Get the Royal Treatment at the Avonbridge Hotel, Hamilton, Scotland

While staying in Scotland Len's friend, Bill, took us to the Avonbridge Hotel in Hamilton for dinner on the Saturday evening. We arrived at 6.30 p.m. and were greeted by his friend Ben, who is a Chef there. He escorted us to a beautifully laid table for 3 people.

He held my chair and seated me. Next Ben asked us what wine we liked to drink. I choose a glass of blush, and Len asked for a diet coke. A server came out with wine for Bill and myself and Len's soda.

I didn't get to see a menu as Ben asked me what I liked to eat. I told him that shrimp and scallops were one of my favorite dishes. He said that was fine and what would I like for my entree. I suggested a very small steak and Ben said that he would cook new potatoes and steamed vegetables with it. How is that for service? Len had told Ben how much he liked lasagna so that was his choice.

We were having a wonderful time with the guys chatting about 40+ years ago when they were in the Royal Air Force together. We were enjoying our drinks when a server arrived with our starters and freshly baked rolls.

The scallops were in the middle of the plates with an amazing sauce. To the left and top were shrimp and pawns. The presentation was world class and so was the taste. Bill told us that it was the first time he had eaten scallops and really enjoyed them.

When our main course came the steaks were superb, the vegetables cooked to perfection, with small new potatoes. Len was pleased with his choice too. Ben finished his shift while we were still eating and came and joined us. I told him what a wonderful meal he had prepared for us.

We chatted for a long time and then Ben ordered a dessert for me. It was ice cream, strawberries, and whipped cream. It was so big that I barely ate a quarter of it.

Next we went to the patio room for coffee. We were asked if we wanted liqueurs and we were all so full and content that we said "No thank you".

From here we went to look at the banqueting halls and a birthday party was in one of them. We were heading out the door and to the other 2 hotels they owned next-door when then piper and drummer turned up for the party. In the parking lot they played the bagpipes and drums for us. This was so amazing.