This was our second trip to the Port Royal - we first went earlier this year, and were so impressed by the quality of the food and welcome, and the surrounding scenery, that we immediately decided a second vist was essential. On this occasion we took bikes so that we could work off the superb breakfast at leisure on Bute's tranquil roads. Dinner is outstanding, both in terms of value and quality. All meals a prepared from fresh ingredients, and the fine selection of Russian ales and wine complement the cuisine. The owners could not have been more friendly or attentive, from the moment we arrived until the moment of our departure (we actually went back at lunchtime to top up on the fine food following a cycle trip round the island). The view from the dining room (see photos) is superb, and the silence at nights punctuated only by the (very) occasional passing car and the seabirds is stunning. Quality, value, friendliness and character - all set in a superb location. What more could one ask for.

The view from the hotel was fantastic. There is a short pier across the road and it is lovely to see all the boats anchored and taken in the breathtaking scenery.
We were greeted by the friendly host with complimentary beers...a great start and enough of an enticement to have dinner there.
The food was fantastic. I especially recommend the Beef Stroganoff. The meals take time to prepare (a good sign) but are well worth the wait.
The range of beers and spirits was great.
The room we got was quiet. There was no road noise and it is in a quiet area even though it is just off the main road.

This hotel is known as the russian tavern and is a welcome departure and unique alternative to the usual scottish hotel. The food is excellent, garlic leaves, spicy sausage marinated in cognac, wild mushroom tart, red pepper/bacon wrap, stuffed tomato with a home made pesto sauce (less the pine nuts) and that is just the breakfast! All the ingredients are local and it is the proprietors almost infectious enthusiasm for the food and drink which sets this hotel apart. This hotel is therefore well worth visiting for the food and the conversation alone - rooms however are no better than functional. The setting is attractive overlooking the waterfront and quiet too being a couple of miles or so out of Rothesay.

We have been to the Russian Tav at least 8 times and have stopped over about four. Why do we keep going back? Imagine going into the home of good friends who are also michelin chefs but without the pretension. Olga is a brilliant cook and Dag will only source the best raw ingredients you can get. Seafood comes out of the bay and is fresh on the day, beef is Orkney Gold which you'd have trouble finding anywhere else in UK as its normally all exported to France. Mushrooms are picked locally by Olga's mum, as are the berries which are preserved in fine wine. I could go on about garlic shoots, potatoes, wild hare - the list goes on and on - just ask Dag. Or even better taste the food - then you'll understand. Beer from local breweries is on gravity, amazing beers from Russia are available by bottle (you'd be really hard pressed to find these anywhere in the UK), the excellent inexpensive wine is from France and Moldavia, and you can imagine the selection of Vodka's.

Don't go if:
- you get emotional about the quality of an establishment's curtain tiebacks and drawer liners
- when you order a portion of Langoustines you don't want more than four (you'll get two dozen)
- you expect someone to serve you peas seperately from your meat with a silver spoon
- you like food presented in ornamental stacks with drops of balsamic vinegar around the side
- you go to a restaurant to stare at your other half and then have an argument

Do go if:
- you like food
- you like to have a drink
- you like to have a good time
- you like chatting about life the universe and everything to your other half, friends, Dag, Olga, other diners, and locals who drift in an out.
- you like to relax
- you like something different
- you like life