A new quarterly magazine showcasing the food and drink of Royal Deeside and The Cairngorms was launched on July 6th 2010. The first issue of Deelicious can be viewed by viewing our Royal Deeside Larder pages or clicking here You can view it online using our page turning software or download it as a PDF.
What is it about the food in Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms that makes it so special? With its outstanding natural beauty and rich diversity of wildlife, the region is scattered with traditional Scottish estates, including Invercauld, Glen Tanar and Balmoral. It’s no surprise then that the menus of most of the Deeside eateries feature so much high quality meat and game.
The River Dee and its tributaries, which carve their way through the landscape, are teaming with salmon and sea trout at certain times of the year. Using locally sourced ingredients, many of which are organic, ensure that the dishes created are the ultimate taste sensation – as well as having the added benefit of supporting local farmers, fishermen and gamekeepers.
The diversity of eateries on offer in Deeside is excellent, from tasty pub grub at a country coaching inn to a fine dining experience in an award winning hotel or restaurant. Friendly tea rooms can be found in the towns and villages offering some of the best home bakes you will sample. Whatever your budget or taste, you’ll find that the warm Scottish welcome you receive is customary.
With numerous accolades under its belt, including three rosettes for culinary excellence and recommendations from The Good Food Guide, Eat Scotland and Michelin to name just a few, The Green Inn, in Ballater is a hidden gem. The produce used here reflects the seasons and what’s available locally with popular dishes including succulent roe deer and fresh partridge sourced from the Greenhill Estate. Head chef Chris O'Halloran trained at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Raymond Blanc's renowned Hotel near Oxford – what better reference could a restaurant have?
A few minutes walk from here is the Auld Kirk offering equally delicious food in a distinctly unusual setting – a Victorian Scottish Free Church building. Committed to using the best from Deeside’s larder specialities include, duo of cured game with venison sourced from a local estate and roast loin of Aberdeenshire lamb. Dinner at the Auld Kirk, which recently gained its second AA Rosette, is served in the ’Spirit Restaurant’ – a room with high vaulted ceilings, cathedral windows and ornate chandeliers.
At Banchory Lodge, a Georgian mansion house, the efforts made to trace every single ingredient from land to table highlights passion and commitment to Scottish produce. The Riverview Dining Room is ideal for pure indulgence and if you’re looking for an afternoon tea to remember – with delicately cut sandwiches and fine tray bakes – Banchory Lodge has turned this tradition into an art.
Many of the Deeside hotels and restaurants rely on reputable suppliers for their produce, such as Ballater butchers shop, HM Sheridan, which has been granted three Royal Warrants and supplies The Royal Household when in residence. Its beef, pork and lamb are sourced from farmers locally and its venison, pigeon, pheasant, rabbit and partridge is purchased from the local estates.
A natural environment, the fresh local ingredients and the outstanding chefs combine to ensure eating out in Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms is a vibrant, exciting and wholesome experience.
Look out for special Royal Deeside Food events taking place in 2010 which are currently being arranged. Please check back on the web site for full details.
This charming family run hotel sits in a secluded location in the historic village of Braemar and overlooks the famous ‘Braemar Highland Games Gathering’ arena. Recently refurbished to a high standard the hotel offers a warm and friendly welcome, comfortable accommodation, a first class dining experience and is the ideal base for outdoor activities all year round.There is ample parking in our private car park for cars, Mini Buses and motorcycles. We also have ample drying facilities for wet clothing and storage for bikes. Our fully licensed restaurant (open to the public) has been awarded 3* by Visit Scotland, why not discover why we have a growing reputation for the quality and exceptional value of our freshly cooked and locally sourced menu.
Chapel Brae , Braemar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB35 5YT
Tel: 013397 41244
Email: hairhotels@btconnect.com
Brown Sugar offers a touch of nostalgia and style with a large helping of hospitality! Serving the finest Segafredo coffee, delicious home baking, soup, sandwiches and paninis. We have luxury handmade chocolates, locally made fudge and tablet. Our gift shop has many Scottish products, quality gifts and cards. Open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm, Brown Sugar gift shop and cafe with decked patio area is often open later during Spring and Summer.
8 Bridge Street, Ballater, AB35 5QP
Tel: 013397 55388
Email: kjgerrie@yahoo.co.uk
Quote from the newly launched 10th edition of Peter Irvine's book "Scotland the Best" - FINZEAN FARM SHOP, DEESIDE - "This one's fabulous, a new one for the book. It's not on the main road, but between Banchory and Aboyne, in an estate. Kate and Catriona run it and it's just lovely, looking out on to the mountains. A lot of food sold here is from the estate – meat and game – and loads of stuff they make themselves, carefully sourced and very well presented. It's really special – one of the best in Britain, I'd say. A real foodie destination."
Balnaboth Steading, Finzean, Aberdeenshire, AB31 6PA
Tel: 01330 850710
Email: catriona@finzean.com
Platform 22 is a ceramics studio, gallery and coffee house run by Emma and David Pattullo. It produces a great range of ceramics including hand painted table and giftware, commemorative plates and bowls and tiles for interior decoration. An integral part of the business is our gallery and coffee house where there is a range of works by local artists and craft makers - jewellery and gifts. The coffee shop serves a full range of coffees, teas etc and delicious home baking! Open from 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Pottery, Ceramics Studio and Coffee House 22a Station Road, Torphins, AB31 4JF
Tel: 013398 882039
Email: mail@platform22.co.uk
Delicious hot soup, hot pies and sandwiches and also one of the best known places to sample and buy top quality local produce. HM Sheridan of Ballater is a long established butcher where beef, lamb, pork, venison and game are all sourced locally and are used to make a wide range of unique products including 20 varieties of sausage and traditional black pudding and haggis. The website includes a variety of seasonal recipe ideas for making the most of local produce when it is at its very best.
HM Sheridan also provides an outside catering service using only the best of local produce. Please contact us for more information on all our products and services!
11 Bridge Street, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5QP
Tel: 013397 55218
Email: info@hmsheridan.co.uk
Three AA Rosettes, EatScotland Gold award-winning restaurant with rooms in the heart of Ballater. (Visit Scotland 4 Stars) Recommended by the AA Restaurant Guide, The Good Food Guide, Michelin, Scotland The Best and others. All dishes are cooked to order using fresh local produce.
9 Victoria Road, Ballater, AB35 5QQ
Tel: 013397 55701
Email: info@green-inn.com
A 3* small hotel with 9 tastefully decorated en-suite rooms and an enviable reputation for great food and friendly service. This former 18th century coaching inn in the Deeside village of Tarland is a hidden gem offering the perfect place to refresh & rejuvenate whilst enjoying the stunning scenery of The Cairngorms & Royal Deeside.
The Square, Tarland, Aberdeenshire, AB34 4TX
Tel: 013398 81922
Set on the south bank of the beautiful River Dee, surrounded by glorious countryside, a warm welcome awaits you at the Potarch Hotel.You are invited to sample true Scottish hospitality - complemented by fine wines, real ales, log fires and a wee dram! The Potarch Hotel is open under new management as of Feb 2010. Che & Nicola Mueller look forward to welcoming returning and new guests to the hotel and restaurant.The bar lounge is open from 12 pm – 9 pm Sun- Thur and 12 pm -10 pm Fri & Sat.
By Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 4BD
Tel: 01339 884339
Email: info@potarchhotel.co.uk
A weekly delivery service of freshly picked home grown seasonal vegetables for Ballater, Dinnet Aboyne and surrounding areas. Additional items include fresh eggs, hanging baskets, home made jams, marmalades, preserves and flower/ vegetable seedlings. All deliveries are free. We also sell our produce at local fairs and supply our Jams Marmalades and Preserves to local Hotels and Guest Houses and the Tourist Information Offices in Ballater and Braemar
Ballaterach Farmhouse No 2, Dinnet, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34 5NX
Tel: 013398 80559
Email: thefarmgarden@btinternet.com
Lochside Restaurant & Bistro Bar - Golf Course and Boutique Hotel Accommodation. Dinner, Bar Supper, Bistro and Kids menus offering a wide range of food with the option of casual eating on our balcony. Members of Eat Scotland. Full restaurant and bar services to residents and non residents. Newly opened accommmodation and a spa and has some of the best views in Aberdeenshire - facing west over Aboyne Loch. Conference facilities. Try your hand on the superb 9 hole golf course.
Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB34 5BR
Tel: 01339 886444
Email: info@thelodgeontheloch.com
more info...
A beautiful, privately owned and run Scottish country house hotel located close to Aberdeen and 1 mile north of Banchory. The Georgian mansion house sits in 10 acres of lawn and parkland. Raemoir offers 20 bedrooms, 2 AA Rosette dining, and outstanding corporate and conference facilities.
Raemoir, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 4ED
Tel: 01330 824884
Email: hotel@raemoir.com
Honest thoughtful food cooked and served by a group of passionate individuals. Adjacent to Woodend Barn, we offer a unique space in which to eat, read, relax and converse. Morning coffee and afternoon tea, lunches, pre concert suppers and evening meals are all on offer. We use local seasonal produce, with over 60% being organic, plus a small but growing percentage from our two allotments.
We have a great selection of books to peruse and read with some available to buy as well as a small selection of useful or edible items. Our outdoor tables are popular on summer evenings and crisp winter mornings - the views are fantastic!
Special evenings with music, wine and food. Join our mailing list for advance notice. Visit soon and become part of our expanding community of regulars & friends. Open 7 days a week, 9am-10pm with flexible food offering.
Woodend Barn Burn O' Binnie , Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5QA
Tel: 01330 826 530
Email: bistro@buchananfood.com
Glenshee Ski Centre offers the UK's most extensive skiing and snowboarding facilities - we hope you will enjoy our mountains of adventure. Glenshee - adventure in the making! Glenshee's impressive 20 lifts and 36 runs offer an amazing diversity of natural terrain for all standards of skiers and snowboarders. There are lots of options to choose from - you can join a class, go private, hire an instructor for your group, get into race training or simply take advantage of one of our great value package deals. Restaurant and Catering facilities.
Cairnwell, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB35 5XU
Tel: 01339 741320
Email: info@ski-glenshee.co.uk
A charming bistro style cafe in Ballater's Station Square! Open 10am-5pm. A menu with a selection of dishes made from fresh produce - something for everyone! Light salads, soups and the best fish pie ever to mention just a few of the many choices. Coffees, cakes and genuine Scottish cream teas with fresh scones & jam in the afternoon. Booking for lunch advisable.
Station Square, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5QB
Tel: 01339 755050
The Milton Restaurant is in a stunning setting on the riverbank in Royal Deeside. Personalised service and delicious, award winning cuisine, together with a welcoming atmosphere, set it apart from other restaurants in the area.
Milton of Crathes, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5QH
Tel: 01330 844474
Email: jan@themilton.co.uk
Taste offers the yummiest homemade cakes, excellent rain forest alliance coffee and fairtrade teas throughout the day. At lunch we have fresh tasty soups, with local bread and homemade fillings.
We are open five days a week from 10:00 til 17:00, we are closed on tuesday and wednesday.
We incorporate the tastiest scottish produce in our food and combine it with friendly service, relaxed surroundings and excellent views. we cater for all ages and tastes and have full access for all levels of mobility. there's also a dedicated kiddy corner and our new childrens menu is proving a hit.
Airlie House Auchendryne Square, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5WS
Tel: 01339 741425
Email: info@taste-braemar.co.uk
Banchory Lodge Hotel is privately owned and and offers superior accommodation in an idyllic riverside garden setting. Many of the 22 bedrooms have river views and the dining room overlooks the confluence of the rivers Feugh and Dee. Banchory Lodge offers 20 bedrooms, 2 AA Rosette dining, and outstanding corporate and conference facilities
Dee Street AB31 5HS Scotland, Banchory, Kincardineshire, Scotland, AB31 5HS
Tel: 01330 822625
The Kildrummy Inn is located in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire on the main A97 Donside road heading to Strathdon just a couple of minutes drive from the Mossat junction.
Its location makes the Kildrummy Inn an excellent base for touring this beautiful part of the Grampian Mountains & beyond.
Ideally situated for both the Whisky & Castle trails with Kildrummy’s own historic Castle & tranquil gardens just 10 minutes walk from the Inn front door!
As well as catering for visitors & tourists, Kildrummy Inn is renowned for its excellent cuisine & hospitality making it a very popular place to dine!
Kildrummy Inn has:
4 tastefully decorated en-suite letting bedrooms
Welcoming lounge bar
3 separate dining areas
Guest lounge
Function hall
Caravan & camping club CL site with 5 pitches
Ample parking
Garage storage for motorcycles
Kildrummy Inn Kildrummy, Alford, Aberdeenshire, AB33 8QS
Tel: 019755 71227
Email: enquiries@kildrummyinn.co.uk
The smallest Hilton hotel in the world but what a glorious setting! Fine dining, snacks, accommodation, spa, two pools, leisure centre. What more could you ask for - all in the heart of Royal Deeside, Scotland and on the edge of Ballater with magnificent views looking west up the Dee Valley onto Lochnagar. Braemar Road, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB35 5XA
Tel: 013397 55858
Further afield and on the North Deeside Road at Pitfodels in Aberdeen we are pleased to be associated with The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa which is a 5 star luxury hotel set in 11 acres of wooded grounds. With 35 Rooms and 7 Suites this privately owned hotel is designed as a restful, elegant refuge for both the business and leisure traveller.
North Deeside Rd Pitfodels, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB15 9YA
Tel: 01224 861000
Email: enquiries@marcliffe.com
19-bedroom hotel set in 2 acres of woodland ground in the heart of Ballater, Royal Deeside with wonderful views across the golf course to majestic Lochnagar in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. Our restaurant prepares dishes to order using fresh, local ingredients. Stuuning views and extensive gardens. Conference facilities and coffees.
Invercauld Road, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB35 5RP
Tel: 01339 755402
Email: infos@glen-lui-hotel.co.uk
A 3-star village hotel originally built in the 19th century by Queen Victoria's doctor. We offer 22 comfortable single, double and family rooms and are famed for our AA Rosette and Taste of Scotland dining that uses the very best of local produce. Great accommodation in this part of Scotland. There is often live folk music taking place with the Deeside Sessions. Our newly built log cabins are an ideal base and each has 2 bedrooms sleeping up to 4. We have access to the River Feugh for fishing and a Ghillie who will pick up from the hotel and return back.
Ballater Road Dinnet, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB34 5JY
Tel: 01339 885229
Email: info@lochkinord.com
North Lurg Midmar, Inverurie, AB51 7NB
Tel: 01330 833462
Bridge of Feugh, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 6NL
Tel: 01330 822123
75 High Street, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 1TQ
Tel: 01330 825525
14 Invercauld Road, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YP
Tel: 013397 41556
Cambus O May, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5SD
Tel: 01339 755126
North Deeside Road, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5YR
Tel: 01330 824393
3 Dee Street, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5ST
Tel: 01330 825545
12 Bridge Square, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5QJ
Tel: 01339 755376
Dinnet
Tel: 013398 85337
Bridge Square, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5QJ
Tel: 013397 55999
31 Braemar Road, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB35 5RQ
Tel: 01339 755762
Glassel Road, Banchory, Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB31 4BQ
Tel: 01330 826427
Raemoir Road, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 4EJ
Tel: 01330 825059
6 Main Street, Tomintoul, Ballindalloch, AB37 9EX
Tel: 01807580213
Corgarff, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, AB36 8YL
Tel: 01975 651433
Keepers Cottage Sluie , Banchory, AB31 4BA
Tel: 07802 915003 & 013398 843
45 Braemar Road, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5RQ
Tel: 013397 55420/56079
31 The Square, Tarland, Aberdeenshire, AB34 4TX
Tel: 013398 81225
Charleston Road, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34 5EL
Tel: 01339 886137
Invercauld Place, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YP
Tel: 01339 741234
14 Dee Street, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5ST
Tel: 01330 822326
43 Bridge Street, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5QD
Tel: 01339 755191
Corgarff, Aberdeenshire, AB36 8YP
Tel: 019756 51410
Glenshee Road, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YQ
Tel: 01339 741627
Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34 5LL
Charlestown Road, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34 5HS
Tel: 01339 886101
Corgarff, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, AB36 8YD
Tel: 019756 51440
20 Mar Road, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YL
Tel: 013397 41247
18 Mar Road, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YP
Tel: 013397 41415
The Square, Tomintoul, Ballindalloch, AB37 9ET
Tel: 01807 580378
Formaston Park, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34 5HP
Tel: 01339 886328
Kildrummy, Alford, Aberdeenshire, AB33 5EX
Tel: 019755 71288
Craigwell, By Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34 5BP
Tel: 01339 885757