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15 Reviews
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Disappointing, when we expected better.
Whilst staying in Aberdeen with my son, he took me out for Sunday lunch at The Clunie Dining Room as a pre Mothering Sunday treat. We were somewhat disappointed with our meal. He chose the roast beef which came as one very thick slice and was somewhat chewy. I chose the Belly pork which was very tender but did not appear to be freshly cooked. It looked as though it had been reheated. The vegetables were tasty but the roast potatoes were leathery suggesting they had been cooked earlier and dried out. For the prices charged I would have expected much better. We are happy to pay for something a cut above the rest, but this was certainly not. The wine list was eye wateringly expensive and my 125ml glass was a price I would have expected to pay for the whole bottle. On the plus side the service was impeccable and a very pleasant dining room. It was very quiet for a Sunday lunchtime whereas The Flying Stag next door was jam packed. Maybe they knew something that we didn’t. It certainly wasn’t value for money.
Be the first to ReplyA very expensive mistake
Good: Service level from the staff was very high The starters and dessert were both very good The wine list was comprehensive, though the mark-up was much higher that expected. Average: After-dinner coffee had no petit-fours option and was accompanied by very soft (almost soggy!) shortbread Poor: The main was incredibly dissappointing - very overcooked hake in overly vinegared broth. Value: Terrible. Very expensive and not a place we'll be revisiting.
Be the first to ReplyTERRIBLE OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOUR
After returning from walking ‘The Morrone’, we popped into the hotel to book a table for the evening. I gave details, man, time, and everything seemed fine. A moment later, we were questioned as to whether we were residents, we stated we just wanted dinner at the restaurant, then told bluntly that we could not book. That was rude enough, but moments later a couple overheard us and told us they had just booked a table, the only difference was their attire, we were in walking gear. The young man we spoke to as we entered was extremely helpful and as we were leaving asked if we had booked ok, and was surprised to hear we were unable to get a table. So rude and clearly they didn’t want ‘our sorts’ in their hotel or bar! Terrible experience, one we will never forget.
Be the first to ReplyShockingly bad food.
Made reservations and came a considerable distance with visiting friends to treat them to the "wood-fired Sunday roast" at the Fife Arms Clunie Restaurant. Bad sign that they seemed surprised to see us, then seated us in an otherwise empty dining room. Service was lovely. Wait staff were excellent. Starters (a soup, and a leek dish) were slow to arrive but tasty. Then the "Sunday roast" - when it finally arrived an hour later - was almost inedible. Beef was both tough and improperly carved, so very stringy. Managed to saw off a few bits. Gravy good, but Yorkshire puddings - probably store-bought and in the oven all day - were dried to a crisp and tasteless. The "roasted potatoes" couldn't be cut with our steak knives, as they were impossibly tough and dried out. Really shockingly bad food, honestly. Deeply disappointed to have subjected our friends to such a meal... and paid an eye-watering sum for the experience. The dining room itself is extraordinary, but couldn't rescue the catastrophe of the meal. Sorry, but just couldn't possibly recommend.
Be the first to ReplyInteresting visit
We visited The Clunie whilst staying in Braemar after having it recommended to us. The whole hotel is quirky, a magnet for American tourists who fill the place, it feels like a Scottish version of Disney land which they clearly love. The decor is certainly interesting, although in the dining room it hasn't hit the mark, giving an oppressive and not warm feeling to the room. The food was good local fare, some dishes not working with balance of flavours, my cod main severely lacking in flavour and my husband's venison was unbalanced with the venison beautifully cooked but drowned by the rest of the dish being too strong. The starters and desserts were delicious. There is a lack of training with the staff in what fine dining should offer, lovely people but some clearly have never worked in a good restaurant and it shows, more training required to reach the standard the owners are clearly looking for. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Braemar, cost is about right, not too expensive but about average for a nice meal and evening out.
Be the first to ReplySpecial experience
The already established and renowned hotel had a recent complete overhaul by Hauser and Wirth,a global art dealer conglomerate, and the transformation leaves you in awe - a balance of modern and traditional with a stag centre and front in The Clunie Dining room to remind you that you are in the heart of deer country. The Picasso portrait in the drawing room did not look out of place.the panelled walls have been hand painted in a multicoloured discrete abstract way and it looks stunning The wood fired venison from local estate was of highest quality pink and tender - perfection with a red wine sauce Service was exceptional and a special thanks to Sam
Be the first to ReplyGreat highland gem
Great food and fantastic friendly service from a well trained staff team. Excellent wine list and cocktail menu in quirky and lavish surroundings
Be the first to ReplyA poor reflection of Scotland’s food scene
Dining
We looked forward to dining in the pre-booked Clunie restaurant on our first night.
The hotel is crammed full of fascinating object d’art which have been creatively and tastefully embedded throughout the building.
The restaurant was no exception which all supported the promise of a good meal.
Sadly this did not really materialise despite the hotel’s website stating ‘The Fife Arms showcases the finest seasonal produce for which Scotland is world-famous. From fresh seafood and game to local whiskies and spirits, many of the ingredients used in the kitchens and bars is sourced from local suppliers, gamekeepers and farmers.’
Despite the restaurant being almost full the presented menu only offered a choice of four options for starters and mains with only three side dishes listed. One of the mains was only available as a two person course thus further limiting the choice.
I immediately felt this somewhat limited offering was not on par with the five star aspirations of the hotel. It clearly failed to reflect the website statement.
I opted for the scallop dish which consisted of two small scallops (I used to return larger to the sea in my diving days) which were all but hidden by three scant chicory leaves and a small spoonful of hazelnut purée all for the princely sum of £20! The price is one thing but I have had a more appealing dish served as pub food!
My wife opted for the equally uninspirational mackerel crudo - fancy name not so fancy dish.
These dishes were followed by cod on wilted greens for myself which although a sizeable portion of fish it included a glutinous skin (probably left behind after removing the outer skin post cooking) totally lacked any seasoning apart from an overwhelming acidic drench through the vegetable.
My wife opted for 4 pieces of wood fired pumpkin, presumably the vegetarian dish for £22 - really!
While cod is not a bad fish it is hardly in the top ten of those landed on our shores. Why wasn’t there more fish or indeed seafood options on offer to showcase Scotland’s larder? Halibut, turbot, salmon, shell fish all spring to mind.
Likewise I noticed a rather grand open fire range to the front of the kitchen including a josper type grill /bread oven etc which was not in use. Why not when alternative steak dishes could have been offered? Maybe this is only operated during special events.
Like the hotel I purchase wine from Corney and Bowes (the delivery van was leaving as we arrived). The mark up on wines is staggering even for a hotel!
Breakfast the following day presented similarly poor and limited options again bearing in mind the premier league the business seeks to compete in.
The Ghillie’s breakfast was edible no more. It included spicy beans which clearly had been reheated numerous times , no mushrooms, no tomatoes which are normally standard fare in such dishes. Another odd trait concerned the toast which when ordered alongside coffee actually came underneath the brittle bacon not on a toast rack. No usual smoked haddock, kippers etc were available.
I’ve had better cooked and varied breakfasts in ‘greasy spoon’ cafes. (References are available)
Most of the same dishes were on offer the following day and included one of the strangest dishes I’ve witnessed - broccoli and onion fritters - really- for breakfast! I twice asked for a copy of the previous evening’s menu to see if this vegetable had been on and possibly confirm kitchen recycling. I never got it or any further explanation.
The odd practice of slipping toast under cooked food continued as I was met with one slice of soggy sour dough toast under my scrambled egg.
In short the entire dining experience at the Fife Arms was hugely disappointing especially as it was meant to mark a special occasion.
Again in comparison with other high end establishments we felt the kitchen lacked any imagination, creativity, finesse and ability to properly showcase what Scotland has to offer on food.
Recent reviews suggest the business is striving for premier league recognition but will flatly remain in the third division unless menus and standard of cooking are radically overhauled. Otherwise I do not envisage the Michelin man visiting soon and returning a positive score.
How is it that much smaller establishments can and do offer far more varied and innovative menus which showcase Scotland’s larder at much more realistic cost.
I acknowledge that good reviews have been left by many regarding good standards but it does beg the question what benchmarks they are using.
I for one shan’t be darkening your doorstep again and shall patronise those businesses who deserve their well earned accolades and corresponding patronage.
Disappointing food, but excellent service.
We were staying at the hotel, so wanted the full Fife Arms experience. We had cocktails in Elsa's Bar, which were excellent, and served by very friendly, enthusiastic staff.
Unfortunately, the dining experience was not nearly as good. First of all , neither of us could find anything exciting on the menu. We would have happily had two starters, as we often do in very good restaurants, but there simply were not enough interesting starters. The main options of vegetarian, cod, lamb or beef wellington for two were so uninspiring that we both ordered the lamb, which was decent quality meat with a completely tasteless sauce. Why was there no game on the menu? Wild duck or pheasant would have been excellent. And why serve cod as your fish dish, when so many more exciting fish are available?
The wine list is excruciatingly expensive I think there is one wine under £50, with most being significantly more expensive. I ordered the Muscadet, which was the cheapest on the list, but absolutely excellent. As was the La Madone Fleurie at £50.
However, having had such a disappointing dinner, breakfast in The Clunie was superb.
Staff, for both dinner and breakfast, were exceptional, with Jasmine being a delight, plus a lovely Irish waitress who made our day with a cheery "How are you today, my lovelies?"
Need to get the service and food right
Overall we enjoyed our evening. It was good that you fitted us in for a special occasion. We were aware that we had to vacate the table in two hours for later diners. But throughout we felt a pressure to comply with this, which was totally unnecessary and has never happened in much more modest establishments. In other words we felt rushed. The service was friendly and if anything a little too attentive. Having been ushered in very attentively by all, this was just switched off for our exit and we might have been invisible. The main course was really excellent and a highlight. The starter was a fish dish totally dominated by chilli and very ordinary. Chefs seem to be obsessed with chilli nowadays, even when it obliterates all other flavours. It worked well in venison dish. The wine was pleasant and advice from the sommelier useful. The setting was charming and the sight of the wood oven provided a unique focus and interest.
Be the first to ReplyExpensive but well worth a visit
We dined here on the first night of our stay. Had a cocktail at Elsa’s Bar which was nice.
This restaurant has a wonderful painting along with Stan the stag! Interesting combo.
My venison tartare was delicious. Hubby decided to go for the Sunday roast. Largest Yorkshire pudding was one of the largest. It was delicious.
My lamb was cooked to perfection.
We did not have room for dessert but it was certainly an enjoyable dinner
Sunday lunch
Having visited the hotel pre renovations and since again a couple of times the hotel is amazing. The whole fibre of the hotel and staff is second to none. Sunday lunch in The Clunie dining room is an experience not to be missed. The attention you receive from the staff has to be applauded. The food, we had the Roast Beef was exceptional...as was the rest of the meal....the ambience of the hotel is superb. From my table in the lounge afterwards for coffee i could have sat the rest of the day just people eatching. Alas i had to leave....BUT i shall return sooner rather than later...To all the staff my congratulations.
Be the first to ReplyExpensive but worth it.
Sunday lunch was outstanding. Dinner very good.
I can’t add much to all the other comments on the decor and art but will focus on the service which was exceptional. Service is often not great in Scotland. Here it is truly excellent - professional, friendly, and proactive (in the best way).
Cost wise, a two course Sunday lunch with a G&T, a couple of mid range glasses of wine and tip will not leave much if any change from £100 per head. I considered it worth it.
My wife and I had a pretty
My wife and I had a pretty ordinary meal in the Clunie restaurant recently. The menu choice was poor and the food was just ok. The wine list produced has the cheapest bottle on it at £34.00 where as the “sister” restaurant next door had much more competitively priced wines. When I asked for a bottle of Muscadet from the other restaurant the wine waiter made it clear he was not impressed. We had to ask for serviettes which were not provided for us. Overall quite disappointed and not cheap!
Be the first to ReplyThe best Sunday lunch ever
Eight of us had Sunday lunch in the Clunie, seven of us had beef and one had locally reared pork. The meat was superb! mouth wateringly tender and full of flavour (the beef is marinated in black treacle), the dripping roasted potatoes were caramelised crunchy heaven - the Yorkshire pudding light and fluffy and the roasted veg and green superb. The icing on the beef was the marrow gravy. Some of us followed up with the baked chocolate mousse (perfection on a plate), one had the panacotta - wobbly and light, and one had home made ice cream. Outstanding!
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