Atmosphere review insights for Scotland, United Kingdom

A family of 5 (adults) sat around a 4 seated table was poor to start with! Waiter was good, had to get his attention a couple of times for drinks. Food was really the let down. Overly seasoned (very very salty), greasy and way over priced for what it was. The restaurant itself looks lovely, very relaxing and warm atmosphere, plenty staff around which always looks good for business. Drinks were fine, George Street prices but we expected that from the "new" St James. We asked the waiter to take the £28 service charge off and handed him £10 tip, we thought that was quite sufficient after a £230 bill for food (mains only) and drinks. (bear in mind 1 person was drinking water, and another had 1 vodka!). Overall it was below average because of the food. We wouldn't come back unfortunately.

As soon as we were going downstairs and saw the old carpets and dated wood, we were apprehensive and confused. The restaurant was empty and did not have any atmosphere. The bar area was unmanned and soulless. Food was ok but the formality put us off. This place is stuck in time and hasn’t evolved neither is relevant anymore. Dining like 25 years ago! Very disappointing.

Atmosphere need to improve

This is a place to have Nepali and Indian food. The food, service and ambience, all were very average. The restaurant played Indian Bhajans (religious songs) and serving non veg and alcohol which didn't match the overall vibe of any of these two cultures. I would not go there again to be frank.

A restaurant with such a nice atmosphere and good reviews, but we sadly didn’t get the get the best experience. Firstly the waiter forgot the wine we ordered, and then they forgot the food. Waited for more than 45 min, and ended up in a hurry for our next appointment. Weirdly enough the waiter wanted to put the blame on us for not letting him know, to make the kitchen hurry from the start, but obviously the kitchen just begun on our dinner after we asked for it. No compensation was given for the inconvenience, I find that to be a bit of bad service.

Abysmal. Had a reservation for 5 at 8.30. 30mins to get a cocktail at the table. We I ordered starters and mains.The 2 L emon sole was very small covered i a flavourless sauce a teaspoon of samphire. No sides. The Chicken caesar was mainly lettuce. The venison and the bread were the best things on the table.service was late consitently poor quality food and service at inflated prices. Great decor but food and service let the venue down.. 0

Food: With over 20,500 reviews averaging a dazzling 4.8, I wondered if the problem lay entirely with my own taste buds. But honestly… it’s hard to put into words. The flavours aren’t bland—there’s plenty of seasoning and salt—but nothing really leaps off the plate. Somehow, the whole affair had a faintly ‘straight out of the freezer’ vibe: perfectly functional, but lacking any soul or spark. Service: Absolutely top-notch. For a restaurant this busy, it’s rare to find a team so warm, attentive, and professional, all while keeping things relaxed and friendly. They run the whole operation like clockwork. Ambience: I’ll admit, I’m not the world’s biggest fan of hard seating. It’s fine for a quick coffee or grab-and-go snack, but for a full sit-down meal, my lower back quietly protested. There are a few padded seats—but the restaurant is always crowded, so they’re hard to snag.

Review rating: 4.0

I write this review to express my deep disappointment and disbelief at the appalling level of customer “service” we’ve just experienced. As regulars who’ve always spoken highly of you - to friends, family, and right here on TripAdvisor - this latest encounter was downright insulting. We received a Virgin Signature Tasting Experience voucher as a Christmas gift and booked a table for 4pm on Saturday several days in advance. In the notes, I clearly stated we’d be using the voucher and asked to swap the cod dish due to a severe fish allergy. After being chased by multiple emails demanding the voucher number and PIN, I then received a voicemail - less than 24 hours before our booking - that can only be described as a lecture. I never even spoke to this colleague directly, yet she took it upon herself to deliver a condescending voicemail *chastising* us for supposedly booking the “wrong” time, insisting we couldn’t attend before 5pm. She went on to say that because we had a voucher, we must eat exactly what’s on the set menu - meaning we’d be expected to eat cod, despite my clear note about a severe fish allergy that could land one of us in hospital. To finish, she smugly suggested we could still come at 4pm and eat from the brunch menu - not as a the to using the voucher, but as if that was an acceptable solution. The entire interaction was rude, dismissive, and completely lacking in professionalism or common sense. What should have been a special experience turned into an infuriating ordeal. I cancelled the booking on the spot and will seriously think twice before ever returning. I’m now asking Virgin Experience Days to transfer our voucher to another venue - somewhere that actually values its customers and understands what good service means.

Review rating: 1.0

A family of 5 (adults) sat around a 4 seated table was poor to start with! Waiter was good, had to get his attention a couple of times for drinks. Food was really the let down. Overly seasoned (very very salty), greasy and way over priced for what it was. The restaurant itself looks lovely, very relaxing and warm atmosphere, plenty staff around which always looks good for business. Drinks were fine, George Street prices but we expected that from the "new" St James. We asked the waiter to take the £28 service charge off and handed him £10 tip, we thought that was quite sufficient after a £230 bill for food (mains only) and drinks. (bear in mind 1 person was drinking water, and another had 1 vodka!). Overall it was below average because of the food. We wouldn't come back unfortunately.

Signal: 0.0%

As soon as we were going downstairs and saw the old carpets and dated wood, we were apprehensive and confused. The restaurant was empty and did not have any atmosphere. The bar area was unmanned and soulless. Food was ok but the formality put us off. This place is stuck in time and hasn’t evolved neither is relevant anymore. Dining like 25 years ago! Very disappointing.

Signal: 0.0%

Atmosphere need to improve

Signal: 0.0%