of an added garlic kick to it. Robust, just as it should be.

My mussels with chilli and coriander were plump, juicy and succulent, and, apart from my last spoonful of broth (bring on the extinguisher please!!) very well balanced in terms of heat. They were spicy but not hot which allowed for a proper appreciation of this sometimes mistreated shelfish.

The atmosphere was casual-trendy and the service was efficient and most friendly. We could almost have been in a French seafood restaurant in Brittany, what with the wonderful array of fresh shellfish on display. My only disappointment was that chips were "extra", when they should automatically be served with the mussels as on the continent. It seems a bit petty to exclude them.
Otherwise, a lovely meal and I am definitely coming back for more soon !

Pamplemousse (Unverified), 16/12/05

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Loch Fyne is trendy. It's in Jericho, which is trendy. It has trendy décor, all glass panelling, chrome and pine, and a trendy menu. What is most surprising is that, being trendy, it's also pretty good. I went with a group of friends on a Tuesday evening to find that it is popular virtually every evening, but spacious enough to be private; our table was tucked away in the corner, with a good view of the trendy artwork.

The low point was the fact that one of my friends is vegetarian, and while fish-haters are adequately catered for, with a selection of prime sirloin steak, red deer venison, Islay sausages and duck, vegetarians are severely restricted; there are no veggie starters (he ordered a side salad instead) and there is only one vegetarian main course option, an unimaginative linguine with pesto and mozzarella (£7.95). While the food itself was fine, the choice was non existent. However, the rest of the group were more than satisfied, two opting for the succulent and tasty herb crusted cod, one for a pan fried fillet of bass and another for clam, pea and crab chowder. The chowder was disappointing, so I'm told, far too creamy, but the sea bass was perfectly cooked and had a good flavour. I went for the least fishy of fish - tuna steak, cooked in chilli and soy and served on a bed of noodles. I might start to like fish after all: it was excellent.

Main courses are mostly priced between £9-15, but the shellfish platter comes at £25.95 with crab or £39.95 with lobster. Scotland never struck me as particularly exotic before, but Bradan Rost and Loch Duart salmon are juxtaposed with oriental spiced bok choi or wasabi, unusual and tempting combinations. The vegetables on the other hand, were universally unappealing. The salads were terminally depressed, the mixed green veg greasier than John Travolta. As could be expected from this spinoff from the Loch Fyne fish delivery service which prizes itself on fresh produce, the choice and quality of all the fish ordered was impeccable, and the seafood bar at the front of the restaurant reminds customers that their meal is only a fishing line's throw away from swimming around. The sides really let it down, resulting in everyone filling up on bread.

The dessert menu was promising, but obviously sticky toffee pudding is everyone's first choice as there was none left by 9 o clock. We settled for ice cream - an extensive selection of mango, raspberry, blackcurrant or lemon sorbet or chocolate, vanilla, amaretto or strawberry ice cream (£2.95). Faultless, well presented and most of all, really really tasty. Coffee afterwards was pretty standard, but all the coffee served is fair trade, allowing you to feel slightly philanthropic while spending a fair amount on a meal out.

Abby Chicken (Unverified), 08/08/03

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