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  3. Dunbartonshire/Renfrewshire
  4. Helensburgh
  5. Helensburgh
Sugar Boat, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire

Sugar Boat

4.5
4.5
256 Reviews
£25 and under
Bistro
Top Tags:
Welcome to Sugar Boat - a relaxed & informal neighbourhood bistro in the heart of the town on Colquhoun Square, a stones throw from the sea front. We are open daily from 10am (11am on Sunday's) through until late. We serve everything from a simple breakfast menu with cracking bacon sarnies or avocado & egg on toast, a fixed price lunch menu at £13.50/£16.50 for 2 or 3 courses & an a la carte menu available at both lunch & dinner. Cakes and scones & savoury snacks are available all day. We have a Wine Shop for off sales from our extensive list of over 75 wines - everything from £8.50 per bottle upwards. Enjoy a tip top cocktail from our bar made with premium sprits & our home made purees, cordials and juices or enjoy a pint of a locally brewed beer or a bottle of Scottish craft ale from around the country. Choose to sit on the square (there are heaters and awnings for when the wind blows & the rain falls....and it does or in our rear courtyard (again partially covered & heated).

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Bistro

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Sat 9:00 am–12:00 am Sun 10:00 am–12:00 am

  • Phone number

    01436 647522

  • Website

    http://www.sugarboat.co.uk/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Contactless Payment, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Oliver Nodwell

  • Location

    30 Colquhoun Square, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire G84 8AQ

  • Neighborhood

    Helensburgh

  • Cross street

    Colquhoun Street

  • Parking details

    A large car park is adjacent to the restaurant accessed via an archway from Sinclair Street & offers free parking for 2 hours. Free parking on local shopping streets for an hour or a couple of streets up the hill with no time limit. There is free parking too on the pier (5 minute walk).

  • Public transit

    Trains run direct to Helensburgh Central from Glasgow; Edinburgh (2 min walk). Trains run direct from London Euston to Helensburgh Upper (10 min walk). Local bus services drop you in the square from neighboring villages & towns to Central Glasgow. The Waverley Paddle Steamer regularly stops at the pier in Helensburgh between Easter & October.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 256 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

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  1. PF

    PhilipF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good, as per previous visits. Very good staff and excellent food.
  2. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    London

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    This used to be a great restaurant but like many others it seems to have slipped. Bar service was so slow that we had finished our starters before our pre dinner cocktails arrived! Food was average.
  3. PC

    PabloCav

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Third visit to Sugar Boat and probably last for long time. Food average service slow despite it being quiet exception being Robin front of house, who was friendly and efficient.
  4. AF

    AnnetteF

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Food was nice though not spectacular. Service was poor...they need more wait staff.
  5. JT

    JohnT

    Glasgow

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Service is always very good, as is the food. Not a large menu, but quality & interesting selection suitable for all tastes/appetites. Excellent cocktails too.
  6. LH

    LindaH

    Dunbartonshire

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2022

    overall3food1service2ambience3
    Our 3rd visit, the first 2 visits were very good. However this one was very disappointing, limited menu (not a huge issue). Busy restaurant and one waiter who had a bit of an attitude. We were a party of four; pate starter was very salty (no one cared) the sea trout with "lemon" was "egg" and waiter confirmed no taste of lemon again not interested that the meal was left and I was unhappy. On paying I advised member of staff, again really not interested. Certainly will not be returning anytime soon! I explained I had not left a tip as the meal was very disappointing. he was really not interested in our experience our anything I said
  7. DS

    DanielS

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 26, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    The food was excellent, but we didn't get it until we've been there an hour and twenty minutes. The server kept us informed, and was very apologetic, even offering us free drinks; however, it's just too long to wait. We booked the same day, and would have been happy to come at a different time if it could have helped.
  8. SL

    SimonL

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 24, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    A limited style of menu but done very well with attentive and friendly staff. We will definitely return soon!
  9. L

    Linsey

    Glasgow

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious, service excellent. We will absolutely be back!
  10. ET

    ElizabethT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Food amazing, service a bit slow especially when arrived but will be back
  11. RT

    RebeccaT

    Newcastle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had our anniversary meal here on monday night. Service was very good and food came in decent time. The food was amazing along with the cocktails.
  12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food Great service Dean was brilliant
  13. GB

    GillyB

    Glasgow

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food and service as always . Highly recommended.
  14. D

    Dearg

    Dunbartonshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant never fails to impress. We have visited many times and celebrated many happy occasions in the restaurant. I would highly recommend.
  15. AM

    AngieM

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another really lovely meal here, had a starter of Isle of Mull Farinette which is so tasty, followed by tge the Hispi canbage with Puy lentils… Yum! Service was great too, can’t wait to return
  16. VC

    VinceC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 14, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Good restaurant with good quality food. Situated on the square in Helensburgh and has some outside seating. Inside the area is week planned out and has a good ambience. Service was good and cost is reasonable.
  17. JA

    JohnA

    Glasgow

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Very nice place, extremely good service from the waiting staff but I think the kitchen was under pressure as there was a bit of a wait between courses. Very good food and an interesting selection of choices. Good wine selection, nice coffee. Definitely recommended.
  18. EF

    EvelynF

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice quality food and a good list of cocktails.
  19. S

    Susa

    Glasgow

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    It was our first time at The Sugar Boat and I will definitely be back, The service was very good and the food was amazing.
  20. CB

    CarolB

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 4, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    Not as good or as welcoming as our last visit. We were looking forward to visiting the Sugar Boat again but came away disappointed food mediocre serviceackibg in the warm welcome we received last November.
  21. K

    Katie

    Glasgow

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great meal again 😊Service was good, cheerful waiter. Ambiance super 😊
  22. G

    Greg

    Edinburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food and service. Would highly recommend
  23. PN

    PaulineN

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 28, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Lovely bistro tucked away in the square at Helensburgh, good value for money, friendly staff and a lovely atmosphere. We have eaten here several times and will continue to do so.
  24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 27, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Husband’s birthday
  25. GD

    GordonD

    Glasgow

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 26, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great multi functional dining and great brekkie options.
  26. KW

    KennyW

    Glasgow

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, service and staff. Well worth a visit.
  27. JH

    JennyH

    Gloucestershire

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very busy bistro and deservedly so. Oysters were on Specials - 6 for 9.95 - brilliant value. All the food was superb except the Eton Mess which had very little of the promised fruit in it. Manager spotted this without us mentioning it and immediately offered to take it off bill. Excellent service- tables for 2 are small and close together. We asked to sit at a different table and were accommodated. Not cheap but for the quality of food I would say it's good value.
  28. C

    Chris25

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Brilliant food, service and atmosphere. Will and his team have it just perfect!!!
  29. DM

    DonnaM

    Edinburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just sublime!
  30. TS

    TomS

    Aberdeen

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 22, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We have dined in the The SB on each of our last 4 visits to Loch Lomond. We like the interesting menu and general dining experience. This latest visit was also very good and enjoyed by all 8 adults (although one person told me their Burger was a bit on the tough side - wish I’d known at the time). Good service, pleasant staff, the restaurant wasn’t overly busy but I’m sure they would have been just as pleasant etc had the place had more clients.
  31. AC

    AlexC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    We had heard a lot of good things from friends about Sugar Boat so I decided to take my wife there for her birthday. The food and service were of a very high standard. The only disappointment was that my wife had to settle for two starters as the two things she wanted on the main menu weren't available. The steak I had was delicious and the desserts were the best of all! It was very reasonably priced and we would definitely go back.
  32. MT

    MaritaT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff were very welcoming. Our waitress explained everything and brought our drinks promptly . One of our party ordered the fish pie and our waitress let us know that it would take a bit longer to prepare. We were fine with that and the dishes came out at the same time.
  33. J

    Jp30

    Glasgow

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 13, 2022

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    Lengthy wait for anything. Staff are so lovely but just don’t feel attended to.
  34. K

    Kate

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Really enjoyed our lunch! The service was exceptional. There were a couple of points to feedback on but it seems to happen in every restaurant we go to. The high chairs were dirty, which I understand is difficult to manage as children are ridiculously messy. And the chips for the children were heavily salted which is apparently really bad for them when they’re young. I’d recommend not salting anything on the kids menu. Although I appreciate it’s probably not the most appropriate restaurant for kids but we love the food! Roast was amazing, crème brûlée was delicious.
  35. B

    Barney

    Dunbartonshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed the food served. Waiter service was good, friendly & relaxed. Overall experience of our meal was very good 👍
  36. DD

    DavidD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Superb food & service. We had a wonderful evening.
  37. JM

    JohnM

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Too busy! Staff were under pressure and several items on menu sold out. Wine late in arriving as they tried to chill it! I think on a busy holiday night they were under pressure and this showed. Normally very good but was disappointing this time.
  38. AB

    AlanB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Good place, great service,owner present , would highly recommend.
  39. SM

    StewartM

    Edinburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was a little gem, The food was superb and plentiful and the wine complimented the meal. I must give special praise to the young waitress she was very helpful and polite very effecient . I most certainly will go back and would recommend to anyone
  40. LB

    LouiseB

    Dorset

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always an enjoyable evening at the Sugar Boat. Staff polite, friendly and professional and happy to accommodate my dietary needs (celiac and dairy intolerant). A firm favourite.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Sugar Boat is rated 4.5 stars by 256 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today
Google Map for Sugar Boat

30 Colquhoun Square, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire G84 8AQ

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Colquhoun Street

  • Neighborhood

    Helensburgh

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Sat 9:00 am–12:00 am Sun 10:00 am–12:00 am

  • Cuisines

    Bistro

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    A large car park is adjacent to the restaurant accessed via an archway from Sinclair Street & offers free parking for 2 hours. Free parking on local shopping streets for an hour or a couple of streets up the hill with no time limit. There is free parking too on the pier (5 minute walk).

  • Public transit

    Trains run direct to Helensburgh Central from Glasgow; Edinburgh (2 min walk). Trains run direct from London Euston to Helensburgh Upper (10 min walk). Local bus services drop you in the square from neighboring villages & towns to Central Glasgow. The Waverley Paddle Steamer regularly stops at the pier in Helensburgh between Easter & October.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Contactless Payment, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Oliver Nodwell

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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