I visited the Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery last year and enjoyed an amazing meal there (see my review here), so I had high hopes for The Shandon Belles which is the bistro in their basement. I went with my friend for a Saturday lunch date.

The bistro is absolutely gorgeous – stone walls with art, teacups, cabinets and trinkets around the room.  It’s absolutely date material – it’s dimly lit even during the day and had a beautifully relaxed ambiance.

Every lunch date should involve Prosecco.

Smoked Mackerel Salad

Smoked mackerel featured in a few of the dishes here so I think it must have been their market special. It was so fresh and beautiful – I’ll happily eat the supermarket smoked mackerel but when you get it fresh in a restaurant that specialises in seafood it’s just an absolute treat. The texture made it for me – it was so soft and juicy. The salad was super basic, so the fish really was the star of the show.

Leaf Pastry Tartlet with Caramalised Red Onion & Goats Cheese

I love goats cheese, and when you add it to pastry and add some salad then I am happy as happy can be. That said, the portion size was incredibly stingy. The minute my plate was placed in front of me I was actually a little bit offended – half a slice of cheese, cut in to quarters. It was delicious but I had to ration my cheese to the salad.

Glazed Smoked Haddock & Leek Macaroni Cheese with Garlic Bread

I’m going to sound like Goldie Locks now, but this portion was too big! Well, not too big, but I couldn’t manage it all as it was so rich and heavy. I’ll start with my nit picking – the sauce was a little bit too runny, and because of that the pasta was a little on the soft side. That said, the sauce was just decadent with the cream and the rich smokiness from the haddock. It was beautiful and I would order it again.

Sirloin Steak with Peppercorn Sauce

My friend ordered the steak and I tried some – it was exactly what it said on the tin and tasted lovely. My idea of a steak involves loads of trimmings and I take my steak eating very (too) seriously so I struggle to excited about steaks like this one. That said, it was cooked to the order and was lovely and juicy.

Irish Cream Iced Parfait with Coffee Caramel

This was absolutely gorgeous – perfect for the sunny day that it was. The coffee caramel was sweet and rich which was a great pairing with the creamy parfait.

Mint Choc Chip Cheesecake

I have totally sickened myself with cheesecake – for the past few months I can’t stand the thought of eating it because in the past it was my default. When I heard that their cheesecake of the day was mint choc chip, I just couldn’t resist giving it a try. It was everything I hoped it would be. It was an odd sensation because it was exactly like the ice cream apart from the difference in temperature. My cheesecake ban is probably now over.

All in this was a fabulous meal. I love the physical restaurant – it’s so cute but classy. The service was spot on – both of our waitresses were really friendly and attentive (and indulged our conversation about Prince and Queen). We had an amazing lunch and I’ll definitely go back!

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The Shandon Belles
Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery
652-654 Argyle Street
Glasgow
G3 8UF

(0141) 221 8188

 @TwoFatLadies88

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