A Slice of the Med on the Clyde at Riva Boutique Hotel in Helensburgh

Whilst influencers and travel writers jet off to far‑flung corners of the globe, at Bite we’re more than content exploring Scotland’s endless pretty pockets. We can be quietly smug knowing our country has it all — landscape, history, a natural larder that spoils us, and weather that may deliver four seasons in a day but remains, somehow, reliably temperate.

And so Mr Bite and I set off for our latest staycation in Helensburgh. Famous for its outlook over the Clyde, for Hill House, and for sitting just a stone’s throw from Faslane, it’s a place I’d inexplicably never visited despite living in Glasgow for over a decade.

What we found was a leafy, elegant town with a long waterfront that pulls your gaze across the loch. And on this main drag sits our home for two days: Riva Boutique Hotel. Home is the right word — Helensburgh wears its west coast hospitality proudly, and nothing is ever too much trouble. Within hours, that warmth was stitched into our stay.

It’s always a treat to open a hotel door and know you won’t be cleaning a shower or doing the laundry But this room was something else: third‑floor townhouse charm, two cushioned window seats, a bathroom that ran the full length of the space, and — best of all — a record player with a stack of vinyl. Stevie Wonder on a west coast staycation? Perfect.

The heat was properly roasting too — that rare west coast sizzle that makes every decision lean towards cold drinks and shade. And so, we headed straight downstairs for a refresher, to remind us that we were officially off duty. A Campari from their line‑up of summer spirits for me (because nothing says holiday like that bitter, ruby kick), and a pint of hoppy pale ale for him. Sitting outside under the canopy, it felt almost Mediterranean.

And that theme continues.

Riva Boutique Hotel has just revamped its food and drink offering, re‑launching as Santé Bar & Bistro, a Mediterranean‑inspired space that leans into sunshine flavours and relaxed coastal dining. The new small plates lunch menu — three dishes for £15.95, Monday to Saturday — brings together Burrata with heirloom tomatoes, Pollo alla Milanese, and Quinoa with feta and pomegranate. The à la carte goes deeper into Italy, with Pizzettes made in‑house and proper pasta dishes: slow‑braised Beef Bauletti with black garlic and red wine, Beetroot Girasoli with aromatic spices, and Lobster Bauletti in a shellfish bisque. We has pasta but also some great fish and chips served as it should be with mushy peas, homemade tasrtar sauce and a lemon wedge, .Mr Bite oved his steak with Chimmichurri.

We had pasta, but also some excellent Fish and Chips, served exactly as it should be — with mushy peas, homemade tartar sauce, and a lemon wedge. Mr Bite loved his Steak with chimichurri, cooked perfectly and full of flavour. I had Let it Bee organic rose wine with my pasta on the first night one and organic verdejo with the my fish and chips on the second evening.

Desserts keep things classic and comforting — homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding, Cheesecake of the day (the Piña Colada was recommended) and Italian gelatos and sorbets. And I can say with full confidence that the Sticky Toffee Pudding, made in‑house by the chef, was the best I have ever tasted. Light, warm, treacly, and devilishly indulgent.

Beyond the hotel, Helensburgh gave us the perfect mix of pottering and playing. We played tennis at one of the two local clubs, I wandered happily through the charity shops and gorgeous boutiques, and we stocked up on wine and beer at Ellies Cellars. At the Saturday market, we picked up bread and the creamiest smoked trout to take home for tea.

Hill House is up the hill from Helensburgh

We also popped into Hill House ( the cafe only which has empire biscuits) and scones that reminded me of Betty's Little Rascals IFYKYK), though regrettably didn’t manage to cycle through Glen Fruin, site of the eponymous battle, with its gorgeous views over the loch. Next time.

We were genuinely sorry to leave Riva, the stylish seafront base perfectly positioned along Helensburgh’s historic waterfront of Victorian buildings. Rooms range from Seaview Kings to family rooms and twins, all with waterfall showers, underfloor heating, smart TVs, high‑speed Wi‑Fi and coffee machines. A proper little coastal escape, just a short hop from Loch Lomond — and exactly the kind of place that reminds you why Scotland’s “pretty pockets” are always worth choosing.

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Riva Hotel: 12–14 W Clyde Street, Helensburgh - +44 1436 677796