This visit was part of a press trip I ‘attended’ on behalf of Visit Aberdeen for FoodFest15 (www.foodfest15.com). FoodFest15 is Aberdeenshire’s take on ‘The Year Of Food & Drink Scotland’ 2015 – and if it’s anything like the experience I had, a grand old time it shall be for anyone who goes. It runs all the way through January to December, though I only showed up for a few days at the end of June. As far as I’m concerned, it’s ALWAYS the year of food and drink – I don’t care where I am, or what year it is. Anyway, I shall now talk about the place you can see before you…
The Banchory Lodge Hotel is a very picturesque place indeed. Based beside the River Dee, it’s a 28 room luxury hotel in a Grade II listed Georgian building near the small town of Banchory. Recently renovated, the best bit is probably the river views or the sound of the water rushing along beside the hotel (very relaxing and all that). It’s at the end of a long private drive, which ensures that, although the Banchory Lodge is pretty well connected to the road network, when you get there you do feel like you’ve just ended up further in the countryside that you actually are. And it’s only 25 minutes from Aberdeen.
I only had a small lunch there, so can’t talk in huge detail about their food offerings, but from what I remember in the form of a sexually gratifying piece of salmon, it’s worth. Like most good restaurants, there’s a seasonal menu, that’s full of lots of excellent local produce – think Aberdeen Angus, local cheeses, Scottish salmon and the works. Deeside and The River Dee in general are pretty famous for salmon – so worth giving that a try if you’re in the area. Sitting on the patio and watching the river roll by as you eat is a fine and wonderful thing. It’s probably easier in the summer but I am told that the outdoor terrace is heated in the winter as well. I spent about 45 minutes wandering the gardens, and there was to be found strong statues and many strange things…