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	Home: Aberdeen & Grampian : Aberdeen & Grampian Members

Enquiries		Eat on the Green				Comments
		Udny Green ELLON, Aberdeen & Grampian Members,  AB41 7RS Tel: 01651 842337				Contemporary restaurant oozing with charm by this picturesque village green. Craig creatively uses Aberdeenshire ingredients and has gained many plaudits. He has successfully transformed a small village pub into an award-winning restaurant and made quite a name for himself in his 'tartan trews.' He has done a great deal to support the local community and is a highly gifted chef. His entertaining cookery demonstrations at the Royal Highland Show are always warmly received.

Enquiries		Marcliffe Hotel, Spa and Restaurant				Comments
		North Deeside Road Pitfodels ABERDEEN, Aberdeen & Grampian Members,  AB15 9YA Tel: +44 (0)1224 861000				Aberdeen’s only 5 Star VisitScotland Hotel The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is set in 11 acres of wooded grounds in the western suburb of Pitfodels, 3 miles from the centre of Aberdeen, known as The Granite City. The original house was built in 1848 and converted to a luxury hotel by the present owner in 1993. With 35 rooms and 7 suites, this privately owned hotel is designed as a restful, elegant refuge for both the business and leisure traveller. The Conservatory Restaurant offers only seasonal Scottish produce, accompanied by a wine list of over 400 wines and more than 100 malt whiskies. In the design and preparation of the menus our chefs call on locally grown vegetables to compliment Scotland’s finest fish, meat and game to reflect the truly Scottish nature of the hotel. A well appointed Health and Beauty Spa and gymnasium is available for all guests. This luxurious and relaxed hotel is ideally located for touring Royal Deeside where there are more castles per acre than anywhere else in Britain. The Castle Trail will take you to eleven of the finest examples. Alternatively, on The Malt Whisky Trail, you can discover malt whisky distilleries and a cooperate to learn more about the numerous Speyside Malt Whisky Distilleries unique to this part of North East Scotland. Championship golf is offered at Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay and Murcar and arrangements can be made for all forms of country pursuits, including Salmon and Trout Fishing, Game Shooting and Stalking.

Enquiries		Deeside Activity Park				Comments
		DESS, Aberdeen & Grampian Members,  AB34 5BD Tel: 01339 883536				Renowned for his prize Aberdeen Angus Beef herd on the farm, this family run enterprise also has an excellent farm shop and light airy café. The café serves great home farm beef burgers, wholesome soups and tasty bakes and is a lovely couthy venue. The building sits alongside their activity park with kart racing, quad biking, fishing, shooting, orienteering, children's activities and corporate events - a busy place and always popular with locals and tourists alike. See farm shop entry under Cairnton Beef for farm shop.

Enquiries		Knockomie Hotel				Comments
		Grantown Road FORRES Moray, Aberdeen & Grampian Members,  IV36 2SG Tel: 01309 673146				Knockomie is a really beautiful residence with many fine architectural features and just a wonderful relaxing atmosphere where you can be sure of a great meal with fine Scotch Beef largely featured. Congratulations to Gavin on his justly deserved Silver Thistle Award. The Ellis family not only have a great hotel here but also do a great deal for Scottish tourism.

Enquiries		Pennan Inn				Comments
		PENNAN BANFFSHIRE, Aberdeen & Grampian Members,  AB43 6JB Tel: 01346 561201				What an amazing location! For those of you familiar with the hit film Local Hero this is the home of the red phone box and the delightful row of white cottages by the stunning harbour and cliff. Peter and Nikki now own the inn and have carried out major refurbishments creating three lovely bedrooms and an inviting menu with locally landed seafood and also Thai dishes reflecting their heritage from both Scotland and Thailand, using the local butcher's produce and interesting vegetarian options too. The diningroom is light and contemporary; the cosy bar with its log stove has many photographs with the film stars and crew at work. Limited seasonal opening over winter so PLEASE call to check 2013 early spring opening times.

	Home: Aberdeen & Grampian : Aberdeenshire

Enquiries		Beautiful Mountain				Comments
		11-13 Belmont Street Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire,  AB10 1JR Tel: 01224 645353				Cafe and sandwich deli specialising in organic, fair trade and vegan options. They are firm believers in local produce and do take aways and catering for your own events too. Light tapas are among the evening options and the mood is informal and casual.

Enquiries		Bistro Verde				Comments
		The Green Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire,  AB11 6NY Tel: 01224 586180				Informal bistro in the heart of the city. Bustling and appealing with a mouth watering selection of seafood, their speciality. Enjoy local langoustines, lemon sole, mackerel, crab and many more sustainable goodies from the depths. No e mail at present.

Enquiries		Cafe 52				Comments
		52 The Green Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire,  AB11 6PE Tel: 01224 590094				Zany and energetic - a buzzing bistro with very innovative food. They mix their support of local produce with zany Mediterranean ideas and it is very successful. Their menus have a quirky and sustainable feel to them.

Enquiries		Silver Darlings				Comments
		Pocra Quay, North Pier, Footdee Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire,  AB11 5DQ Tel: 01224 576229				Silver Darlings is named after the herrings given the same name. Established acclaimed seafood restaurant in amazing location - almost out at sea by Aberdeen! Stylish and nautical with an abundance of Scottish seafood within a highly French influenced menu. Well worth a visit. No e mail at present so please telephone to book.

	Home: Aberdeen & Grampian : Alford

Enquiries		Kildrummy Castle				Comments
		Kildrummy, Alford,  AB33 8RA Tel: 01975 571288				Quintessential country mansion set in acres of gardens with fine food to match. It is a wonderful setting for weddings and other special days, and a famous whisky bar. Under new management in July 2012 so we wish them all the best and look forward to catching up in the near future.

	Home: Aberdeen & Grampian : Ballater

Enquiries		Crannach				Comments
		Cambus O'May, Ballater,  AB35 5SD Tel: 01339 755126				Refreshing contemporary eating place - complete with a small but high quality selection local crafts - a lovely find. Doug Cookson has a passion for Slow Food and creates many fine artisan breads available on sale in his shop. It has a small but light and airy cafe within that is the perfect place to break your Deeside journey for his superb home made bakes and light dishes and an excellent coffee.

Enquiries		Darroch Learg				Comments
		Braemar Road, Ballater,  AB35 5UX Tel: 013397 55443				Its old Gaelic name translates as 'the oak wood on the sunny hillside. ' A fine country residence overlooking Ballater, steeped in history and with grace and style. Formal sophisticated menus - quite intricate fine dining style, with accolades, sourcing the best Scottish produce proudly displayed on their menus.

Enquiries		Glen Lui Hotel				Comments
		Invercauld Road, Ballater,  AB35 5RP Tel: 01339 755402				Originally a private summer residence built in 1896 this lovely residence is an ideal place for an enjoyable break. Sunny diningroom with fine views and delicious seasonal fare. The balanced menus comprise of local Deeside lamb, game and seafood and menus reflect the family's support of local producers.

Enquiries		Green Inn				Comments
		9 Victoria Road, Ballater,  AB35 5QQ Tel: 01339 755701				A family enterprise with son Chris in the kitchen, the O'Hallorans make a successful team and have justly received many plaudits. With hand dived scallops, fillet of Aberdeen Angus and seared saddle of roe deer this menu has impeccable pedigree...and the puddings are marvellous too. Indeed, as if to prove his point, Chris won ITV's Britain's Best Dish: The Chefs, with his Bittersweet Hot Chocolate Cake. Nice one.

	Home: Aberdeen & Grampian : Balmedie

Enquiries		Cock & Bull				Comments
		Ellon Road, Balmedie,  AB23 8XY Tel: 01358 743249				Scottish Gastro Pub of the Year 2012. A wonderfully eclectic inn, vibrant and bustling with excellent fresh menus - essential prerequisites of the gastro pub ...all prepared on the premises using local produce as much as possible to create award-winning dishes. They use Marine Stewardship Council approved fresh white fish and shellfish landed in Peterhead, Beef and Pork from Buchan and Kincardineshire, highlands game and seasonal vegetables.

	Home: Aberdeen & Grampian : Banffshire

Enquiries		Boyndie Trust: The Old School Visitor Centre and Coffee Shop				Comments
		Boyndie by Banff, Banffshire,  AB45 2JT Tel: 01261 843249				A charming place to visit, featuring beautiful landscaped gardens, an excellent range of crafts and a lovely coffee shop brimming with Banff produce. This light airy venue has home baking, their famous cullen skink plus daily specials, hot dishes and light bites. Already a great place to visit there has been much refurbishment underway so lots to see. Call to check opening times.

Enquiries		Delgatie Castle				Comments
		Delgatie Turriff, Banffshire,  AB53 5TD Tel: 01888 563479				Clan Hay Centre, this stunning and imaginative venue has riveting history and romantic gardens. Ideal for weddings but equally enjoyable for a light lunch or tasty slice of home made cake in the laird's kitchen. The castle tearoom has rightly won an award for its scones and baking and I for one am delighted for such a lovely place.

Enquiries		Norwood Guest House				Comments
		11 Seafield Place Cullen, Banffshire,  AB56 4TE Tel: 01542 840314				Delightful 19th century Georgian villa, handy for the town centre yet on a peaceful avenue. Your charming hosts will ensure you have a relaxing stay - the bedrooms are lovely and the freshly prepared breakfasts and dinners are brimming with local produce. The house is absolutely charming and the wee historic coastal town of Cullen a beautiful place to tarry.

Enquiries		Rockpool Cafe and Restaurant				Comments
		10 The Square Cullen, Banffshire,  AB56 4RR Tel: 01542 841397				A lovely new addition to to the pretty town of Cullen. This light and airy bistro on the corner of the Square has been very attractively laid out with natural woods and a split level design. Chef proprietor Stephen has created a lovely menu with home bakes and local produce - the hog roast was delicious.

Enquiries		Beggars Belief				Comments
		10B Shorehead Portsoy, Banffshire,  AB45 2PB Tel: 01261 843803				What can I say! This quirky wee place right at Portsoy harbour is an eclectic mix of bric a brac, gifts and crafts alongside a good range of fair trade coffee and teas. The piratical haven is steeped in history and has been a labour of love for its owners to restore. With seriously constrained kitchen facilities they can only offer soup with local oatcakes, Duncans of Deeside shortbread, muffins and ice cream both made in Portsoy. I have included this venue because of the warmth of their welcome, the unique decor, the waterfront location, and a good cuppa with a local biscuit!

Enquiries		Castle Hotel Huntly				Comments
		Huntly, Banffshire,  AB54 4SH Tel: 01466 792696				This historic home is now a lovely hotel with great character. Log fires, a warm welcome and a gracious staircase all await you and the dinner menu is brimming with local seasonal produce such as the pigeon dish pictured. Owing to the demise of a local historic bridge access is currently by way of a back road but do not be disheartened - it is very easy to follow the diversion and a great new find for Scottish Food Guide.

Enquiries		Duff House				Comments
		Banff, Banffshire,  AB45 3SX Tel: 01261 813004				Duff House is a massive and stunning William Adam designed dwelling built between 1735 and 1740 for William Duff, The 1st Earl of Fife. From stately home to its current extensive restoration it has been a hotel, sanitarium, prisoner of war camp and billet for Polish and Norwegian soldiers!! It is now run by Historic Scotland and houses a permanent collection of fine works of art on loan from the National Galleries of Scotland. It has a lovely gift shop and last, but not least, a vibrant newly refurbished cafe with soups, light dishes and home baking. With much to see indoors and extensive grounds for walks this is a great place go. Open all year although opening times shorter during winter so call to check. Clearly signposted on the edge of Banff.

Enquiries		Meikle Camaloun				Comments
		Fyvie Nr Turriff, Banffshire,  AB53 8JY Tel: 01651 891319				I don't review B&Bs as a rule as it is impossible to visit them all so they pop up when I happen to stay in one! This is one such place - a graceful family farmhouse B&B on a working farm where I received a warm welcome, lovely room and a tasty breakfast. No e mail at present.

	Home: Aberdeen & Grampian : Braemar

Enquiries		Taste				Comments
		Airlie House, Auchendryne Square, Braemar,  AB35 5WS Tel: 01339 741425				Stylish contemporary surroundings make this the perfect place for a coffee and home baking or light lunches showcasing and supporting many local producers. No evening meals at present. This light and airy well designed setting is ideal for stopping off on these famous Scottish byways. A real asset to Braemar.

	Home: Aberdeen & Grampian : Elgin

Enquiries		Mansion House Hotel				Comments
		The Haugh, Elgin,  IV30 1AW Tel: 01343 548811				Gracious country house hotel with many beatiful original features. The Still Room is available for private dining parties and the main dining room also has great charm. An ideal place to stay whilst 'researching' all the wonderful whiskies and enjoying excellent food.

Enquiries		Pines Guest House				Comments
		East Road, Elgin,  IV30 1XG Tel: 01343 552495				Victorian mansion prettily situated in it's own grounds in the historic East end of Elgin. An excellent B&B that I happened upon by chance. A fine breakfast a speciality.

	Home: Aberdeen & Grampian : Ellon

Enquiries		The Store @ The Pottery Barn				Comments
		Newburgh, Ellon,   AB41 6AY Tel: 01358 788083				An incredible cornucopia of local produce: home grown meats - home produced Aberdeen Angus beef and grass fed lamb - vegetables, home cooking, local cheeses, delicacies and much more. No longer in the small bothy, The Store at Foveran as popular as ever and relocated across the yard in the Pottery Barn complete with coffee shop. As they say 'our farm; our passion; your lifestyle.'

	Home: Aberdeen & Grampian : Forres

Enquiries		Uralla				Comments
		Sanquhar Road, Forres,  IV36 1DG Tel: 01309 672082				This is a charming bed and breakfast on a quiet avenue near the centre of Forres. The beautiful Victorian house retains many of its original features and has a delightful atmosphere. You will receive a warm welcome and a lovely breakfast. Within walking distance of Benromach Distillery! Very handy!

	Home: Aberdeen & Grampian : Keith

Enquiries		Boogie Woogie				Comments
		2 Regent Square, Keith,  AB55 5DX Tel: 01542 888077				Eclectic gift shop with crafts and clothes plus an exuberant cafe with light dishes and lots of home baking. Daily changing warming soups with home made bread and delicious gateaux to tempt you too. Very relaxed, bright and quirky.

	Home: Aberdeen & Grampian : Oldmeldrum

Enquiries		The Redgarth				Comments
		Kirk Brae, Oldmeldrum,  AB51 0DJ Tel: 01651 872353				The Redgarth ( The Red House In The Garden) was built in the 1920's and has been an inn for a considerable part of its existence. It is a family run inn with great home cooking using local produce with some international dishes and a warm welcome.

	Home: Aberdeen & Grampian : Stonehaven

Enquiries		Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant				Comments
		Old Pier, Stonehaven,  AB39 2JU Tel: 01659 762287				Fine restaurant in beautiful setting right by the harbour. Contemporary and stylish, light and airy decor within ancient walls. Their wonderful menu is mouth watering and has justly won many plaudits. They are highly dedicated to local produce and it shows throughout the menus. No e mail at present so please telephone to book.

	Home: Aberdeen & Grampian : Tomintoul

Enquiries		Clockhouse Restaurant				Comments
		The Square, Tomintoul,  AB37 9EX Tel: 01807 580378				A charming bistro with freshly cooked seasonal produce served to you in a friendly relaxed manner. Tomintoul is famous for being on one of the most scenic routes in Scotland - equally stunning in high summer and snowscapes so if you haven't yet driven there I thoroughly recommend it to you. The Clockhouse is easy to find by the main square in this little village and you will not be disappointed with their fine highland cuisine.