North Hop's Guide to Aberdeenshire Food & Drink
Tuesday 25th June 2019
Since 3 out of 4 of our Summer Events Programme events are being held in Aberdeenshire we figured we'd share some of the best places to grab food and drink! The area is jam packed with farm shops, brewpubs, ice cream shops, cafes and restaurants, with a lot of them utilising local produce and championing the area!
This list isn't exhaustive by any means but here's some of our favourites to check out...
The Coffee Apothecary - These guys now have two fab spots to grab speciality coffee and fine food from, their original place in Udny, and their new place in Ellon which also just starting opening late for evening food and drink! When visiting the Ellon one don't miss checking out the toilets for pretty impressive floors...
BrewDog Inverurie - One of the newest BrewDog bars to launch this place has 22 taps of fresh craft beer (they've had some pretty impressive takeovers to date!) and are getting a great name for their food offering. They have now also opened a great beer garden space just in time for summer!
DogTap - From one of BrewDog's newest bars to one of the OG's, DogTap is located at their impressive Ellon brewery site, along with OverWorks (sour beers galore!) and the freshest of BrewDog beers and spirits but we go here mainly for the FOOD! From brunch till dinner we're all about the chicken waffles, cauliflower wings and loaded burgers!
Barra Farmshop - Just re-opened for the season (and now opening year round) this place should be on everyones Aberdeenshire bucket list! Pick up some of their on-site grown Barra Berries and try their deliciously moreish ice cream. And make sure you take a wander around the front for a stunning view of the Aberdeenshire countryside! The farmshop now has a kitchen and will soon be opening for meals.
The Bay Fish & Chips - Further down the coast this is another must-visit spot! Grab some freshly landed and cooked fish n chips and head down to Stonehaven Beach for lunch/dinner with a view! Our favourite is their Amity Breaded Scampi served with chips, a wedge of lemon and fresh tartare sauce, delish!
Aunty Betty's - No visit to The Bay would be complete without popping into Aunty Betty's next door for a fully loaded ice cream! This ice cream and sweetie shop might seem wee from the outside but the selection available is always impressive and makes choosing what to have a tricky task!
Platform 22 - In the heart of Royal Deeside lies this great bistro and pottery gallery. The bistro serves up locally sourced and Scottish produce, and every week they host a lovely little farmers market giving folk the opportunity to shop local. Keep an eye out for street food pop-ups taking place throughout the year. Platform 22 also stocks an eclectic range of Scottish spirits and liqueurs available for off-sale.
The Fife Arms - This historic Victorian coaching inn in Braemar has been imaginatively restored to a very high standard and is a great spot to visit for food and drink, and even an overnight or too. Enjoy classic Scottish dishes and choose from an impressive bar selection in The Flying Stag public bar, try out wood-fired cooking in The Clunie Dining Room, savour afternoon tea in The Drawing Room or partake in a cocktail or two in Elsa's.
Brew Toon Bar Peterhead - This funky little taproom in Peterhead was a welcome addition to the local bar scene. As well as having their own beers on tap you can regularly find some tasty guest beers to try and keep an eye out for their regular street food takeovers, quiz nights and live music evenings.
Eat on the Green - Home of The Kilted Chef, Craig Wilson this two AA Rosette restaurant is in the quaint village of Udny. Using the best of local produce, and fresh seasonal ingredients to create a true taste of Scotland! Open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Formartine's - Set on the Haddo Estate this shop and eatery (with great woodland walks surrounding it) has an impressive food hall filled with local produce and makers goods. Open from 9.30am till 5.30pm it's a good shout for breakfast, lunch or dinner with delicious home bakes and daily specials to try.
Portsoy Ice Cream - And because you can never have enough ice cream here's an option slightly further north in the picturesque village of Portsoy. The drive is worth it for their warm biscoff sauce alone, and don't miss their tubs of boozy sorbets to take home! And if you're feeling hungry order up one of their fully loaded bubble waffles, you won't regret it!
NTS On-Site Cafe's, Tearooms & Restaurants - Pitmedden Garden, Castle Fraser and Haddo House all have great on-site eateries serving up lunch, snacks and cakes daily. Castle Fraser Restaurant also opens in the evenings from Thursday through till Sunday for fab fine dining with BYOB.
So, anyone feeling hungry/thirsty now?
Slainte! And don't forget to check out our Summer Events Programme to discover lots of amazing food, drink and makers in the surroundings of some awesome National Trust for Scotland properties!
