Loch Fyne

I love eating at Loch Fyne, St Albans. I've taken business colleagues, friends and even family members who are international fishery experts ... and I'm rarely disappointed. Recently, I discovered they had a Loyalty Card scheme which, had I known about it before, could've saved me a small fortune. I always opt for the set menu, which isn't immediately obvious, and go for three courses at around £13.95 - a real bargain, especially when accompanied by a small additional charge for a glass of chilled Sicilian white wine, smooth and lemony. Having worked my way through the entire menu, I can rave about their Cullen Skink and the Thai Fish Cakes ... and I love their Cornish Dab even though you need to be good to get it off the bones. The only anguish is whether to opt for their French Fries or their double English chunky chips - which is it to be? And finally, when truly stuffed, should I go for the yummy puddings or try to be virtuous and stick to a fruit sorbet ice? A bit too late for that, methinks. Great food, great service, in a truly original venue. 01 Mar 14 Loch Fyne

Been here a few times with my husband at lunchtime. Lovely building and good service. Food has always been good too. You can sign up to offers for this place as well. [Feb 13] 10 Feb 13 Loch Fyne

My second visit to Loch Fyne was a very pleasant experience but could have been better. Our starters were delicious - my husband had muscels and I had thai fish cakes. Both were full of flavour and delivered by a very smiley waitress. My main of fish and chips was wonderful - I guess it's what Loch Fyne is good at - crispy, succulent fish and crunchy, delicious chips. Plus it was served with a flavourful tartar sauce. My husband's main was not quite so successful. At £16 for a lemon sole you expect something pretty special and although the fish was lovely, the vegetables were wrinkled and served in a bowl with water at the bottom - basically a soggy mess. Such a shame, because with a bit more care taken on the side dishes, this could be a top notch eatery. [Nov 10] 30 Nov 10 Loch Fyne

Loch Fyne deserves 5 stars for the service we received last night - from friendly, informative, funny waiters to a confident and competent manager. So it's a shame the food didn't live up to the same high standard. A kipper starter was good, but a special of smoked mackeral rillette wasn't much to write home about. My friend chose better for main with a light, cripsy battered cod and chips, whereas my haddock risotto was a real disappointment. Undercooked, bordering on dry, it was rice with some haddock stirred through rather than an oozing, haddock infused bowl of comfort food. BUT, and this is a massive but, when we mentioned the slight disappointment of the risotto it was taken off our bill. This was completely unexpected and we were very impressed. Nice touch. Overall LF is worth a visit if you haven't been (if anything just to see the beautiful building) - there is a good £10 two course offer on currently and if you book a table after 9.30pm Thursday, Saturday, Sunday you get free wine. [Oct 09]

23 Oct 09 Loch Fyne

We have had great food and good service every time we have been here - even with a large group in the week before Christmas. Stunning interior that won a recent architectural award. You do need to book, even for mid-week lunch. Shame the fish shop outside does not seem to be open any more - how about turning that lovely outdoor space into a coffee area? [Mar 09]

08 Mar 09 Loch Fyne

This a great place to come for lunch, dinner, a birthday party or even possibly a wedding meal. To come to Loch Fyne you need to like fish and have an empty stomach when you arrive and a purse or wallet but boy it’s worth it. If you don’t like fish I suggest you do not go. But if you go then find you don’t want fish they do have some non fish foods. There a many types of fish from mullet to scallops. If you have a child or children that are fussy eaters there is a children’s menu. [Oct 08]

11 Aug 08 Loch Fyne