Arrived for lunch with no advance booking and we weren't visiting the theatre. The front of the building looking out over the river looked appealing - the rest of the building looks like an electricity sub-station. Car parking is free and if you drive an attractive (to criminals) car you can observe it, whilst eating. Very friendly staff offered us a choice of tables, although all the window tables were already taken. Enjoyed the panoramic views out over the River Clyde and commercial ships going about their business. The meals appeared freshly prepared but not huge portions - does someone count the chips? Based on 3 previous visits - the menu appears to keep changing - so be aware that if you enjoy a dish it might not be available the next time you visit.If ordering a sandwich, note that 'artisan' or home-made bread hasn't yet arrived in this Greenock kitchen. The factory-sliced brown bread looked, felt and tasted like it came out of the 'value' range supplied by the supermarket across the road. A disappointment because the venue looks so promising and the front of house staff were trying very hard to deliver excellent service. Toilets were clean and the rest of the venue is a relaxing place to chill out and mull over the theatre's forthcoming programme of events and shows.Soup (Tomato and Green Lentil) was a highlight. The salads were fresh and tasty. The desserts looked attractive, the scones less so.Overall, I'm not too sure if this venue knows its position in the marketplace or it's future direction? If I was a shareholder I'd be asking the venue's senior management team some tough questions.
my wife and I went there for a second time and thought it was really good. Great view of the clyde made it a nice experience. We got our drinks and food fast. The food was fresh and very tasty. I got the thai curry which I will get again.
I've read previous reviews with interest and can honestly say I've never had a problem with the Beacon Bistro. The food has always been as described and is tasty and nicely presented. The setting is lovely and the views are beautiful.I've never ordered alcohol in it, so can't comment on the prices. But the food prices are acceptable (perhaps slightly expensive for some items, but you get what you pay for).The "older" staff members are pleasant and quick to respond to queries or problems. At weekends they seem to have a number of weekend staff on and they can sometimes be uninterested and appear to be too busy trying to look busy to actually notice customers at times.Having eaten prior to attending some of the shows the problem appears to be that the kitchen is too small to cope with the number of diners that the bistro can seat, but the staff do explain that when you're booking and advise that you factor extra time in to allow for this.
The theatre is very nice, seats are comfortable and we have been to three pantomimes here one last year and both shows this year I personally preferred the one the Greenock players put on Aladdin this year but everyone else in party preferred Cinderella. The price for ice cream at the interval and for programmes is very reasonable although they only do vanilla ice cream. Fabulous performances by all the cast in both performances and we were not disappointedThey do have a bistro and bar but as I don't want to spoil my review of these magnificent shows I will not mention them further here other than to say they are there if you want to give them a go.
If you like wonderful views while drinking your coffee visit the cafe here. Or watch the boats go by as you enjoy lunch.The theatre is built on Customhouse Quay in the historic centre of Greenock. Look out for the clock tower in the middle of the square. Oh by the way also look out for the great variety of shows and plays which take place every week
Call in one morning for breakfast about 11.50 ,( breakfast served until 12.00), sorry too late .OK we'll settle for a scone and a slice of cake and 2 coffee's.Scone and cake arrive and informed coffee would be about 5 mins (perhaps they were going to the local fast food outlet to buy them ?)Whilst waiting I proceeded to attempt to cut open my scone , which was proving difficult as it was solid !!.The cake was of the same condition ,in fact I,m sure they must be using it to hold open a door somewhere as it was solid .When the coffee arrived we informed the waitress , who apologised and said she would go and replace them with fresh ones as the ones served were not .Not wanting to take the chance we drank the coffee and left . On returning home I wrote to the Beacon and still have received no reply .This facility has the potential to be a tremendous asset to the area but in my estimation fails miserably .
If I was going for a pre theatre meal, id book for the previous day as the service was so slow. Restaurant was only filled about 20 percent capacity, would not like to have visited on a busy night. Food was good though
They have been going through a bit of bother..food was less than good...and the service the poorest I've come across.
this restaurant is well worth a visit. It looks out over the Clyde and you could not ask for a better setting. Lunch very enjoyable and attentive service. What a nice way to relax with family or friends !
The show and theatre was great. Let down again by the bar and the length if time it takes to get a drink. Reduce bar prices and get more staff in.