Barra Farm Shop Kitchen

The Redgarth

➤ Kirk Brae, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom

Food • Cafés • Steak • Lodging

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"Three star hotel? Only in price! The Redgarth exceeds all expectations. Our favorite hotel of the trip, wish we could have stayed an extra day. Huge parking lot, beautiful garden set in the peaceful village of Oldmendrum. This boutique hotel with just 6 rooms is nestled in an upscale neighborhood. Our Deluxe Double Room with Balcony was very spacious with comfortable chairs and coffee table, desk, king sized bed, shelves, and nightstands. The bathroom was similarly large with tub/shower combo and plenty of room for our personal toiletries. The hotel and rooms were tastefully and colorfully decorated. We stayed in the “Yew” room (loved this, being a tree-lover). The front view was of the staff parking lot (not busy) and the neighborhood. The back view from the bathroom was the wider view of the valley. The room next to ours (Ash) had a better balcony out the back. One of the best features of this room was the skylight with light blocking shades so we were still able to go to sleep at a reasonable hour amid the late sunset. We were able to walk from the hotel around the town though a car is required to get to Oldmeldrum. The restaurant was excellent. The bar offered a large selection of Scottish made gins and whiskies. This was a favorite spot for locals. The owner and host, Stuart, is extremely welcoming and friendly—we felt like family! Dinner was excellent. I had the Sunday roast—marvelous. We chose to eat both nights’ dinners at The Redgarth. Included breakfast was cold—fruit and yogurt and then pastries, cheese and cold cuts—very filling and fresh! We highly recommend this hotel."

Spice Cottage

➤ S Rd, AB51 0AB, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom

Balti • Asian • Indian • Lodging

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"We have used this restaurant for the last 5 years and up until recently have been very happy. last week we placed a sizeable order (over £50) and after practically having to guide the driver, turn by turn, we recieved our order over an hour after the eta, given to us by the restaurant. The food was cold, and 2 of the meals were inedible due to the quality and state of them. The standard of all meals were sub par and we were very disappointed. We called to highlight the problems immediately and were informed that they were using a taxi that evening, as their usual driver was acting as a chef in their kitchen. We were told someone would call us back to discuss either that evening or the following day. Nobody called. We left it 4 days and called back and were told that they were closed and it was not a convenient time to discuss, but were told someone would call tomorrow guess what.... nobody called. So we called again this evening. The person my wife spoke to was completely unapologetic, spoke over the top of her and refused to accept any responsibility. We did not go looking for free stuff, we simply wanted to offer a restaurant we had used for years an opportunity to make things right. Instead we were met with excuses, hostility and the feeling of being let down."

Dining at Meldrum

➤ Meldrum House Country Hotel Golf CourseAberdeenshire AB51 0AE, Oldmeldrum, United Kingdom

Meat • Cafés • Cheese • Seafood

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"Dining is at present in the new Ballroom due to the Pineapple restaurant closure for Covid 19 restrictions. This in no way detracts from the dining pleasure. Tables are well spaced out. The staff are plentiful, polite and extremely helpful. Food as usual was excellent. Altogether a fabulous dining experience. We had booked to return but sadly Covid 19 forces closure I can easily recommend booking."

Afternoon Tea at Meldrum House

➤ Meldrum House Country Hotel Golf CourseAberdeenshire AB51 0AE, Oldmeldrum, United Kingdom

Wine • Cafés • Asiatic • European

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"The surroundings are gorgeous, service was good alas there was quite a delay in receiving our food due to how busy the dining room was. We were advised that because there was a backlog in the kitchen meals were taking longer to come out. The cave bar is lovely, but it was cold, the door is close to reception, and with lots of guests arriving to attend a wedding, the draft through the bar meant that jackets had to be left on. Service and food was great."

Barra Berries Farmshop

➤ Barra Castle, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom

Fish • Coffee • Ice Cream • Breakfast

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"We stopped here for coffee late on a Sunday morning. We hadn’t booked and the cafe was busy, but were offered a table at the far end of the seating area. Once seated we realised this was going to be very noisy (there was a large party enjoying brunch right next to us so the very helpful waitress offered to move us to the sofas near the door. This was perfect, much quieter and altogether more comfortable. Our coffees were very good, my request for hot milk produced a big jug of it many cafes give only a thimbleful. The scones were amazing, some of the best I’ve had for years absolutely delicious, enormous, served warm with the farm’s own excellent jam. We had the special, raspberry, white chocolate and granola. (Plain and cheese were also available. The bill was significantly lower than several places we have visited recently. About £11.50 we’ve been charged £15 and even, once, almost £20 for 2 coffees and scones in Aberdeenshire over the past year. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. We’ll definitely plan to return as soon as possible."