Aberdeenshire Larder

Aberdeenshire

Larder NEW EDITION

THE GUIDE TO THE FOOD & DRINK OF ABERDEENSHIRE

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Brilliant moments Immerse yourself in them in Aberdeenshire

Scotland’s Castle Country Uncover our fascinating history at 18 sites along Scotland’s Castle Trail and on the Victorian Heritage Trail and explore our Neolithic past along the Stone Circle Trail.

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World-class coast Jump in the car and explore the remarkable 165-mile signposted Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail and discover dramatic clifftop walks, stunning beaches and captivating coves.

The spirit of Aberdeenshire Discover the Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire at Ardmore, Fettercairn, GlenDronach, Glen Garioch, Glenglassaugh, Knockdhu and Royal Lochnagar distilleries.

Wonderful wildlife

©SNH/Lorne Gill

Red deer, red squirrels, golden eagles, seals, dolphins and whales and all sorts of seabirds are just some of the wildlife you’ll find here.

Glorious golf Aberdeenshire’s 57 links and parkland courses offer a fine challenge amid incredible scenery. Come and test your powers of concentration!

Remember to share your Aberdeenshire #brilliantmoments when you visit.

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Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate, near Banchory.

Find out more at visitscotland.com/aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire. A place for brilliant moments.

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Introduction The Aberdeenshire Larder Part of The Larder series of food and drink publications thelarder.net Editor Donald Reid Deputy Editor Sarah Milne Editorial assistance Keith Smith, Claire Ritchie Writing & research Emily Arbuthnott, Martha Bryce, Vinny Burnett, Claire Jessiman, Ali Leith, Nathalie Micoud, Anna Millar, David Pollock Design & Production Simon Armin Map © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved Aberdeenshire Council 0100020767 2013.

Cover JG Ross butteries. Image copyright Colin Heggie.

Publishers Robin Hodge, Simon Dessain Larder Project Director Peter Brown ©2014 The List Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission in writing of The List Ltd.

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This revised first edition published by The List Ltd 14 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1TE Tel: 0131 550 3050 list.co.uk

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Extensive efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, however the publishers can accept no responsibility for any errors it may contain.

rom the mountain tops of Cairngorms National Park to its North Sea harbours, Aberdeenshire embraces an impressive landscape of food. The extent of its fertile arable and livestock farmland is unmatched in Scotland: you can find Aberdeen-Angus cattle grazing where the breed was founded, fields of barley, wheat, oats and potatoes as well as fruit farms and thriving gardens. Producers both established and new, large and small, are making cheese, preserves, cured meats, ice-cream, oils, beer and whisky. Meanwhile, along the coast the UK’s most significant fishing ports and fishmarkets trade deep-water catches, while smaller coastal settlements retain reminders of a lingering heritage intimately linked to land and sea.

This guide aims to tell the story of Aberdeenshire’s food and drink in its richness and practical detail. It tells you about the food grown, made, landed and reared in Aberdeenshire, and just as importantly where to find it, from local farm shops to contemporary restaurants. Independently selected to reflect the contemporary food culture of Aberdeenshire, this is a guide to help you find, appreciate and enjoy great local food.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This guide has been developed by The List working with Aberdeenshire Council. The editors would like to thank the Economic Development Team at Aberdeenshire Council and Claire Jessiman (foodiequine.blogspot.co.uk) for their contributions and valuable advice.

The Aberdeenshire Larder is supported by Aberdeenshire Council and the European Regional Development Fund under the Lowlands and Uplands Scotland Programme 2007–2013 with the aim of raising awareness of Aberdeenshire’s fabulous food and drink.

EDITORIAL SELECTION: The editorial content of all guides in The Larder series is independently researched, written and produced by The List.

As consumer-oriented guides to local food and drink, all the businesses and organisations covered are selected by The List on the basis of their editorial merit and relevance. No entry in The Larder’s national and regional guides pays to be included.

The full contents of the Aberdeenshire Larder, including additional listings entries, can be found at list.co.uk/aberdeenshire-larder The Aberdeenshire Larder 3

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Contents

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What’s in the Aberdeenshire Larder?

There’s a lot packed into these 48 pages. Here are a few of the highlights

Fish and Ships

Beef Encounters

Aberdeenshire ports land the majority of fish in the UK. To find out more, see pages 10 & 11.

Scotland’s largest livestock market is located in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire. We find out how producing top quality meat is a strong force in local farming on page 14.

Very Berry

Chefs’ Choice

Soft fruit growers thrive in the fertile soil of the North East.

Find out more on page 12.

Aberdeenshire’s chefs select their favourite local produce. See panels from page 29.

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Contents

To Market

Sensational Secrets

Buy the best of Aberdeenshire at a farmers’ market, or head to a local food festival. See pages 45 & 46.

Aberdeenshire is home to a number of lesser-known distilleries, and there are many rare drams for the adventurous whisky seeker to discover. See pages 6–7.

From Aberdeenshire A comprehensive round-up of food grown, farmed, made and landed in Aberdeenshire. See page 21.

Special Delivery

Where to Buy

If you can’t get out to the shops, don’t panic – these dedicated producers will deliver straight to your door. See page 22.

From butchers and bakers to farm shops and greengrocers, our listings start on page 26.

Introduction

3

Features

6

Map

24

Where to Buy

26

Where to Eat

34

Farmers’ Markets & Food Festivals

45

Index

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Whisky

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Aberdeenshire’s Secret Malts There’s not just whisky to be found in local distilleries, but a trail of rich history and hidden treats too, as David Pollock discovers t may be just a short distance over the Grampian hills from the high-profile whisky region of Speyside, but Aberdeenshire has a number of working distilleries itself, as well as a string of ‘lost’ distilleries that no longer operate but live on in whisky folklore and, in a few instances, as rare bottles in cherished collections.

The active distilleries form a trail known as the Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire, which offers some great discoveries for the more determined whisky explorer as well as an appealing extra dimension for any visitor to the area looking for an insight into the craft and tradition that goes into making Scotland’s famous ‘water of life’.

The distilleries are, for the most part, accessible through tours and organised visits, and all lie no more than one hour’s drive from the city of Aberdeen.

Sited closest to the city is Glen Garioch (Distillery Road, Oldmeldrum, 01651 873450, glengarioch.com;

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visitor centre), which sits in the heart of the village of Oldmeldrum in the Garioch district. Founded in 1797 and passed through various hands since then, it sells itself as the most easterly distillery in Scotland and produces unpeated Founder’s Reserve and 12 Year Old whiskies, as well as various vintage releases.

By contrast, the well-known Ardmore (Kennethmont

by Huntly, 01464 831213, ardmorewhisky.com; visits by appointment) is fully peated and has been since the distillery’s inception in 1898, with traditional methods still employed despite the size of the distillery. They produce a Traditional Cask single malt, a premium 25 Year Old version and a Centenary Cask which only visitors to the distillery can purchase, as well as the wellknown blend Teacher’s Highland Cream.

Further south lies Fettercairn (Fettercairn, Laurencekirk, 01561 340244, fettercairndistillery.co.uk; open Easter–Oct), situated just off the main A92 road

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Whisky

near Laurencekirk. It enjoys a location near the foot of the Grampian hills, although it originally opened in 1824 in a corn mill further up the slopes. Their range includes Fasque, named after the parent estate of the mill, and a range of older expressions.

Further inland, meanwhile, is Royal Lochnagar (by Crathie, 01339 742700, discovering-distilleries. com/royallochnagar; visitor centre), which sits half a mile from the Queen’s Scottish country residence Balmoral, and which was granted the Royal warrant by Queen Victoria shortly after it opened in 1845.

At the most northerly point of the region is Glenglassaugh (Portsoy, 0131 335 5131, glenglassaugh.com; visitor centre), which was reopened in 2008 following 20 years in mothballs. The site of the distillery on the coast of Sandend Bay near Portsoy makes it a particularly attractive visiting prospect.

Further inland and also owned by the Speysidefounded BenRiach Distillery Company, meanwhile, stands the GlenDronach distillery (Forgue by Huntly, 01466 730202, glendronachdistillery.com; visitor centre), whose near 200-year history is reflected in a series of sherried single malts, including popular 12, 15 and 18 year-old expressions.

Also to the north of Aberdeenshire is Knockdhu (Knock, by Huntly, 01466 771223, ancnoc.com; visits by appointment), founded in the nineteenth century on the commercial potential of the then-nearby Great North Railway. It distributes various aged expressions as well as a limited edition peated range under the anCnoc label.

While not open to the public, Macduff distillery does occasionally issue its own single malt under the Glen Deveron or The Deveron label.

Tracking down the secret malts doesn’t necessarily require a visit to the distillery. A number of specialist whisky retailers offer not just an impressively wide selection of whiskies, but specialist knowledge, nosings (tastings) and occasionally the opportunity to bottle from casks. In Huntly, try to get to Whiskies of Scotland or Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky, while Deeside Drinks Emporium in Banchory (see p.32) and Dunnottar Wine & Spirits in Stonehaven (see p.34) are linked branches of Aberdeenshire’s oldest independent specialist drinks company.

■ The official guide to the Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire is produced by Aberdeenshire Council. For more, see the feature on Tourist Trails at aberdeenshire.gov.uk The Aberdeenshire Larder 7

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Cheese

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Whey ahead Two cheesemakers are earning the North East a great reputation for original, well-made farmhouse cheeses, discovers Anna Millar hen it comes to producing great cheese, Aberdeenshire’s rich larder is in rude health.

Case in point, Devenick Dairy. It’s been run as a dairy farm by the Groat family for over 50 years – and continues to be a family affair, helmed by Richard and Nicola Groat and their sons. The decision to expand came in 2006, when the Groats, uninspired by what they could earn from liquid milk, set their sights on other ways to expand their enterprise. The results are impressive, with a product range that now includes 14 different cheeses. ‘At Devenick Dairy we produce a special range of hand-made cheeses,’ explains Nicola Groat. ‘Our initial idea was to be able to present a cheese board selection, and it’s just grown from there: hopefully we’ve more than achieved that.’

Richard Groat is head cheesemaker, and dedicated to using traditional recipes to get unique flavours for each of the cheeses they make. Once a farm of just

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five milking cows, today they have a herd of around 170, predominantly Friesians with around 20 Jerseys to help with flavour and give them a higher butterfat level in the cheese.

‘We’re not people that boast; we let our products do the talking. But we are proud of what we put our name to,’ says Nicola. The Devenick range includes smoked, blues, cheddar and camembert -style cheeses, all packaged with quirky names including The Coos R Oot, Fet Like and Smoked Deesider.

Alongside the cheese, the family also make yoghurt and cheesecake. All of which can be sampled in their farm shop, alongside produce from local businesses ranging from venison and salad dressings to chutneys and chocolate.

Devenick Dairy aren’t the only ones leaving their mark on the local scene.

Ballater-based Cambus O’May Cheese Company is run by sixth generation cheesemaker, Alex Reid. All their cheeses are made from unpasteurised milk using traditional recipes, with the curds being cut and filled into muslin-lined moulds, just as generations before have done, albeit with new modern equipment on hand to help create the best possible flavours.

Cambus’ range includes the pale and strong signature Cambus O’May, four-month matured Lochnagar and moist, crumbly Lairig Ghru.

■ devenickdairy.co.uk ■ cambusomay.com

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F Forma

Cheese

SHOP@FORMARTINE’S

WALK@FORMARTINE’S

Browse our fine food hall & gift shop, stocked with hand selected delights & our own smoked foods

Discover the great outdoors with our expanse of woodland walks, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way

EAT@FORMARTINE’S

PLAY@FORMARTINE’S

Come and savour the very best local produce & coffee in our relaxed family eatery, and enjoy the tastes of Scotland’s larder

Run, jump, swing – the opportunities are endless in our adventure playground and woodland – sure to keep the little ones entertained

Food Hall • Gift Shop • Eatery • Woodland Walks Play Area Smokehouse • Breakfast • All Day Lunch & Afternoon Tea

OPEN 7 DAYS 09:30 to 17:30 find us at the junction of the B999 and B9170, North of Tarves 1 mile from Haddo House - Towards Oldmeldrum E: contactus@formartines.com T:01651 851 123 www.formartines.com www.facebook.com/formartines The Aberdeenshire Larder 9

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Seafood

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Feeling Chipper

Calum Richardson swapped a life at sea for one behind the fryer, and now runs one of the country’s most progressive fish and chip shops, finds Emily Arbuthnott

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or Stonehaven’s The Bay Fish & Chips, the awards keep rolling in. Fish & Chip Shop of the Year in 2013 was followed by Grampian Food Forum’s inaugural Above and Beyond Award in 2014. The Bay is among the most highly rated in the UK by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA), and it was the first fish and chip shop to receive the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) chain of custody giving them 100% traceability of North Sea haddock from sea to plate.

The majority of The Bay’s produce is sourced from a 50-mile radius, with fish from Peterhead market, salad from Lembas Organics and meat from The Store. Digital menu boards inside the shop announce which farm the potatoes come from, which boat catches each day’s fish, with live links to The Bay’s own app.

Owner Calum Richardson always wanted to be a chef but ended up joining the Navy. Once he returned to being a civilian he was given an opportunity to work in a fish and chip shop and in 2006 he and his wife Lindsay set up The Bay. Their environmental ethos means they send zero waste to landfill, recycle all food waste, and use waste oil as bio diesel. Thriving on the challenges of sourcing locally, Richardson’s approach to sustainability and sourcing enables him to provide a product that stands out from the crowds. It’s not simply a smart business approach, but one also born from strong ethics and passion for the great seafood Aberdeenshire offers. And the result is that The Bay continues to attract accolades, plaudits and customers.

■ thebayfishandchips.co.uk

> 3 OF THE BEST: ABERDEENSHIRE FISH AND CHIP SHOPS ROCKFISH Loch Street, Whitehills (01261 861531, rockfishwhitehills.co.uk) HORNBLOWER’S William Street, Gourdon (01561 360111, horn-blowers.com; see p.43) DOLPHIN FISH & CHIPS Skene Street, Macduff (01261 831280, dolphinfishandchips.co.uk) 10 The Aberdeenshire Larder

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Fishing

Time and Tides

he North East coastline has a strong fishing heritage. From the herring boom of the early 1900s to the devastating decommissions of boats at the end of the century, the towns and villages that hug this beautiful coastline have shaped and been shaped by the ups and downs of the fishing industry. It’s one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, but most fishermen who have been born into the industry see it as a way of life rather than a job.

The rows of fishergirls gutting herring have now given way to the large modern vessels and processing plants of today.

Here are a few vital statistics:

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■ During the herring boom, in 1907, 250,000 tonnes of fish were exported.

■ In 2013, 313,000 tonnes of fish and shellfish were landed in Scotland, with a value of £400 million. More than 130,000 tonnes of this were landed at Peterhead, more than any other port in the UK. ■ In 1913, more than 10,000 boats were involved in the Scottish herring industry.

■ Today, there are only 2020 active fishing vessels in the Scottish fleet.

■ In 1938, over 17,000 people were employed on fishing boats in Scotland.

■ Today, fishing boats employ under 5000 people in Scotland.

> DOWNIES OF WHITEHILLS

The village of Whitehills on the Moray Firth was built up around its harbour.

One of only a handful in the area to be owned by the village itself, rather than the local authority, the harbour that once thrived on fishing is now a successful yacht marina.

Family-run Downies of Whitehills has over 100 years experience in the fishing industry, buying, processing and selecting the pick of the local catch to sell at their fish shop in Whitehills.

As well as wet fish sales, Downies is always developing new products such as Cullen skink pies, or a smoked haddock and cheese bridie, while Whitehills smokies are a delicate hotsmoked haddock.

Downies also sell online, while their van is a welcome regular at events throughout Aberdeenshire, from Taste of Grampian to the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy.

See also p.26.

■ downiefish.co.uk

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Ice-cream

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Scoop of the Century

Aberdeenshire’s many ice-cream makers have been bringing delicious delights to North East families for years, finds Anna Millar ew foods bring us together like good old-fashioned ice-cream.

And from the quirky parlours to the families working behind the counter, Aberdeenshire has plenty to offer.

At Portsoy Ice Cream, Alex Murray has been making waves since he took over the shop almost a decade ago.

Keen to think outside the traditional ice-cream tub, Murray is well known for his tasty concoctions, even once trying a Fisherman’s Friend ice-cream.

Those looking for some extra oomph can opt for Murray’s collection of boozeinspired fancies, from Cranachan icecream to Sloe gin sorbet, while a new range caters for diabetic customers.

Across in Fraserburgh, on a smaller scale, The Bicocchi Ice Cream shop enjoys similar success, building on the generations who have stood behind the counter, and the familiar faces that still come here for their weekly fix.

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There’s life beyond the parlours too, with Rizza’s in Huntly – which first opened in 1914 – now providing wholesale distribution throughout the north of Scotland. James Rizza and Sons began manufacturing ice-cream from an Italian recipe in the 1930s; by the 1960s they had opened a wholesale icecream business; and today, they supply parlours, hotels, restaurants and hospitals throughout the country.

No celebration of Aberdeenshire’s ice-cream successes would be complete without mentioning family-run Mackies, which started in 1986 and is now readily available in shops and restaurants round the country, with 10 million litres of icecream per year made on their 1600-acre farm in Aberdeenshire. That’s a lot of happy customers!

■ portsoyicecream.co.uk ■ mackies.co.uk ■ rizza.co.uk

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Soft Fruit

Bloomin’ Berries Soft fruit and berries have a particular affinity with Aberdeenshire’s climate and soil, as Emily Arbuthnott explains

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t’s not just about the sweet smell of success at Castleton Farm, but the taste too. Capitalising on north-east Scotland’s excellent growing conditions, the Mitchell family have succeeded in making a dynamic business out of their soft fruit.

When they bought the farm, soft fruit crops were just one small part of the farm’s operation, but in 1999 the family made the decision to stop dairying and focus on fruit. They haven’t looked back since. An ever-expanding enterprise, the Mitchells’ successful harvest of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and cherries are now supplied to Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Asda. They’re also responsible for the range of Berrylicious jams made from berries grown and preserved at the farm.

For those in the know, the Mitchells’ success may not be a huge surprise. Scotland may not be known for its sunny climate, but for the purposes of getting the best from soft fruit crops, the North East provides fertile ground. The farm, set in the south of Aberdeenshire, is managed and run by Anna Mitchell’s in-laws and husband, and she credits the cool Scottish summers for their successful berry production.

‘We grow different varieties of early, mid and late season strawberries so we can prolong the length of our season and offer our customers high quality Scottish fruit for the whole of the season,’ explains

Anna, who manages the farm’s popular and everexpanding shop.

The Mitchells aren’t alone. Scottish-grown soft fruits have become a booming agricultural business over the past ten years, with raspberry sales alone bringing £12 million to the country’s economy.

In part, the success can be attributed to the introduction of polytunnels in 1993, which allowed farmers to protect their fruit and extend the fruit season from May to mid-autumn where once it was limited to eight weeks in June and July.

The Mitchells’ successful fruit production led to the opening of the Castleton Farm Shop, which ten years on from opening its doors has long moved to purpose-built premises, with a recent extension in 2013. They’ve picked up accolades from the Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards, the Scottish Independent Retail Awards and FARMA along the way.

Anna Mitchell believes people are willing to go the extra mile (and penny) for local – and tastier – produce. ‘People are definitely more interested in where their food is coming from, and willing to pay more for good quality, grown locally,’ she says.

‘People can come into the café and shop and try delicious fruit like our strawberries that have been picked that morning. That’s a lovely thing.’

■ castletonfarmshop.co.uk

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Beef & Lamb

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Bullish Market

Thainstone Market in Inverurie is Scotland’s biggest livestock mart, selling over 300,000 sheep and 110,000 cattle every year. Anna Millar finds out more about its operation and the range of other activites happening on the site

n a trip through Aberdeenshire’s farming heartland along the banks of the River Don, it’s easy to appreciate that livestock farming is big round these parts. The giant statue of an Aberdeen-Angus bull in Alford, homage to the now world-famous breed that was established on nearby Tillyfour farm in the mid-nineteenth century, is one landmark. A more potent symbol of the economic importance of the region’s agriculture today can be found a little way downstream in Inverurie, where the massive Thainstone Centre is the main livestock mart in Scotland, and one of the largest and best-equipped in Europe.

For a long time Aberdeenshire’s markets have showcased some of the continent’s finest prime and breeding cattle. Farmer-owned co-operative ANM (Aberdeen & Northern Marts) Group, established in 1872, opened Thainstone’s

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doors in 1990 to ‘offer its members and others the opportunity to buy and sell livestock through live and on-line auctions,’ explains John Gregor, general manager of ANM. Twenty-five years on, Thainstone continues to grow with annual sales exceeding £90 million, weekly sales of store and breeding cattle and sheep, along with seasonal shows and special sales of pedigree and rarebreed stock.

Gregor is proud of their achievements.

‘Thainstone sells over 110,000 cattle and 300,000 sheep in a year, with Thursdays and Fridays as its main sale days,’ he explains. ‘It draws sellers from all over the north and north east of Scotland along with livestock from Orkney and Shetland. Buyers come from all over the UK.’ Gregor is quick to point out that beyond its primary purpose as a cattle

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Beef & Lamb

> IT’S GOAT POTENTIAL

mart, Thainstone offers a great deal more for the area. ‘It’s not just a livestock auction centre – it’s also an agricultural hub with a range of related businesses based there, making it a one-stop venue for farmers. When they come here they can sell their livestock, buy clothing, equipment and supplies, and even get financial and legal advice!’

Indeed many of the organisations involved in the farming industry now have a permanent home there, including the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the Scottish Government’s Rural Affairs Department, as well as animal feed suppliers, animal health specialists and agricultural machinery companies.

One of the facilities of particular appeal to the general public is the centre’s in-house restaurant, the Porterhouse, which opens up on sale days and evenings. Showing off just why Aberdeenshire’s beef is the envy of the world, it serves 21-day dry-aged steaks cooked on a charcoal grill.

Thainstone’s facilities continue to grow, with the centre already boasting

three purpose-built sale rings, a large exhibition hall, covered accommodation for 3000 cattle or 14,000 sheep and straw-bedded accommodation to rest livestock travelling from a distance.

As well as the livestock markets, Thainstone plays host to Taste of Grampian, a one-day food and drink festival in early June drawing visitors from across the North East and beyond.

A popular forum for local producers to bring the best of their larder, it typically sees stalls selling everything from smoked salmon and local beef to shortbread and the best of the North East’s dairy produce.

‘Taste of Grampian is a first class event that attracts 14,000 visitors and offers them the chance to see the wonderful quality of produce that comes from the region,’ says Gregor.

‘We are very lucky here to have fantastic food and drink made from the finest ingredients grown in natural surroundings, such as the lush pastures of Aberdeenshire.’

■ anmgroup.co.uk ■ tasteofgrampian.co.uk

Recently celebrated

by Eat Drink Discover Scotland as the source of one of the country’s best-keptsecret ingredients, The Scottish Goat Meat Company is a small operation based at Glen of Newmill in Banffshire.

Set up by Adam Wright and Victoria Gardiner, a recent agricultural graduate who studied goat farming as part of her dissertation, they farm a breed of goat called the South African Boer. They like to emphasise the meat’s healthy credentials alongside beef or pork, pointing to lower calories, fat, saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol, with higher levels of iron and potassium.

The food industry certainly seems to be seeing their potential with the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards recently presenting them with the Healthier Food and Drink Award, and commending their ‘potentially strong niche market for red meat eaters seeking healthier alternatives’.

■ scottishgoatmeat. co.uk The Aberdeenshire Larder 15

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Beer

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Brewing in Aberdeenshire The craft brewing revolution that has been happening across Scotland in recent years has seen plenty of entrepreneurial activity in the Grampian region. Here we profile eight local breweries BREWDOG One of the most recognisable breweries in the UK and one of the most successful, Ellon-based Brewdog also operate branded bars that are multiplying rapidly around the nation and abroad. Brewdog is what every modern craft brewery secretly aspires to be – even if their youthful and brash image rubs some in the industry up the wrong way. Yet their headline Punk IPA and current main lines like Five AM Red Ale, Brixton Porter and This. Is. Lager are well-regarded for their creators’ dedication to the craft of brewing.

■ brewdog.com BREWMEISTER Founded on a farm near Keith by two young friends with a student loan, Brewmeister’s infamous but attention-grabbing Armageddon, claiming 65% ABV, knocked their young reputation askew. Yet they expanded in early 2014 and are now focused on a more sensible range which includes their own-label Scottish Lager, Black Hawk stout and the German-style Kaiser.

■ brewmeister.co.uk BURNSIDE BREWERY Established in Laurencekirk in 2010, Burnside Brewery blends a traditional attitude with a craftsman’s ability. Undoubtedly CAMRA-friendly (they won awards at the Great Grampian Beer Festival within months of opening), they produce quirky and well-crafted lines like 3-Bullz bitter ale, M-Pire amber ale and Wild Rhino blonde beer.

■ burnsidebrewery.co.uk DEESIDE BREWERY Brewing near Banchory since 2005, Deeside was formerly known as Hillside Brewery, a home-based operation which rebranded with its new brewery premises. Its core trio of lines are Tailorcan, a smooth milk stout; the

crisp, floral Laf Californian steam beer and their signature Macbeth golden ale.

■ deesidebrewery.co.uk SIX˚NORTH Named for the number of degrees they are north of Brussels, this young brewery’s USP is that it produces Belgian beer from Scotland which is unfiltered and naturally carbonated. Launched in spring 2013, the brewery is located in-house at Stonehaven’s Marine Hotel.

■ sixdnorth.co.uk SPEYSIDE CRAFT BREWERY Following in his father’s homebrewing footsteps at the age of 13, Seb Jones boosted his knowledge and ability with a chemistry degree. One of the few with such a background to not go into the oil industry, he instead launched this brewery in Forres in 2012. Beers include the Randolph’s Leap golden ale, Bottlenose Bitter (after the nearby dolphin colonies) and Moray IPA. ■ speysidecraftbrewery.com SPEY VALLEY BREWERY Proudly declaring that their 2007 opening makes them Moray’s oldest brewery, Spey Valley Brewery are a modest operation founded by a distiller and the owner of the farm on which they’re sited. Their range includes Spey Stout, the light brown ale David’s Not So Bitter and Stillmans IPA. ■ speyvalleybrewery.co.uk WINDSWEPT BREWING COMPANY Founded by a pair of former RAF pilots who wanted to produce beers which reminded them of the rough coastal landscape near their former base in Lossiemouth, the Windswept range includes beers named Typhoon and Tornado in honour of their old day job.

■ windsweptbrewing.com

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Wild Food

> FINNAN HADDIE

Game on for feasting While the rich farming heritage of the North East may provide the basis of much of what’s on our plates from day to day, Keith Smith explores another side to the area’s natural larder resh, healthy and the ultimate in local, seasonal produce, wild meat is undergoing a resurgence. Best of all, the Aberdeenshire countryside is teeming with it, the region’s diverse topography of mountains, rivers, valleys and woodlands proving to be fertile habitats not only for ‘sporting’ game, such as venison, pheasant and grouse, but smaller creatures including rabbit, wild duck, pigeon, woodcock and snipe.

‘Given that it’s free-range, sustainable and lean – and incredibly tasty – it’s easy to understand the attraction of wild meat,’ says Catriona Farquharson of Finzean Estate, which sells game direct to the public from their farm shop.

‘Over the last decade, there’s been a big upsurge of interest in food, driven by TV shows and cookbooks. Scottish chefs like Tom Kitchin have done a lot to raise the profile of game, championing it and making it an integral part of their menus.

That’s all had a knock-on effect in terms of people’s awareness about the quality and provenance of their food. People like to be able to look out our window and see where the meat they’ve just bought was living.’

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Sustainability is, naturally, still a major issue – in the past, overhunting, disease and habitat destruction decimated game stocks across the UK, and only an implementation of careful conservation measures has seen populations rise once more. Managed properly though, game is low-impact, especially in comparison to intensive farming procedures, Farquharson points out.

‘When game is killed now, it’s done selectively, as a necessary part of population management and habitat conservation. It’s also much more humane – they live in stress-free conditions right until the very last moment.’

The renaissance in game has proved a boon for the ailing rural economy too. ‘Prior to opening our farm shop in 2006, we just sold to game dealers,’ she explains. ‘We’ve been able to diversify and sell direct to the public, That’s a scenario that’s been played out across the country and one that’s inspired a whole new generation of artisan producers and suppliers.’

Travel up and down the east coast of Scotland and you’ll find many different variations of smoked fish, usually haddock.

Traditionally, this method of preserving the plentiful fish meant that it could be stored and used for longer, a welcome source of protein in days when malnutrition was commonplace.

In Aberdeenshire, the Finnan haddie is king - North Sea haddock split and coldsmoked, often over green wood and peat.

Traditionally it has a delicate smoky flavour and is undyed, with a pale finish. It must be cooked before eating, and is often used as the main ingredient in one of the region’s other specialities, Cullen skink.

As is often the case with such traditional foods, the origins of the Finnan haddie are disputed, with two villages - Findon, just outside Aberdeen and Findhorn in Moray laying claim to being its birthplace.

(Sarah Milne)

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Food Award Winners

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Inspiring Innovation

> ROWETT INSTITUTE Established in 1913

by John Boyd Orr, the early work of the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, based in Aberdeen, linked poverty, poor diet and ill-heath – research which led to free milk in schools and underpinned rationing during the Second World War. In recent years the institute’s focus on health has seen it working with local companies such as JG Ross to develop the first high-oat flour bread, and Pulsetta’s pulse-based bread.

The contemporary food scene in Aberdeenshire has a well-earned reputation for nurturing ideas and innovation here many parts of Scotland support their local food scene with annual awards, the North East has a particularly strong record of encouraging new ideas and new businesses. Established as far back as 1990, the Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards provide annual testimony not only to the richness and diversity of the local larder, but also to the progressive approach that characterises many businesses in the region. With small start-ups rubbing shoulders with established household names, recent winners have included Pulsetta the groundbreaking range of breads made from pulses, making them gluten-free and suitable for coeliacs.

Their creator, Dr Karsten Karcher, has taken some inspiration from around the globe: ‘I was travelling a lot on business, and was really influenced by the food in places like South Africa and thought we

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could do something really exciting here in Scotland.’

‘Right now in Scotland it feels like there’s this new generation of innovative companies and a renaissance for entrepreneurial vision and start-ups; it’s about building on that.’

Fellow innovation award winners Ola Oils were the first in Scotland to press and produce rapeseed oil. Husband and wife team John and Connie Sorrie launched in 2008 and have subsequently branched out into a range of infused oils, marinades and dressings, as well as aioli, chilli jam and oatcakes.

Building on their local ethos and determined to remain independent, the Sorries also run the Green Grocer in Inverurie and sell as much good, local produce as they can: ‘It’s an exciting time for Scotland,’ says Connie, ‘and it’s nice to think we’re a small part of that.’

■ olaoils.co.uk, pulsetta.com

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Soft Drinks

Pop Art The potential of small-scale soft drinks is bubbling away in the creative mind of one North East businesswoman, as Martha Bryce reports

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laire Rennie’s career began in the potato fields of her father’s Perthshire farm, which doesn’t obviously point to the creation of one of Scotland’s first craft soft drinks companies.

It was, however, her passion for local produce that helped Rennie to set up her first food and drink business by adding value to the crop of fruit on her husband, Ross’ farm. She and her family launched Berry Scrumptious with a range of chocolate dipped berries, a business which she sold in the autumn of 2014. Having worked with so many specialist shops over this time, however, Rennie identified a demand for really good soft drinks that use natural ingredients.

‘I think people’s palates mature as they get older and we’re all so much more aware of what artificial ingredients and preservatives can do,’ she explains.

‘Plus, in our family, I’m always the designated driver and was becoming bored with the soft drinks I was offered. I wanted to create something with a lot more flavour.’

So, armed with a SodaStream, Rennie worked to develop a range of lemonades: a traditional misty lemonade, a raspberry lemonade and a version with a hint of mint. Summerhouse Drinks was formed, launching at the start of 2014.

Plenty of refining of the original recipes was required and with the help of the other mums at her daughter’s nursery, there was no shortage of testers. As Rennie points out, with handmade chocolate and artisan lemonade on offer, who wouldn’t have been happy to help out?

Crowd funding enabled Summerhouse to build a quirky lemonade van to take the drinks to a wider audience. At shows across the country, the response to the lemonades was good, providing Rennie with the assurance she needed about her new venture.

‘It is such a validation when you see people enjoying something you’ve made. With lemonade’s tart taste, you can’t hide your expression so we got very honest feedback!’

As for the Summerhouse name, Rennie explains: ‘I want to give our customers some ‘me’ time. We have a summerhouse in our garden and it evokes escapism and the desire to be able to sit down and relax in the garden.’

Looking to the future, Rennie wants to grow the range of craft sodas to make Summerhouse the first-choice brand in its field in Scotland and beyond. She also has plans to start growing her own botanicals and herbs on the family farm.

■ fb.com/summerhousedrinks

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Farm Shops & Cafés

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A slice of farm life

The understanding and appreciation of local food in Aberdeenshire is being transformed by the development of appealing farm shops and cafés, finds David Pollock The farm shop is a growth industry across the UK, but Aberdeenshire’s share of the market is developing like few other parts of Scotland. At a rough estimate there are nearly forty such businesses in the region, from large-scale, familyday-out operations to much simpler farm-gate shopfronts. ‘There’s no doubt we live in a bubble up here,’ says Andrew Booth, owner of Newburgh’s The Store, one of the biggest such enterprises. ‘I resisted opening a coffee shop for ten years and I’ve had to eat my words. There’s no doubt it has brought the business on to the next stage.’

Part of the reason for this is undoubtedly the popularity of their Aberdeen-Angus beef, and Booth believes one of the reasons the area’s farm shop scene took off in the last decade or so is in some way attributable to the area’s international reputation.

‘Aberdeen being what it is,’ he says, ‘it has a broad spectrum of people from across the country and the world coming to work in the oil industry.

Certainly when we started ten to twelve years ago, it was the case that these people were hunting us out more than the locals.’

Yet to focus too much on the famous beef is to dismiss Aberdeenshire’s versatility as farming land. ‘We’re blessed, in a way, that there’s a huge range of topography and scenery in Aberdeenshire,’ says Phil Swire, farmer at relative newcomer Balmakewan Farm Shop, near Laurencekirk, ‘and that leads to a wide range of produce. I think there’s a lot of truth in the phrase that people come to Aberdeenshire to see the best of Scotland. There’s a vast array of farms and businesses, and I think that gives us a very interesting larder.’ Balmakewan’s speciality, he says, is a well-stocked cheese and deli counter, as well as their own farm-grown fruit and veg.

Interestingly Booth confirms only steady growth for his public-facing side of the business, with an understandable blip in 2008, and says the market for farm-grown and reared produce in Aberdeenshire is still some way from saturation point. ‘We’re always supportive of shops opening,’ he says, ‘There’s a lot to see up here. The more in the area, the better it is for the area.’

■ thestorecompany.co.uk ■ balmakewan.co.uk

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Aberdeenshire Food Round-up

An Aberdeenshire Menu Looking for a taste of Aberdeenshire? This round-up by Sarah Milne and Donald Reid introduces you to what’s grown, reared, made and landed in the region Further details on many of the businesses shown in bold can be found listed in the Where to Buy section of this guide, or at thelarder.net

FRUIT & VEG t various times of year, Aberdeenshire-grown vegetables, herbs and leaves can be found at most of the farm shops in the region listed from p.26 onwards. A number of operations offer veg box delivery schemes (see panel on p.22). Many other farms and small market gardens supply local shops, or attend farmers’ markets, and in season it’s worth looking out too for simple road-end stalls selling produce such as potatoes, asparagus and berries.

Castleton is well-known for its soft fruit, as are Cairntradlin Fruit in Kinellar, Croft Organics in Inverurie and Strawberry Grange in Peterculter. Barra Berries, based near Oldmeldrum, and Fetternear Fruit on the other side of Inverurie, supply strawberries and raspberries, while at Berryfields Farm Shop, just outside Mintlaw, they’ve been growing soft fruit for over 40 years. Local fruit and veg is also well utilised in jams, chutneys and preserves made across the region by the likes of Letty’s Preserves, Kincardine Kitchen and the widely admired Huntly Herbs. Baxters is an icon of the North East food scene at its base in Fochabers, sending jars of beetroot and tins of tattie soup around the world.

Farm shops and markets occasionally sell local honey – Anderson’s, based in Turriff, is the most prominent.

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GRAINS & SEEDS

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ther crops with a profile on the local food scene are oilseed rape, turned into oils and dressings by

Ola Oils (see p.18) and Mackintosh of Glendaveny near Peterhead, and oats, from which Tilquhillie Fine Foods

> THE BUTTERY

make various products including muesli, biscuits and other items for coeliacs.

The Oatmeal of Alford, using their traditional mill at Montgarrie, produce different grades of oatmeal, rolled oats and muesli. Hamlyns at Boyndie have a high profile selling Scottish oats and oatmeal, and recently rolled out a range of porridge sachets and pots, tapping into the breakfast-to-go market.

BEEF, LAMB, GAME AND OTHER MEAT berdeen-Angus beef is synonymous with the region, and locally reared meat of that breed and others is widely stocked by butchers, at farm shops, by online retailers and served in local restaurants.

Farms including The Store near Ellon, Cairnton and Craigenkerrie, both near Banchory, McGregor Farm Deli (also known as Hattencrook, near Whiterashes), Bogton by Turriff, Coldwells by Insch and Wynford on the western fringes of Aberdeen are reliable sources – the latter three are organic certified. Most of these operations have online sales as well as selected local outlets.

Wark Farm near Alford is a regular at farmers’ markets with their organic traditional livestock breeds, Bogside

by Banff specialise in Highland cattle, and Castlehill Farm from Methlick also rear rare breeds including Belted Galloways and Soay sheep. Finzean Estate Farm Shop south of Banchory sells beef, wild venison, game and rabbit

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A staple of the North East diet since the 1800s, when it provided longlasting sustenance and nourishment to fishermen out on the North Sea, the buttery – or rowie, as it’s more affectionately known in Aberdeenshire – has a flaky texture similar to a flattened, dense croissant.

Traditionally made with lard, flour, salt and yeast – though no butter – it can be eaten as a savoury or sweet snack. The buttery’s popularity speaks for itself, with many local bakeries making their own version and bakers JG Ross alone baking over 60,000 a week.

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Aberdeenshire Food Round-up

from the estate; Mortlach Game of Huntly are another farmers’ market and local farm shop regular.

Red meat is fast becoming a popular mail order product and this is an area in which Inverurie-based Donald Russell, Aberdeen’s Andrew Gordon (trading as FreshFoodGuru) and Buckie-based Speyside Specialities are prominent. For bacon and other pork products, Ingrams Homecure from Ellon is a well-known local name, and while plenty of chickens are reared in Aberdeenshire, the majority are destined for supermarket shelves; Kirkford Chickens from Premnay near Insch sell slow-grown free-range chickens at Huntly Farmers’ Market.

While better known for their cheese, Devenick Dairy (see p.8), also sell a range of rose veal at their own farm shop and at farmers’ markets, while goat meat

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is now part of the local offering thanks to the Scottish Goat Meat Company in Ellon (see p.14).

FISH & SHELLFISH ast quantities of the fish landed in Aberdeenshire is either shipped directly to all parts of the UK and Europe, or processed locally before heading elsewhere, but there are a few fishmongers and other seafood specialists in the region where you can pick up locally landed catch. Downies of Whitehills (p.11), is a fantastic example of how a fish processor can support local fishermen and sell to a regional customer base. Fish vans are still a feature in many towns and villages – ask locally for information on these, while most local farmers’ markets have a seafood stall – those by Granite City Fish generally look particularly

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> DELIVERY SCHEMES Aberdeenshire has an array of companies dedicated to delivering boxes of fresh produce direct to your door Bridgefoot Based near Newmachar in north-west Aberdeen, this 18-acre organic farm offers an all-year-round range of fresh fruit, vegetables, mushrooms and organic eggs delivered to your door.

■ bridgefootorganics.co.uk The Farm Garden From Ballaterach Farmhouse near Dinnet, The Farm Garden delivers veggie boxes to Ballater and surrounding areas. They also make jams, marmalades, curds and chutneys.

■ thefarmgarden.co.uk Fernieflatt Farm Delivers farm-fresh vegetables and free-range eggs direct to your door within an approximate 15-mile radius of Kinneff. They also attend the monthly farmers’ market at Stonehaven.

■ fernieflattfarm.co.uk

Food For Thought Deli to homes and businesses in the Veg-in-a-Box service out of the deli local area. in New Deer. For more see p.27.

■ glenviewfreshlocalproduce.co.uk ■ foodforthoughtdeli.co.uk Lembas Organics The Green Grocer Organic vegetable growers near Fruit and veg boxes from the well- Aberdeen since 1980, they moved known Inverurie shop. For more to Bridge of Muchalls in 1998. see p.29.

They offer a range of ready-made boxes for delivery, including three ■ fb.com/inveruriegreengrocer separate vegetable box selections J&M Fraser and two fruit boxes.

Growing a mix of winter vegetables ■ lembasorganics.co.uk near Stonehaven, plus soft fruits, peas, beans and courgettes, and, Netherton Real Farm Shop occasionally, beef. They run a Deliveries from the farm shop near weekly fruit and vegetable box Fraserburgh. For more see p.28. scheme, delivering from Portlethen ■ nethertonrealfarmshop.co.uk south to Fettercairn. The farm is Vital Veg organic and biodynamic.

A small farm 16 miles west of ■ jandmfraser.co.uk Aberdeen at North Tillydaff, Glenview Vital offer organic vegetable bag A market garden and orchard deliveries, mixing seasonal farm located near New Byth growing produce with items from other seasonal fruit and vegetables. local organic farms and local They attend the farmers’ market at organic wholesalers.

Huntly and make weekly deliveries ■ vitalveg.co.uk

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Aberdeenshire Food Round-up

impressive. Delish Fish of Peterhead also supply markets and also sell online.

Local smokehouses include Gourmet’s Choice from Portsoy; Ugie Salmon from Peterhead; and the more recently established The Smokehouse at Methlick.

BREAD, CAKES AND CHOCOLATE berdeenshire has an array of prominent bakers and, in particular, biscuit makers.

Dean’s of Huntly are best known for shortbread, but also make oatcakes and other biscuits; Duncans of Deeside and the Kindness Bakery have similar specialities and are prominent in local stores. Artisan bread makers are few and far between, but Loaf Face from Collieston is worth tracking down and the Crannach Bakery by Ballater makes wood-fired loaves for a number of local farmers’ markets. A variety of handmade bakery products from Kincardine Kitchen can be bought online.

Handmade chocolates are the speciality of innovative Cocoa Ooze from Peterculter, Ellon’s Chocolat & Passions, newcomer Choc Awe of Huntly, The Little House of Chocolate at Insch and Alfordbased Felicity’s Chocolate , which has recently taken over Berry Scrumptious and its range of berry fudges and chocolates. More sweet treats can be had from Sarah’s Heavenly Fudge from Huntly and Keith’s The Little Fudge Shop. In September 2014, Mackie’s (see Dairy) launched a new range of chocolate bars.

Aberdeenshire does traditional bakeries very well and among the more prominent with a local base are JG Ross of Inverurie, well known for their butteries (rowies) and expanding in the gluten-free sector, and Chalmers, who supply the half-time pies at Pittodrie and also make the distinctive, malty Balmoral Loaf. Elsewhere, the Kindness Bakery of New Deer and Murdoch Allan of Peterhead attract a loyal local

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following. Gluten-free diets are the speciality of bread and roll innovator Pulsetta (see p.18) and Alan Bruce Cakes, a regular at farmers’ markets across the region.

DAIRY he two principal Aberdeenshire cheesemakers are Cambus O’May, based near Ballater, and Devenick Dairy (see p.8). Local icecream makers include Simpson’s of Buckie, Cullen Ice Cream, Portsoy Ice Cream, Mitchells and Rizza’s of Huntly, as well as the nationally distributed Mackie’s of Rothienorman near Inverurie, one of Scotland’s prominent food and drink brands. For more on ice-cream see p.13.

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WHISKY, BEER AND OTHER DRINKS he whisky distilleries of the area can be divided into those on the fringes of Speyside: Glendronach and Ardmore near Huntly along with Glenglassaugh and Macduff on the Moray Coast; while three more exist in relative isolation, with Glen Garioch by Oldmeldrum, Royal Lochnagar on Deeside and Fettercairn in the Grampian foothills.

For more on these, see the feature on Aberdeenshire’s Secret Malts on p.6.

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky is a specialist whisky bottler based in Huntly, while a whisky liqueur, The Cock o’the North, a mixture including malt whisky and blaeberries, has its home in Aboyne.

The region’s local ales and beers are listed on p.16. Deeside Water is sourced at Pannanich Wells near Ballater, while the widely distributed Deveron Spring Water is bottled from Tarlair spring near Macduff by soft-drink specialists Sangs (Banff). From its base at Rosehearty, Summerhouse Drinks makes and distributes real lemonades and sodas (for more, see p.19).

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> FLY CUPS & FANCY PIECES Visit friends and relatives in the North East outside regular mealtimes, and you may well be welcomed with the question: ‘Would you like a fly cup?’ Don’t panic – the fly cup is the Aberdeenshire form of elevenses, or afternoon tea, but it’s also so much more than that.

‘Fly’ is used locally to mean doing something surreptitiously, so the implication would be that a fly cup is a quick refreshment, often taken standing up, in between your work to tide you over until dinner or tea. That may be the case for those in the middle of a busy day, but visiting a relative’s house for a fly cup is a much grander affair.

The ‘snack’ may start with homemade Scottish pancakes, cooked on the girdle, or a fresh buttery, followed by an assortment of homebaked ‘fancy pieces’.

A fancy piece is the generic term for any biscuits, fairy cakes (never cupcakes), traybakes and treats.

This will be washed down with lots of tea.

From a pot, obviously.

The trick is to keep eating until everything is gone – no one likes leftovers. (Sarah Milne)

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Name section Buchan & The Banffshire Coast

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Donside, Strathbogie, Garioch & Formartine

Royal Deeside & East Cairngorms

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Name of section

The Aberdeenshire The Fife Larder 25 Š Crown Copyright. All rights reserved Aberdeenshire Council 0100020767 2013

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Where to Buy

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WHERE TO BUY

Downies of Whitehills Buchan & The Banffshire Coast

In addition to the shops listed below, Aberdeenshire produce can be found at local farmers’ markets (see p.45) or obtained directly from producers featured elsewhere in the guide. Entries are grouped into four geographical areas running north to south in Aberdeenshire. Within each area entries are sorted alphabetically.

BUCHAN & THE BANFFSHIRE COAST Bert Fowlie Butcher 26 High Street, Strichen AB43 6SR 01771 637234, scotsmeat.com Mon–Sat 7am–5.30pm. Closed Sun.

Now run by Bert’s son Hebbie, Strichen’s multi-award winning butcher offers a full range of beef, lamb, pork and speciality pies, the latter made in their on-site bakery. They also prepare traditional treats such as mealie jimmy’s (white pudding), oxtail and potted hough.

Bogside Farm Shop Bogside, King Edward AB45 3LX 01261 821244, bogsidefarmshop.co.uk Mon–Sat 9am–6pm. Closed Sun.

>ONLINE LISTINGS Extended write-ups of all venues, with individual location maps and links at each entry, can be found at thelarder.net Accessible on all devices including smartphones and tablets, thelarder.net features additional listings within Aberdeenshire and search functions for food and drink venues across Scotland.

Surrounded by fields of Highland cattle, the Bruce family’s butchery and farm shop near Macduff has a great reputation for quality meat products, including their own sausages and bacon from locally sourced, outdoor-reared Gloucester Old Spot and Tamworth pork. Order online, or find them at a local farmers’ market.

AE Brown & Son 14 Main Street, Turriff AB53 4AD 01888 563379 Mon–Tue 8am–12.30pm, 2–5pm; Wed– Sat 8am–5pm. Closed Sun.

Known locally as Brown the Butcher and a firm favourite in Turra, this independent butchers offers fully traceable beef, lamb and pork from approved outlets.

They stock a large range of homemade sausages, pies and burgers, as well as steak pies.

Bruce of the Broch 79 Broad Street, Fraserburgh AB43 9AU 57 Mid Street, Fraserburgh AB43 9EP 01346 518303, gourmetmeats.co.uk Mon–Sat 8am–5pm. Closed Sun.

Alistair Bruce’s family have been supplying quality lamb, pork and beef cuts to Fraserburgh for four generations.

As well as selling mealies (white pudding) made to a secret family recipe, dry-curing their own bacon and making sausages and haggis, they also stock a decent range of fresh fish landed at the local harbour, plus ready meals made by the chefs in their own specialist kitchen.

R Coutts & Son 2 Mid Street, Peterhead AB42 1NP 01779 471021 Mon/Tue & Thu–Sat 7am–5pm. Wed 7am–4.30pm. Closed Sun.

As well as high quality Buchan beef, this respected Peterhead butcher stocks local poultry, lamb and pork, plus a varied selection of homemade pies, burgers and sausages. Wholesalers to the fishing fleet and offshore supply boats, they also sell North Sea fish landed in the local harbour, with each packet detailing when and where it was caught, and by which boat.

Downies of Whitehills 40 Low Shore, Whitehills AB45 2NN 01261 861204, downiefish.co.uk Mon–Fri 8.30am–5pm; Sat 8am–11am.

Closed Sun.

A long established family business that can trace its roots back more than 120 years, managing partner Alan Downie has over 25 years experience in the business, and personally visits the local fish markets to select fresh fish for processing. From the shop attached to their processing unit they sell fresh Scottish fish, frozen fish, naturally smoked fish such as Finnan haddock, and a range of value-added produce, such as smoked fish pies, Cullen skink and bridies. Look out for Downies stalls at local food events. See also p.11.

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Where to Buy

Ewan Morrice Quality Butcher 5 Mill Street, Stuartfield, Peterhead AB42 5DP 01771 622355 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm; Sat 8am–4pm.

Closed Sun.

Truly local Aberdeen-Angus, local lamb and pork are all offered by this well-established Scotch Butchers Club member. The deli counter stocks homemade pies and a popular range of coleslaws along with home-cooked hams, meatloaf, roast beef and roast pork.

the selection is huge, with quality and provenance paramount. As well as the fruit and veg, more than 30 cheeses vie for counter space with charcuterie, pâté, gourmet pies, olives and antipasti.

Banffshire beef and pork from Newburgh are complemented by a range of smoked fish and other seafood delicacies. Freshly made biscuits and bakes come from Kincardine Castle Kitchen, there’s a range of ethical coffees and tea, as well as organic wines and Scottish ales.

Food for Thought

John Stewart Quality Butchers

The Brae, New Deer, Turriff AB53 6TG 01771 644366, foodforthoughtdeli.co.uk Tue–Thu 9am–5.30pm; Fri 9am–6pm; Sat 9am–5pm. Closed Sun/Mon.

63 High Street, Banff AB45 1AN 01261 812440, johnstewartbutchers.co.uk Mon–Sat 8am–5pm. Closed Sun.

Having started out as a veg box delivery service in 2000, Karen Woodhouse and Jane Hodgson’s business has grown into a thriving deli and greengrocers. Stocking the best of local produce along with imported and hard-to-find foodstuffs,

In the meat trade for over 40 years, John Stewart’s shops (the main one is in Banff, with another branch in Buckie) offer award-winning meat products using meat sourced as locally as possible. They offer a popular pick and mix deal, where

THE LABELS YOU CAN TRUST For guarantees of farm assurance, taste and quality, it has to be Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork.

Look out for certified Scotch Butchers Club members throughout this guide by looking for the Scotch rosette.

To find your local member, visit www.scotchbutchersclub.org

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Where to Buy

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customers can choose seven items from a specified list for just £25.

Netherton Real Farm Shop Netherton of Logie, Crimond AB43 8RR 01346 531041, nethertonrealfarmshop.co.uk Mon–Sat 9am–5pm; Sun 9am–3pm.

Formartine’s

Donside, Strathbogie, Garioch & Formartine

Based a few miles from Fraserburgh and Peterhead, Netherton provides a wide range of fresh produce sourced from their own farm and the local area.

Selling vegetables, raspberries, dairy produce, eggs, biscuits, home baking and preserves, they also supply veg box deliveries made up of a variety of seasonal produce from potatoes, turnips and carrots to kale, parsley, brussels sprouts and many other farm shop items.

Portsoy Ice Cream • 24 Seafield Street, Portsoy AB45 2QT • 37 Main Street, Turriff AB53 4AB 01261 842279, portsoyicecream.co.uk Mon–Sat 6am–8pm; Sun 7.30am–8pm.

This family-run ice-cream shop has become the place to head to on a sunny afternoon on the Moray Firth coast for a scoop or two of ice-cream from a simply elegant vanilla to the more adventurous Cranachan (laced with enough whisky to warrant an 18+ age restriction).

Toppings feature sprinkles in summer, hot toffee sauce in winter. A new branch has recently opened on the Main Street in Turriff, with seasonal opening hours. See also p.12.

DONSIDE, STRATHBOGIE, GARIOCH & FORMARTINE Aberdeenshire Larder Broomiesburn Road, Ellon AB41 9RD 01358 727850, aberdeenshirelarder.co.uk Mon–Fri 8am–4pm; Sat 8am–2pm.

Closed Sun.

Founded by the late John Bain in 2002 as a follow-up to his world-renowned game dealership Bain of Tarves, the familyrun Aberdeenshire Larder operation continues in the same tradition, supplying quality local meat and game. Recent developments at the Ellon site include a purpose-built shop with hot food facilities and increased display area, which allows them to offer more exotic meats such as crocodile and springbok steaks.

A&G Collie Butchers St Brydes Road, Kemnay AB51 5RD 01467 642207 Mon–Fri 6am–5pm; Sat 6am–4pm.

Closed Sun.

Shortlisted as a Scottish Rural Alliance Champion Butcher in 2012, Annie and Graham Collie’s butchers shop offers plenty to its customers. Staff use Facebook to update daily specials and even vegetarians are catered for with weekly offers, for example goats cheese tartlets or a range of local vegetables.

TA Ritchie 18 Queen Street, Peterhead AB42 1TS 01779 472539 Mon–Sat 7.30am–5.30pm. Closed Sun.

Member of the Scotch Butchers Club, family firm TA Ritchie are part of an accredited nationwide scheme for independent butchers who source top quality beef, lamb, and pork from an approved supplier. As members of the Butchers Club they also benefit from skills training, advice and up-to-date information on relevant legislation and regulations.

Davidsons Butchers Unit 1, Burn Lane, Inverurie AB51 4UZ 01467 621212, johndavidsons.com Mon–Sat 7.30am–5pm. Closed Sun.

The Davidsons Butchers stores in Inverurie and within Dobbies Garden Centre in Aberdeen are two of only three Q Guild Butchers in Aberdeenshire, and they also boast the prestigious accolade of UK Best Butcher Shop 2011/12. Both in-store and now online, they offer prime Scotch beef and lamb, pork, rose veal and poultry, haddock straight from the North

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East boats and a range of bakery products made on-site including speciality ‘Full Boar’ pork pies with BrewDog beer.

Delica 1 Union Lane, Ellon AB41 9DS 07597 100857 Mon 10am–5pm; Tue & Thu/Fri 10am– 3pm; Wed 10am–1pm; Sat 10am–5pm.

Closed Sun.

A local delicatessen with a real community vibe to it, Delica has been introducing new tastes to Ellon since early 2014. There’s a real sense of adventure to the home-prepared takeaway menu, including a range of daily soups, sandwiches, free-range pork, apple and sage sausage rolls, plus burgers with exotic meats including boar and buffalo.

Derek Ritchie Butchers Costcutter Supermarket, The Square, Ellon AB41 9JB 01358 720281 Mon–Tue & Thu–Fri 6am–5pm (closed 1-2pm for lunch); Wed 6am–12.30pm; Sat 6am–1pm. Closed Sun.

This local convenience store, as well as serving the residents of Ellon for their groceries, also houses a very popular butchers counter. Quality assured Scotch beef and lamb and specially selected pork are all sold.

J&G Dossett The Square, Kintore AB51 0US dossettbutcher.co.uk Mon/Tue, Thu & Fri 7am–1pm & 2–5pm; Wed & Sat 7am–1.30pm.

Closed Sun.

John and Gillian Dossett’s family-run butchers source top quality beef, lamb and pork from approved suppliers in a traceable supply chain. When available, they’ll also sell venison from Deeside estates and rose veal from Kinellar. They also have a spit for hire for hog roasts.

Forbes Raeburn & Sons 7 Bogie Street, Huntly AB54 8DX Mon–Sat 7am–5pm. Closed Sun.

Established half a century ago, this Huntly butcher is still run by the Raeburn

family – one of whom, Gary, was voted 2013 Scottish Butcher of the Year, adding to the title he won in 2011. Locally sourced beef is matured on the bone, and award-winning burgers, pies and pastries – including their own creation, the Balmoral steak and haggis pasty – along with a selection of cooked meats and hams are available either from the recently refurbished shop on Bogie Street, or their branch on Gordon Street.

CHEF’S CHOICE LESLEY DUFF ON ICE-CREAM FROM SIMPSON’S OF BUCKIE

Formartine’s Tarves, Ellon AB41 7NU 01651 851123, formartines.com Mon–Sun 9.30am–5.30pm.

Opened in April 2012, Formartine’s is a great place for all ages to sample a taste of Aberdeenshire produce. Enjoy a walk through Haddo Woods, make use of the extensive play area or see the smokehouse in operation before sampling the range of home-cooked meals in the restaurant.

Most of the produce found in the restaurant can be bought in the food hall.

Since opening, they’ve scooped a Gold Green Tourism Award and a Countryside Alliance Award for Rural Start-ups.

The Green Grocer 76 West High Street, Inverurie AB51 3QR 01467 620245, fb.com/inveruriegreengrocer Mon 9am–5pm; Tue/Wed & Fri/Sat 9am–5.30pm; Thu 9am–7pm.

Closed Sun.

When Ann and Colin Millar decided to retire in 2012, many in Inverurie worried about the future of this independent wholefood shop. Fortunately John and Connie Sorrie, producers of Scotland’s original cold-pressed rapeseed oil, Ola Oil, stepped in. They renovated the store but kept its soul, using their links with other small-scale suppliers to add to the range of Fair Trade, organic and local foodstuffs. They stock some of the best Aberdeenshire has to offer, including cakes and bakes, cheeses and preserves, as well as own-recipe sausages made by Presly of Oldmeldrum, and also provide a fruit and veg box delivery scheme.

It’s because of Simpson’s of Buckie that Aunty Betty’s even exists. I used to run a café next door to our current shop and ice-cream was one of our biggest sellers. But it was only when we switched to Moira and Dougall’s creations that I decided to specialise. Although they supplied the area’s high-end restaurants, we were the first ice-cream shop to stock it. In the ice-cream wars – and it is a war at times – Simpson’s are head and shoulders above the rest. From the salted caramel to the champagne sorbet, the quality is fantastic. They don’t use any hydrogenated fats or oils – just dairy – and it shows.

It might be twice the price of most ice-creams, but then most ice-creams don’t taste half as good.

■ Lesley Duff owns Aunty Betty’s, Stonehaven (see p.33)

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Hattoncrook Farm Shop and Deli McGregor Farm, Whiterashes AB21 0QQ 01651 882271, mcgregoraberdeenangus.com

The Store Company

The McGregor farm deli opened in 2004, with the aim of selling their own pure- bred Aberdeen-Angus, as well as other quality products to complement the meat. Today they sell game, cheese, biscuits and a great selection of preserves and chutneys. Cakes and homebaking are available daily, and the family also offer homemade ready meals, award-winning steak pies and home-roasted beef and local gammon. A limited selection is available to buy online.

The Kilted Frog Delicatessen 10 West High Street, Inverurie AB51 3SA 01467 670066, fb.com/thekiltedfrogdelicatessen Mon 9am–6pm; Tue–Fri 9am–5.30pm;

Sat 9am–5pm. Closed Sun.

A small, French-themed delicatessen and café with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, the Kilted Frog stocks a range of cooking and baking ingredients and implements, along with a selection of cakes, pastries and flatbreads. These include gluten-free black bean and chocolate or cannellini bean and raspberry cakes.

Lower Thorneybank Farm Shop Rothienorman, Inverurie AB51 8XT 01888 511393, fb.com/lowerthorneybank Mon–Sun daylight hours.

With a refreshingly old-fashioned village store feel to it, this farm shop is a familyrun business which sells many types of fresh, homegrown produce – particularly vegetables – and a range of home-baked bread and cakes. They claim they’ll be open every single day of the year ‘from first thing in the morning until the sky goes black at night.’

Good Food & Drink in the City of Aberdeen Many of the better places to eat, drink and shop for food in the Granite City of Aberdeen look to neighbouring Aberdeenshire for their local produce Where to Buy Aberdeen’s best deli-cum-corner-shop is Hammerton Store in the west end, while Newton Dee Store offers a wide range of groceries and wholefoods a bit further west. Quality butchery can be found at Haigs Food Hall, Andrew Gordon and Davidsons while fish lovers will be spoilt for choice at Granite City Fish and Countesswells Fish Shop. IJ Mellis Cheesemongers in Rosemount offers an amazing selection and those with a sweet tooth should head for chocolatiers Cocoa Ooze.

The monthly Farmers Market held in Belmont Street on the last Saturday of the month has a good selection of local producers.

Where to Eat Merchant Bistro has a commitment to use local and seasonal ingredients, while those in search of a good steak should head to Adelphi Kitchen, The Chester Hotel or Native by Nick Nairn. For

fishy offerings Moonfish Cafe, The Silver Darling or Rock & Oyster tick all of the boxes. Dyce fish and chip shop Sea Salt and Sole was recently opened by Scottish Chef of the Year winner Rickie Pirie. Food Story offers veggie, gluten-free, raw and organic and Musa boasts modern Scottish in a converted church with art and music. Traditional afternoon tea can be found at Cup, Rosie Thistle and His Majesty’s Theatre’s 1906, all with the option of adding a cheeky glass of fizz.

To Drink If you’ve worked up a bit of a thirst with all the buying and eating you could head to the Aberdeen Beer Triangle to quench it. Catch a draught of the craft beer revolution in Six Degrees North, BrewDog and Bottle Cap Bar. If something stronger is required CASC is the place to go for cigars, ale, scotch and coffee whilst The Grill offers a choice of over 500 whiskies.

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Marshalls Farm Shop See p.38.

and strawberry to the more luxurious flavours of toffee fudge, white chocolate chip, and cinnamon and rhubarb crumble.

Mitchells

JG Ross (Bakers) Ltd

Market Place, Inverurie AB51 3XN 01467 621389, mitchells-scotland.com Mon–Sat 7.30am–5.30pm; Sun 11am–4pm

Highclere Business Park, Highclere Way, Inverurie AB51 5QW 01467 620764, jg-ross.co.uk

Boghead Farm, Kintore AB51 0XD

Mitchells grocers shop and tearoom, locally known simply as The Dairy, was established in 1928, and the family-owned business still offers a wide range of locally sourced and homemade foods. Mitchells ice-cream, oatcakes, home cooked meals and home bakes are a speciality, while they also deliver locally produced milk and cream throughout Aberdeen city and shire.

Their café is also one of the most popular eating places in the heart of the Garioch.

Since 1962, when George and Elizabeth Ross bought their first bakery in Insch, the JG Ross name has come to dominate High Street bakeries in the North East.

Some branches offer takeaway lunches, and others have a sit-down coffee shop.

In Aberdeenshire, you can’t visit a bakery without coming away with a bag of butteries (JG Ross handmake over 60,000 per week), and at least a couple of fancy pieces – try the sponge snowballs and the girdle scones too.

Presly and Co

Scott the Butcher

37 Market Square, Oldmeldrum AB51 0AA 01651 872220 Mon/Tue & Thu/Fri 8am–5pm; Wed 8am–noon; Sat 8am–4pm. Closed Sun.

21 Duke Street, Huntly AB54 8DL 01466 792154 Mon–Sat 8am–3.30pm. Closed Sun.

Third-generation butcher Gordon Presly continues to adhere to the formula that has served the Market Square shop so well – offering their very own Aberdeen-Angus beef as well as pork, lamb and chicken all reared on nearby farms. In addition to their burgers, pies and puddings, they produce a number of sausage varieties too. There’s also a selection of fresh vegetables from the nearby gardens at Udny Castle.

Rizzas of Huntly 16 Gordon Street, Huntly AB54 8AN rizza.co.uk Mon–Sat 9am–9pm; Sun 10am–9pm.

A family-run business established in 1914, Rizza’s began manufacturing ice-cream to a traditional Italian recipe in the 1930s.

These days they supply the wholesale business, as well as having two shops in Huntly and one in Lossiemouth. Their Gold Top Premium ice-cream uses Jersey double cream while their Real Dairy ice-cream is made using cream supplied locally. It comes in various sizes of tubs ranging from traditional flavours of vanilla

A butcher shop in the best Scottish tradition, stocking beef, lamb, pork and poultry sourced from local farms, they also make their own sausages and beef olives, home-cure their own bacon and, naturally, make their own haggis. It’s no mere pudding, mind you: the Huntly Haggis is a former national champion and a strong seller both at the Duke Street store and at their regular Huntly Farmers’ Market stall.

The Store Company Foveran, Newburgh, Ellon AB41 6AY 01358 788083, thestorecompany.co.uk Mon–Sun 10am–5pm.

A prominent and active local farm shop for the last decade, The Store is located on the Booth family farm where grass-fed lamb and Aberdeen Angus beef are reared in small numbers. The well-stocked meat counter includes sausages and freshly made shepherd’s pie, curry and lasagne, and various cuts and joints for the Sunday roast – all prepared in the on-site butchery and kitchen. Other locally sourced foods including vegetables and cheeses, while a coffee shop offers a smart sit-in option.

See also p.20.

CHEF’S CHOICE ROBIN BAIRD ON LOCAL FARMERS

My real passion is being able to serve food from farm to table, and much of our success is on the back of the farmers who supply the restaurant.

If you don’t eat what’s on our doorstep you’re missing out.

Carole and William Ingram of Logie Durno Farm don’t generally sell to trade, so we’re the only folk with their lamb on our menu. I can see the lambs in the field, I know what they eat and I’ve got a butcher (Graham and Annie Collie at Kemnay) I can really trust.

Mark Strachan rears pigs at West Balquhain, within walking distance of us. I know that if I put Mark’s pork on a Sunday lunch it’ll sell out in 45 minutes.

I really believe Aberdeenshire is the breadbasket of Scotland.

■ Robin Baird is a director of Gadie’s Restaurant, Oyne (see p.37)

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ROYAL DEESIDE & EAST CAIRNGORMS Deeside Deli and Garden Shop 37 Bridge Street, Ballater AB35 5QD 013397 55741, gowsdeli.co.uk Mon–Sat 9am-5pm. Closed Sun.

Castleton Farm Shop

Royal Deeside & East Cairngorms

Formerly Gow’s, this shop is well-placed for luxury picnic-making, both in terms of its prime Royal Deeside location, and its commitment to quality produce. A greengrocer section is complemented by a well-stocked charcuterie counter, which also features a mix of local and British artisan cheeses. Fresh sandwiches use homemade breads and fillings and they keep an assortment of organic and New World wines, plus Scottish microbrews.

Deeside Drinks Emporium 22 Dee Street, Banchory AB31 5ST 01330 822650, deesidedrinks.co.uk Sun/Mon noon-6pm; Tue/Wed 10am6pm; Thu–Sat 10am-8pm.

>ONLINE LISTINGS Extended write-ups of all venues, with individual location maps and links at each entry, can be found at thelarder.net Accessible on all devices including smartphones and tablets, thelarder.net features additional listings within Aberdeenshire and search functions for food and drink venues across Scotland.

The bigger brother of Stonehaven’s Dunnottar Wines and Spirits is probably the best off licence in Aberdeenshire with a huge range of unusual and interesting beers, wines and spirits. They stock over 50 gins and beers from around the world including all the major players in Scottish brewing. Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for beer, wine and spirit tasting events including joint events with local eateries.

Easter Anguston Farm Peterculter AB14 0PJ 01224 733627, vsa.org.uk Mon–Sun 10am–4pm.

A working farm run providing training for adults with special needs by Voluntary Services Aberdeen. Trainees sell their own home-grown fruit, veg and bedding plants in the shop. Pick-your-own strawberries and rasps are available in season, while a weekday-only café offers a range of soups, sandwiches and homebakes. There’s also a picnic area, nature trails, farm animals and a children’s play area.

Finzean Estate Farm Shop & Tea Room Finzean, Royal Deeside AB31 6PA 01330 850710, finzean.com Mon–Sat 9am–5pm; Sun 11am–5pm.

Beautifully situated among the hills of the Finzean estate, this is an attractive tea room, farm shop and gallery with gifts, paintings and books. Freezers contain fruit, game, home-reared beef and fish from the estate as well as pies and soups that have been made on site. Fresh fruit and vegetables line another wall while local cheeses, free-range eggs, smoked venison, pheasant salamis and a wide range of freshly made pâtés and terrines fill the fridge. Their gluten-free section features Tilquhillie Fine Foods – located a couple of miles down the road. See also p.17.

John Troup Butcher Devenick Dairy Bishopston Farm, Banchory-Devenick AB12 4RS 01224 782476, devenickdairy.co.uk Mon–Sat 9am–6pm. Closed Sun.

Devenick Dairy was born in 2006 when the Groat family decided to use their fresh milk to create their own products. They now produce a wide range of cheeses, yoghurt and cheesecake – including a cranachan flavour with raspberries and toasted oats. At the shop you can sample and purchase the unusually named cheeses plus welfare-friendly rose veal, free-range hen eggs and a variety of seasonal veg and local foods. They also attend local farmers’ markets. For more, see feature, p8.

11 Station Square, Aboyne AB34 5HX Mon–Sat 8am–5pm (closed 1–2pm for lunch & half-day Thu). Closed Sun.

Troup’s locally sourced beef, lamb and pork is supplemented by a range of pies cooked on the premises – the cheese and ham pie is a particular favourite. Cooked meats are also prepared on site with black puddings a speciality, while chicken is local and free range.

NG Menzies 6 Invercauld Road, Braemar AB35 5YP 01339 741206 Mon–Sat 7.30am–5pm. Closed Sun.

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Menzies are particularly known for haggis as well as their steaks which are hung from 21 to 28 days. All their meat and produce is locally sourced and you can pick up seasonal vegetables along with a range of pies and cold meats.

Raemoir Garden Centre Raemoir Road, Banchory AB31 4EJ 01330 825059, raemoirgardencentre.co.uk Mon–Sun 9am–6pm.

The food hall within this garden centre may seem a little overwhelmed by the sheer acreage of the centre as a whole, but it offers a very respectable range of fresh food and store-cupboard staples, with plenty of Aberdeenshire produce in evidence. Fresh bread, a deli counter and fresh vegetables are supplemented by whiskies, food gifts and ice-cream.

impressive looking – and tasting – cones and tubs. Hot drinks to go are available as well as a large range of sweets plus homemade bakes. See also panel, p.29.

Balmakewan Farm Shop & Tea Room Balmakewan House, Northwater Bridge, nr. Laurencekirk AB30 1QX 01674 840488, balmakewan.co.uk Mon–Sun 10am–4pm.

With its opulent oak interiors, this is a delightful venue for a cup of good coffee and home-baked cake, a bowl of soup or Sunday roast. The café menu uses produce stocked in the farm shop, which though small, has a balanced offering of fresh local produce such as eggs, bread and vegetables and locally made condiments, ales, cakes and cheese. See also p.20.

Castleton Farm Shop & Café HM Sheridan 11 Bridge Street, Ballater AB35 5QP 01339 755218, hmsheridan.co.uk Mon–Sat 8am–5pm. Closed Sun.

Sheridan is probably the best-known butcher on Royal Deeside, a proud stockist of good quality locally reared beef, lamb and pork as well as local estate venison.

Holders of a Royal Warrant, they make much of their range on the premises, including haggis, black pudding, mealie puddings and around 20 different varieties of sausage, as well as freshly baked pies.

KINCARDINESHIRE & MEARNS Aunty Betty’s The Promenade, Stonehaven AB39 2RD 01569 763656 Mon–Sun 10am–10pm.

A distinctive and friendly ice-cream café and sweetie shop right on the seafront.

With a couple of tables outside if you want to stop awhile, they serve a range of creative and traditional flavours of ice-cream and sorbet from Simpsons of Buckie. Additional toppings and sauces are offered at no extra charge and make for

Fordoun, Laurencekirk AB30 1JX 01561 321155, castletonfarmshop.co.uk Mon–Sat 9am–5pm; Sun 10am–5pm.

An extension in 2013 doubled the size of the café, increased the shop space and added a production kitchen for their baking, jams and homemade range. The shop is full of deli items and the shelves well stocked with fresh produce and food gifts. Pastries using the farm’s berries are a speciality on a café menu that caters for all dietary requirements in everything from homemade soups to sandwiches, salads and a full range of hot meals. See also p13.

Cool Gourmet 27 Evan Street, Stonehaven AB39 2JP 01569 767679, cool-gourmet.co.uk Tue–Sat 9.30am–4.30pm; Sun noon– 3pm. Closed Mon.

A tearoom and catering business on the model of the French ‘traiteur’, Cool Gourmet sells a variety of hot and cold food to sit in or take away for home dining. It’s all cooked from scratch and based on locally and seasonally available ingredients, with meals on offer including stovies, mince and tatties, Cullen skink, cottage pie and quiche. Vegetarian options are available. Scones and pancakes are made daily by hand and there is always a

Kincardineshire & Mearns

CHEF’S CHOICE CALUM RICHARDSON ON SCOTTISH FISH

All the fish that enters the shop is freshly caught, and it is bought using the MCS (Marine Conservation Society) guide Fish to Eat Fish to Avoid. The Bay were the first fish and chip shop to be granted MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) chain of custody for its North Sea haddock, giving them 100 per cent traceability from sea to plate. The Bay is fully committed to providing its customers with only the freshest of produce and holds many green credentials and it is this that drives the business to showcase the industry in a more sustainable light.

■ Calum Richardson owns The Bay Fish & Chips, Stonehaven (see p.42 and p.10)

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selection of unusual homemade jams.

Dunnottar Wine & Spirits 32a Evan Street, Stonehaven AB39 2ET 01569 760060, fb.com/dunnottar.wines Mon noon–6pm; Tue/Wed 10am–6pm; Thu–Sat 10am–8pm. Closed Sun.

A sister branch of Banchory’s Deeside Drinks Emporium (see p.32).

Lastbus Works Canteen Cafe

Buchan & The Banffshire Coast

WHERE TO EAT Listings of Aberdeenshire’s best options for eating out, including daytime cafés, takeaways, casual bistros and formal restaurants.

Entries are grouped into four geographical areas running roughly north to south in Angus.

Within each area entries are sorted alphabetically

Grainger’s Delicatessen 32 Evan Street, Stonehaven AB39 2ET 01569 767855, graingersdeli.co.uk Tue–Sat 9am–5.30pm. Closed Sun/Mon.

In Dave and Maia Hinchey’s inspiring culinary treasure trove you’ll discover deli faithfuls, hard-to-find ingredients, quality homewares and cookery books. Fresh bread and cakes are complemented with a fridge filled with homemade pestos, pâtés and soups; the deli counter has a range of cheeses, cured meats and olives. The couple are in most days serving takeaway hot drinks including excellent coffee.

McIntosh Donald Butcher’s Shop Cookston Road, Portlethen AB12 4QB 01224 780381, mcintoshdonald.com Mon & Sat 7am–noon; Tue–Fri 7am–5pm. Closed Sun.

With over 100 years’ experience in the meat trade, McIntosh Donald sells a variety of premium quality steak burgers, homemade pies, black pudding and haggis, along with free-range eggs, locally produced rapeseed oil and biscuits.

What’s For Tea Tonight?

Burn of Balmakelly Farm, Laurencekirk AB30 1UQ 07708 438445 Tue–Sun 9am–5pm. Closed Mon.

Launched in 2007 as a roadside honesty box outlet for selling their horse feed carrots and broken turnips, What’s For Tea Tonight? is now a bona-fide farm shop.

Not only do they sell their own vegetables, but they’re also supportive of other local producers, providing an outlet for meat, dairy, eggs, fruit and more from the surrounding area.

BUCHAN & THE BANFFSHIRE COAST Banff Springs Hotel 8 Golden Knowes Road, Banff AB45 2JE 01261 812881, thebanffsprings.co.uk Mon–Sun noon–2pm, 5–9pm.

A landmark hotel in the region for over 40 years and recently taken over by new owners, the dining room and brasserie have been completely renovated and extended. The dinner menu focuses on local ingredients, with fresh fish and meat dishes to the fore. Try to grab a window seat if you can, and watch the Aberdeenshire coastline at its finest.

Boyndie Trust Visitor Centre The Old School, Boyndie AB45 2JT 01261 843249, boyndievisitorcentre.co.uk Wed–Sun 10am–4pm. Closed Mon/Tue.

The Boyndie Trust was established in 1999 to help the regeneration of the area, and in particular to help boost those disadvantaged in the labour market, providing training and work for people with special needs. Their coffee shop has lunch choices including Cullen skink, stovies and sticky toffee pudding.

Sandwiches consist of doorsteps of bread and fresh fillings, while made-to-order pancakes are a hit with all.

Buchan Braes Hotel Boddam, Peterhead AB42 3AR 01779 871471, buchanbraes.co.uk Mon–Sat noon–2pm & 6–9pm; Sun also high tea from 4.30pm.

A large hotel with a four-star rating and

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a reputation for bringing luxury to the Buchan Coast, Buchan Braes offers relaxed eating in the lounge, but for more formal dining head to The Grill, where ingredients like langoustine and rabbit are transformed into modern dishes with a classic French edge.

Celebrations of Turriff Main Street, Turriff AB53 4AA 01888 563361, celebrationsofturriff.co.uk Mon–Sat 9am–5pm; Sun noon–5pm.

Once just an add-on to a furniture shop, Celebrations Conservatory Restaurant and Coffee Parlour has eclipsed its creator and become a go-to for fly cups, quick lunches and leisurely coffees. The fully licensed restaurant has seating for over 130, and serves great quality homebakes, freshly made soups and pancakes, and a popular weekend roast lunch.

Duff House Tearoom Duff House, Banff AB45 3SX 01261 813004, duffhouse.org.uk Apr–Oct: Mon–Sun 11am–4pm.

The family-friendly Tearoom in this William Adam-designed Georgian mansion is housed in the former housekeeper’s room. Entry is via the gift shop, and you don’t have to pay admission to the house to have something to eat. Homemade soup, sandwiches, toasties and baked potatoes make for hearty lunches, while the cakes and treats are great if you’ve been walking the grounds of the house.

Durn House Durn Road, Portsoy AB45 2XT 01261 843424, durnhouse.co.uk Call to pre-book.

Recently renovated and turned into a luxury boutique guest house, Durn House has already gained a reputation for offering a warm and luxurious welcome.

Their food offers a contemporary twist on some local classic ingredients. They run a Gourmet Club for those who love to get together to enjoy good food, company and conversation, as well as other themed menu nights and vintage afternoon teas.

The Galley Harbour Place, Whitehills AB45 2NQ 01261 861116, thegalleywhitehills.co.uk Mon/Tue 10am–3pm; Wed/Thu 10am–7pm; Fri/Sat 10am–8.30pm; Sun noon–7pm.

Opened in 2013, The Galley has become a popular café-restaurant in the area, serving up homebakes, lunches and evening meals. Situated right on the edge of Whitehills Harbour – once a thriving fishing port, now an award-winning marina, The Galley makes the most of the location with huge vistas looking out to the North Sea. The menus reflect the location with fresh fish being the star of the show.

Lastbus Works Canteen Café The Quarry, New Pitsligo, Fraserburgh AB43 7RA 01771 653288, lastbus.org Open Sat/Sun only, times vary.

Quirky, random, surreal, eclectic: it’s a difficult place to describe (and find) but go with an open mind and you won’t be disappointed. The setting and structure of the circular café built on scaffold poles and surrounding outbuildings is unique, and the 100 per cent vegetarian and ethically sourced menu is simple but modern and tasty. Service is so laid-back it’s horizontal – but that just adds to the charm. Soups, light lunches, homebakes, and smoothies are the order of the day.

The Lodge Strichen Community Park, Strichen AB43 6TN 01771 637029, strichenpark.co.uk Tue–Sun 10am–5pm. Closed Mon.

The ethos behind The Lodge is to cook from scratch using the best ingredients available. With that in mind, their suppliers and the provenance of ingredients is always mentioned on the menus, from Ugie flaked salmon to Sandend plaice and Ythan bakery bread.

Their signature breakfast, with bacon, sausages, black pudding and eggs, is a hearty way to start the day or recover from the night before. Evening meals are run once or twice a month.

CHEF’S CHOICE JOHN ALLAN ON ABERDEEN-ANGUS BEEF

There are over 800 different breeds of cattle worldwide, but standing tall among them is the AberdeenAngus.

Here in Alford, where the breed originated, we’re very proud of our heritage.

We boast the magnificent statue of Jeremy Eric, a prizewinning Angus Bull that commemorates the area’s links to the breed.

At the Alford Bistro we take great delight in offering our customers the end product; sizzling, succulent and absolutely delicious chargrilled Angus steaks. It’s hard to imagine anything finer than a chargrilled fillet of beef with haggis, chappit neeps and a red wine jus, all cultivated (save perhaps the wine) within a stone’s throw of the restaurant.

■ John Allan is head chef and proprietor of the Alford Bistro (see p.36)

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Pitsligo Arms Hotel 51 High Street, New Pitsligo AB43 6NF 01771 653208, thepitsligoarms.co.uk Wed–Sat 11am–3pm, 5–8.30pm; Sun noon–8pm; Closed Mon/Tue.

Gadie’s Restaurant

A restaurant, local bar, meeting place and a five-room boutique hotel for visitors to the village of New Pitsligo, near Peterhead, this place makes a feature of hearty and indulgent local food. Examples include a ‘haddock Craigmaud’: haddock fillet baked with prawns, cheddar and cream; a chicken, bacon and black pudding Caesar salad; and poached salmon and prawn medley.

Restaurant 1756 Donside, Strathbogie, Garioch & Formartine

Saplinbrae House, Peterhead AB42 4LP 01771 622945, saplinbrae.co.uk Mon–Sun noon–4pm, 5–9.30pm.

Sited within the hotel and lodges complex at Saplinbrae House, the restaurant (named after the year the house was built) describes itself as a ‘dining experience’, and Kenny Smart’s menu offers Scottish versions of dishes using classic ingredients. Crispy duck breast, for example, is served with haggis potato rosti and beetroot and orange jus, while a baked, smoked cod is accompanied by a black pudding croquette and curried mussel cream.

>ONLINE LISTINGS Extended write-ups of all venues, with individual location maps and links at each entry, can be found at thelarder.net Accessible on all devices including smartphones and tablets, thelarder.net features additional listings within Aberdeenshire and search functions for food and drink venues across Scotland.

Seafield Arms 5 Chapel Street, Whitehills AB45 2NB 01261 861209, seafieldarms.co.uk Mon–Sun noon–9pm.

Fresh, local ingredients are especially apparent here in dishes featuring fish caught by local boats and supplied by Downies of Whitehills. Red Thai Curry comes as a huge bowl, piled high with seafood in a fragrant and spicy red curry broth. There’s a separate kids’ menu, and the restaurant also offers steak nights, lunch specials and intoxicating tea parties, complete with sandwiches, scones and cocktails in teacups.

The Tufted Duck Hotel Corsekelly Place St Combs, Fraserburgh AB43 8ZS

01346 582481, tuftedduckhotel.co.uk Mon–Sun noon–2pm, 5–9pm.

A boutique hotel and function centre with a striking situation next to the Moray coastline, the Tufted Duck has three dining rooms of varying sizes. In the Vue Bistro, executive chef Graham Smith’s menu proudly boasts of the food’s local origins. The prawn Marie Rose, sautéed langoustines and poached lemon sole use locally landed ingredients, while various cuts of steak are supplied by Donald Russell of Inverurie.

DONSIDE, STRATHBOGIE, GARIOCH & FORMARTINE The Alford Bistro 40 Main Street, Alford AB33 8PX 01975 563154 Mon/Tue 9am–5pm; Wed/Thu 9am–8pm; Fri/Sat 9am–8.30pm; Sun 10am–8pm.

This cosy family restaurant offers a choice of seafood and steaks along with a daily specials board, with gluten-free and vegetarian requirements catered for.

Rustic tables and chairs give a homely feel, with easy access for buggies and wheelchairs, and the service is impeccable. Food is cooked fresh to order and there’s always a great range of homebakes available. See also panel, p35.

The Cock and Bull Ellon Road, Balmedie AB23 8XY 01358 743249, thecockandbull.co.uk Mon–Sat 10.30am–9pm; Sun noon–7.30pm.

Styled as a real country inn on the outskirts of the city, and situated close to the Trump golf development, it’s full of rustic charm inside with nooks and crannies and cosy fires. A family-friendly venue, the all-day menu changes to reflect seasonality and is supplemented by daily chef’s specials. Local produce reflects the proximity to farming and fishing communities, with the highlight for many being the Sunday carvery.

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Dean’s of Huntly Depot Road, Huntly AB54 8JX 01466 792086, deans.co.uk Mon–Sat 9am–5pm; Sun 10am–4pm.

A North East institution, the company started in 1975 in founder Helen Dean’s kitchen when she started to make shortbread to help fundraise for the local pipe band. First a small bakery opened, then a factory. The visitor centre allows you to see the manufacturing process first-hand, and the attached café offers good quality breakfasts, lunches and homebakes throughout the day.

Eat on the Green Udny Green, Ellon AB41 7RS 01651 842337, eatonthegreen.co.uk Wed–Fri & Sun noon–late; Sat 6pm–late. Closed Mon/Tue.

This fine-dining restaurant in a rural location has carved out quite a reputation under the auspices of chef/proprietor Craig Wilson, also known as ‘The Kilted Chef’ (see panel, p.41). Imaginative and contemporary dining mix with relaxed and unpretentious service. Wilson works with a number of respected Aberdeenshire suppliers and utilises hand-picked herbs from private gardens in Udny Green. If you fancy getting into the kitchen they offer ‘Chef for a day’ experiences.

Fennel Restaurant 10 Burn Lane, Inverurie AB51 4UZ 01467 670065, fennelrestaurant.co.uk Tue–Fri noon–1am; Sat–Sun 10am– 1am. Closed Mon.

A fully licensed bar and restaurant serving breakfasts and light lunches as well as full à la carte dinner. Proprietor Bill Bird and manager Morag Gerrie oversee weekly steak and burger evenings, with local produce to the fore. The restaurant has regular live music at weekends, and a special attraction on a Sunday morning is the collection of V8 cars parked outside.

Bistro has built up a reputation locally for good quality dining at lunch and dinner.

There’s a separate children’s menu that doesn’t patronise mini diners, while the adults get to tuck into dishes such as monkfish with chorizo, seafood curry or fillet steak with all the trimmings. The wine and whisky lists are both extensive.

Originally a staging inn, the Fife Arms

NICK NAIRN ON MACKINTOSH OF GLENDAVENY

The Fjord Inn Fisherford, nr. Inverurie AB51 8YS 01464 841232, thefjordinn.co.uk Wed–Thu 6.30–8.30pm; Fri/Sat 6–9pm; Sun noon–2pm, 5–7.30pm.

Closed Mon/Tue.

Situated midway between Inverurie, Turriff and Huntly, the Fjord is owned and run by Norman and Evelyn Mundie.

Starters range from game terrine to soups, with main courses offering a selection of steaks, seafood, lamb and a vegetarian dish of the day. For desserts, expect bread and butter pudding or a selection of cheese and handmade oatcakes, while Norman’s own shortbread accompanies tea or coffee. Booking essential.

Formartine’s Tarves, Ellon AB41 7NU

See p.29.

Gadie’s Restaurant Ryehill, Oyne AB52 6QS 01464 851573, gadiesrestaurant.com Mon–Sat 10am–late; Sun 11.30am–5pm

Set in the shadow of Bennachie, Gadie’s is located right next door to the Touched

by Scotland craft gallery. The circular restaurant offers a terrific array of the Scottish harvest and proudly salutes their local food heroes. The daytime menu is updated seasonally and a new evening menu is created weekly. Scottish, folk and traditional music features on the first two Thursdays of the month. As well as a Little Menu for kids, there’s an awesome selection of US-style shakes and floats.

For more see panel, p.31.

The Fife Arms Hotel The Square, Turriff AB53 4AE 01888 563124, fifearms.com Mon–Sun noon–1.45pm, 5.30–8.30pm.

CHEF’S CHOICE

The Extra Virgin rapeseed oil, which is pressed and bottled on Gregor’s family farm at Glendaveny, contains half the saturated fat content and ten times more Omega 3 levels than olive oil and only six per cent saturated fat – the lowest level of any other oil on the market.

I love cooking with Mackintosh of Glendaveny rapeseed oil. It’s just a lovely, artisan product made with care and real attention to detail.

Compared to other oils, it has a high burning point so is really versatile. Add in all the health benefits in terms of Omega 3 and you have a great local alternative to olive, sunflower and vegetable oils.

■ Nick Nairn Cook School, Aberdeen, nicknairncookschool. com

Kellockbank Culsalmond, Insch AB52 6TG 01464 851114, kellockbank.co.uk Mon–Sun 9am–4.30pm.

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A roadside café worth stopping for. In addition to food it offers a garden centre, gift shop and outdoor children’s play area.

The bright and airy coffee shop serves breakfasts, snacks, coffees and light lunches. A list of suppliers is displayed on the menu, which has at least two homemade soups plus daily specials and roasts on Sundays. The gift shop has a small range of local food.

Kildrummy Castle Hotel Kildrummy, Alford AB33 8RA 01975 571288, kildrummycastlehotel.com Mon–Sun noon–2.30pm, 6.30–9.30pm.

Afternoon tea 3–5pm.

Situated among some stunning countryside overlooking 13th-century Kildrummy Castle, Kildrummy Castle Hotel is soaked in history and Scottish culture. Dine in luxury as you admire the stunning scenery and watch the red squirrels darting by outside. The restaurant offers a Breton-influenced French menu using local produce.

Kildrummy Inn Kildrummy, Alford AB33 8QS 01975 571227, kildrummyinn.co.uk Mon & Wed–Sat 6–8.45pm; Sun noon–2pm, 6–8.45pm. Closed Tue.

With its relaxed, country-pub atmosphere, the inn has been building a reputation thanks to the efforts of owner and Scottish Chef of the Year 2013/14 David Littlewood. Presenting a menu heavy with freshly caught fish and game (the grouse with bread sauce is a favourite), their presentation and treatment is fine dining quality. There’s also an outdoor seating area and a range of craft beers and wines.

The Laird’s Kitchen Delgatie Castle, Turriff AB53 5TD 01888 563479, delgatiecastle.com Mon–Sun 10am–5pm.

Delgatie Castle dates from 1030, replete with suits of armour and tales of derringdo through the ages. Recently refurbished, and winner of awards for their tea and home-baking, the Kitchen offers fresh homemade soups, sandwiches and tasty

cakes. Great for a quick, hearty lunch (no need to tour the castle first), you can also line up afternoon tea on Thursdays.

Macdonald Pittodrie House Hotel Chapel Of Garioch, Inverurie AB51 5HS 01467 662437, macdonaldhotels.co.uk Mon–Sun noon–2pm, 7–9pm.

Set in one of the most historic hotels in Scotland, The Mither Tap Restaurant boasts a contemporary yet classic menu featuring locally produced ingredients including organic vegetables and dairy products. Dishes on offer include prawn and crayfish cocktail, ham hock terrine and chargrilled, thick-cut Scotch ribeye steak. For a less formal dining experience, sample the menu in the Snug Bar.

Marshalls Farm Shop Boghead Farm, Kintore AB51 0XD 01224 790493, marshallsfarmshop.co.uk Mon–Fri 9am–6pm; Sat/Sun 9am–5pm.

A welcome stop-off point on the A96, the café serves up freshly prepared food throughout the day, from bacon rolls made with own-farm bacon and soft floury baps to bowls of hearty soup and homebakes. The small space can fill up quickly, especially during lunchtime when carloads of students from the nearby agricultural college choose Marshalls over their canteen. Fill your basket at the farmshop on the way out.

Meldrum House Hotel Oldmeldrum, Inverurie AB51 0AE 01651 872294, meldrumhouse.com Mon–Sat noon–2pm, 6.30–9.30pm; Sun 1-3pm, 6.30–9.30pm.

Just on the outskirts of Oldmeldrum are the fairytale turrets and sweeping staircases of this country house hotel.

Head chef Walter Walker has worked in many top restaurants and sources the majority of his ingredients from the North East of Scotland, with all steaks sourced from village butcher Gordon Presly.

Relax with an after-dinner dram by the

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roaring log fire or take a walk in the beautifully maintained grounds.

Morgan McVeigh’s Colpy AB52 6UY 01464 841399, morganmcveighs.com Mon–Sun 9am–5pm.

At the foot of Bennachie, this is a large modern country food shop with an 80-seater restaurant. The menu includes breakfast options like French toast and free-range scrambled eggs with Scottish smoked salmon. Soup and sandwiches abound at lunchtime, or opt for something heartier like the lamb meatloaf or 6oz ribeye steak in a ‘whopper’ roll. Scones and homebakes are available all day.

Porterhouse Restaurant Thainstone Centre, Inverurie AB51 5XZ 01467 623899, porterhousethainstone.co.uk Thu & Sat 5.30–9.30pm; Fri noon– 2.30pm, 5.30–9.30pm; Sun 12.30– 3.30pm. Closed Mon–Wed.

Located in Scotland’s principal livestock mart, it’s no surprise this venue is dedicated to great meat. Open on sale days but not restricted to those involved in the auctions, top-grade local beef, lamb, venison and fish are served, including special deals on Thursday and Friday evenings.

The Store Company Foveran, Newburgh, Ellon AB41 6AY

See p.31.

Tarts and Crafts Eigie Cottage, Eigie Road, Balmedie AB23 8YF 01358 742002, tartsandcrafts.co.uk Sat only, 10am–4pm.

This delightful, child-friendly community café and craft gallery is tucked away just behind the library in Balmedie.

Along with a selection of freshly ground Fairtrade coffee, a wide assortment of teas and hot chocolate, sugar-free and organic cold drinks, the menu includes homebaked cakes, toasties and snacks. All food is made on the premises by volunteers,

with seasonal soup served accompanied by freshly made organic rolls and cheese scones. Opening hours are restricted due to volunteer availability, so it’s best to call in advance to check doors will be open.

CHEF’S CHOICE CALUM BUCHANAN ON LEYS ESTATE PHEASANT

ROYAL DEESIDE & EAST CAIRNGORMS Banchory Lodge Hotel Dee Street, Banchory AB31 5HS 01330 822625, banchorylodge.co.uk Mon–Sat noon–4pm, 6–9pm; Sun noon–4pm.

Bringing a touch of boutique-hotel class to the banks of the Dee, Banchory Lodge offers comfort food in a modern style, using great local ingredients to create hearty dishes such as slow roast pork belly and homemade steak burger. The brunch menu, a Sunday-only staple, includes blueberry pancakes with bacon alongside some unusual dishes including baked eggs and beef cheeks. If you’re looking for a quicker bite, the bar area serves hearty soups and sandwiches.

Birdhouse Café 74 High Street, Banchory AB31 5SS 01330 822072, birdhousecafe.co.uk Tue–Fri 8am–5pm; Sat 8am–5.30pm; Sun 10am–5pm. Closed Mon.

The Birdhouse Café opened its doors in spring 2013 offering soups, salads and a good quality range of teas and coffees, all served up in a spacious and chilled-out, modern, living-room-style space. All the baking is done by co-owner and Banchory native Amy Watt and family, with signature cakes including a chocolate peanut butter cake. Open at 8am through the week, it’s a popular breakfast spot and for takeaways.

Leys Estate pheasant are one of our favourite food products. They are literally right on our doorstep and delivered by Brian the gamekeeper. We cure and smoke them ourselves and use them for stroganoffs and on our special Smoke and Salt board – very tasty!

■ Calum Buchanan is chef and owner of Buchanan’s Bistro (see p.46)

Royal Deeside & East Cairngorms

The Black Faced Sheep Old Ballater Road, Aboyne AB35 5HN 013398 87311, blackfacedsheep.co.uk Mon–Sat 10am–4.30pm; Sun 11am–4.30pm.

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in furnishings, gifts and wines. Within, the Black Faced Sheep is a coffee shop and daytime restaurant where bread, cakes and soups are made on the premises, while salads, bruschetta and platters are also on offer, along with house speciality toasted cheese.

The Bothy The Cow Shed Restaurant

43 Bridge Street, Ballater AB35 5QD 01339 755191 Mon–Sun 9am–5pm.

The Bothy is a grand spot before or after a day exploring Royal Deeside. They have a welcoming log burner for chilly days or you can sit outside if it’s sunny.

To set you up for the day, choose a full Scottish breakfast which includes eggs, bacon, sausage and black pudding or hash browns. Lunchtime soups are freshly made on the premises: sweet potato and ginger or parsnip and pear are typical.

Homebakes include white chocolate blondies and carrot cake.

Buchanans Bistro Woodend Barn, Burn o’ Bennie, Banchory AB31 5QA 01330 826530, buchananfood.com Mon 9am–5pm; Tue-Thu 9am–7.30pm; Fri/Sat 9am–8pm; Sun 9am–6.30pm

>ONLINE LISTINGS Extended write-ups of all venues, with individual location maps and links at each entry, can be found at thelarder.net Accessible on all devices including smartphones and tablets, thelarder.net features additional listings within Aberdeenshire and search functions for food and drink venues across Scotland.

Since 2010, Val and Calum Buchanan (see p.39) have been running the Bistro at Woodend Barn, where it has become a hub of the artistic and food community.

Their sourcing is both hyper-local and imaginative, with all their pastry, bread, pasta, puddings and ice-creams made on site. Calum’s sourdough bread has become one of their signature creations as have the varied fish, cheese or meat platters they produce. They also now do in-house smoking and brewing. Lunch and dinner menus provide a good choice of meat, fish or vegetarian dishes.

The Cow Shed Restaurant Raemoir Road, Banchory AB31 5QB 01330 820813, cowshedrestaurantbanchory.co.uk Wed–Sat 6.30–9.30pm; Sun 12.30– 3pm. Closed Mon/Tue.

Located on the site of an old dairy

and named after the nearby barn, the restaurant overlooks the Hill of Fare and offers stunning, uninterrupted views over the Banchory countryside. The emphasis of the restaurant, led by head chef Graham Buchan, is to present the best of local Scottish ingredients in a modern, fresh way. Their main of lamb loin fillet with parmesan potatoes and beetroot purée is particularly popular while puddings include sticky toffee soufflé or lemon and honey ice parfait. The restaurant offers various cooking courses which include a ‘Follow the chef’ half day or a ‘Cupcake’ morning (see p.43).

The Courtyard Café Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate, Banchory AB31 5QJ 0844 493 2166, nts.org.uk Apr–Oct: Mon–Sun 9.30am–5pm; Jan– Mar & Nov/Dec: Tue–Sun 10am–4pm.

As with most National Trust for Scotland properties, Crathes presents a great family day out and the café reflects this. Spacious enough to cater for large groups without letting them take over, and there is also plenty of outside seating.

Local prints on the wall and the kidney bean shape of the café prevents it from feeling too canteen-like and the staff are enthusiastic and helpful. Meals are freshly made and include a daily hot lunch special for around £8. There are reasonably priced children’s lunchboxes and a decent selection of cakes.

Darroch Learg Hotel Braemar Road, Ballater AB35 5UX 013397 55443, darrochlearg.co.uk Mon–Sat 7–9pm; Sun 12.30–2pm, 7–9pm.

Well known in the area for its consistently high standard of food and wonderful setting, the food in this family-run hotel is classic yet modern, using local game and meat at the heart of their menu. Loin of Deeside venison with goats cheese gnocchi or roast monkfish with chorizo are typical mains, or there’s a taster menu which offers a range of smaller dishes.

Sister restaurant The Station in Ballater is also a popular choice.

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Finzean Estate Farm Shop & Tea Room Finzean, Royal Deeside AB31 6PA

See p.32.

The Gathering Place 9 Invercauld Road, Braemar AB35 5YP 01339 741234, the-gathering-place.co.uk Tue–Sat 6–8.45pm. Closed Sun/Mon.

Run by Iain and Sandra Geddes, this bistro is a lovely place to recharge the batteries after a long day in the hills.

The short menu calls on Scottish classics with hot kiln-smoked salmon or rump of lamb. Their game pie is made with local venison, pheasant, rabbit and wood pigeon, and their puddings might include apple and cinnamon meringue roulade, or a tower of homemade shortbread with local strawberries. Low season opening hours can vary, so call in advance.

the restaurant has a brasserie-style menu presented with finesse: duo of pork with sage and apple stuffing and braised red cabbage, for example. A children’s menu is available and a special Sunday all-day menu includes roast beef served pink.

22 Station Road, Torphins AB31 4JF 01339 882039, platform22.co.uk Tue–Sat 10am–5pm; Sun noon–5pm.

Closed Mon.

A combined ceramics studio in Torphins’ old railway station run by partners Emma and David Pattullo, a gallery space for local artists and a popular, cosy café setting, the scenic Platform 22 has developed a strong reputation locally for its teas, coffees, hot chocolates, range of home-baked cakes, a variety of savoury snacks and small meals. There’s also a local produce market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, depending on the season.

Ballater Road, Dinnet, Aboyne AB34 5LW 013398 85229, lochkinord.com Mon–Sun noon–2pm, 6–8.30pm.

Raemoir House Hotel

This family-run hotel, built in the 19th century by Queen Victoria’s doctor, has two dining options: the lounge or more formal dining room. Expect dishes such as game terrine with onion marmalade, haggis truffles or Stornoway benedict – black pudding, ham and poached egg with hollandaise. Bread pudding is given a Scottish twist with whisky, and the cheese board is equally patriotic.

Run by Neil and Julie Rae, this is an elegant Georgian house in beautiful surroundings at the foot of the Hill of Fare outside Banchory. A member of the Scotch Beef Club, the restaurant strives to use fresh local ingredients to create a wide range of modern Scottish dishes.

Sunday lunch is about traditionally meaty roasts, while the bar menu takes things more informally, with game terrine or chump of lamb, and a concise dessert list.

Banchory AB31 4ED 01330 824 884, raemoir.com Mon–Sun noon–2.30pm, 6.30–9pm

The Milton Brasserie

Located within the Milton of Crathes complex opposite the entrance to Crathes Castle, the Milton came under new management in February 2013. The tea room serves breakfast, light lunches, afternoon tea, coffee and cakes, while

CRAIG WILSON ON BARRA BERRIES

Platform 22

Loch Kinord Hotel

Milton of Crathes, North Deeside Road, Crathes, Banchory AB31 5QH 01330 844566, miltonbrasserie.com Tea Room: Mon–Sun 9.30am–4.30pm.

Restaurant: Mon–Wed & Sat noon– 2.30pm, 6–9pm; Thu noon–2.30pm; Sun noon–5pm.

CHEF’S CHOICE

Riverside Cottage Ballater Road, Cambus O’May AB35 5SD 01331 755126 Mon–Sun 10am–5pm (shorter hours in winter). Also Thu & Sat 6–9pm

Taking over from the Crannach Café in summer 2014, though still sharing premises with this Crannach Bakery, this tearoom offers breakfasts and lunches, as well as cakes and and coffees. Two evenings each week they open as a bistro serving wood-fired pizza.

I love Scottish raspberries when they’re in season, and we’re so lucky to get ours from Barra Berries just four miles down the road.

When they are available, I’m happy to use their raspberries in all parts of the menu, from champagne & crushed raspberry pre-dinner drinks and tomato, vodka & raspberry soup shots to Stornoway black pudding & raspberry salad and raspberries marinated in Glen Garioch whisky.

It’s fantastic that the berries can be picked in the morning and served to our customers later the same day.

I know it’s possible to buy raspberries all year round now, but the difference in flavour when the berries are in season is amazing.

■ Craig Wilson is the chef and owner at Eat on The Green, Ellon (see p.42)

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Rocksalt and Snails 2 Bridge Street, Ballater AB35 5QP 07834 452583 Apr–Oct: Mon–Wed 10am–6pm; Thu– Sat 10am–10pm. Nov–Mar: Mon–Sun 10am–6pm.

The Bay Fish & Chip Shop

A branch of the popular coffee shop in Aberdeen’s west end, serving deli-style selections for takeaway and a seasonal bistro lunch and evening menu. There’s a delicious range of salads, panini and platters and an excellent choice of speciality teas and coffees as well as wine and beer. The friendly service and cosy atmosphere, complete with wood-burning stove, means that this small but neatly formed café outstrips the more traditional tea room offerings in Ballater.

Taste Airlie House, Chapel Brae, Braemar AB35 5YT 013397 41425, taste-braemar.co.uk Tue–Sat 10am–5pm. Closed Sun/Mon. Kincardineshire & Mearns

A short walk from the centre of Braemar, this family-run café with a modern, fresh interior is a great stop for coffee or lunch. They offer freshly made soups of the day such as tomato and beetroot or lentil, tattie and chive. Sandwiches are made with Balmoral bread and a choice of fillings such as Scottish cheddar and onion chutney or local free-range egg.

Homemade scones, rock buns or ginger crackle accompany Taste’s good quality coffee. A deli section stocks various things from the menu, including Cambus O’May cheese.

Tease Coffee Bar 17 High Street, Banchory AB31 5TB 01330 824945, teasecoffeebar.co.uk Mon–Fri 8.30am–5pm; Sat 9am–5pm; Sun 10am–4pm.

Stewart Culross and Tanya Macdonald’s smart café serves 20 different types of tea and some classic sweet choices: raspberry cranachan, lemon drizzle, carrot or coffee and walnut cakes. A wide range of sandwiches and bagels are available along with daily soups such as roast parsnip and honey, Moroccan chicken or spicy tomato. They also welcome families.

KINCARDINESHIRE & MEARNS Anchor Hotel New Road, Johnshaven DD10 0HD 01561 362288, anchorhoteljohnshaven.com Mon–Thu noon–3pm, 5–8.30pm; Fri– Sun noon–3pm, 5–9pm.

A traditional local pub and hotel which has been spruced up as a family-run destination dining hideaway, the Anchor makes the most of its fishing village setting with daily fresh catch and seasonal specials including lobster and crab claws. Pride is taken in the house lobster soup and fish pie, while sirloin steak and chicken fillet also feature on the menu.

Aunty Betty’s The Promenade, Stonehaven AB39 2RD

See p.33.

Balmakewan Farm Shop & Tea Room Balmakewan House, Northwater Bridge, nr. Laurencekirk AB30 1QX

See p.33.

The Bay Fish & Chip Shop Beach Promenade, Stonehaven AB39 2RD 01569 762000, thebayfishandchips.co.uk Mon–Sun noon–10pm.

Entering the award-winning Bay Fish and Chip Shop, the first things you notice are the blackboards. Langoustines, handdived scallops and battered smoked hake, for example, are written under the day’s date on one board while the origins of the day’s potatoes and fish are on the other – including the name of the diver who caught the shellfish. Fish can be baked, griddled or fried and a gluten-free option is available. It is also fantastically good value. Open late into the evening, there’s free parking outside, menus available in braille and easy access for wheelchairs and pushchairs. For more, see panel, p.33 and feature, p.10.

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Brasserie 1763 The Queens Hotel, 9 Allardice Street, Stonehaven AB39 2BS 01569 764993, queensstonehaven.co.uk Mon noon–2.30pm; Tue–Sat noon– 2.30pm, 5–8.30pm; Sun noon–7.30pm.

Located within the Queen’s Hotel and run by chef Gregor Annand, Brasserie 1763 is a Scottish restaurant popular with locals as somewhere versatile which doesn’t overstretch itself. Main dishes include the homemade house burger, fillet of local haddock with chips and slow-roasted pork belly, with ‘posh’ monkfish scampi and an open chicken and chorizo lasagne changing up the traditional bar menu.

Castleton Farm Shop & Café Fordoun, Laurencekirk AB30 1JX

See p.33.

The Creel Inn Catterline, Stonehaven AB39 2UL 01569 750254, thecreelinn.co.uk Tue/Wed noon–2pm; Thu/Fri noon–2pm, 6–9.30pm; Sat noon–2pm, 5–9.30pm; Sun noon-8.30pm. Closed Mon.

Perched on the cliffs with fantastic views of the harbour and sea, the Creel has carved its reputation as a seafood restaurant, yet it offers so much more, with plenty of options for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. Cosy open fires and beamed ceilings characterise this ex-fisherman’s cottage, with two choices of dining room – the restaurant or more informal lounge – both serving the same contemporary Scottish menu. Fish and seafood come in daily from Aberdeen and Gourdon, and the crab and lobster are caught in Catterline Bay itself.

Hornblower’s Restaurant and Fish & Chip Shop 2 William Street, Gourdon DD10 0NA 01561 360111, horn-blowers.com Wed–Sun noon–2pm & 4–8pm.

Closed Mon/Tue.

Hornblower’s is worth a visit for the setting alone, with fishing boats bobbing away beside it in Gourdon’s harbour and seagulls and oystercatchers soaring

overhead. The takeaway is downstairs or you can venture upstairs for sit-down dining with views. The fish is as fresh as you’d hope for, and the light batter is cooked to a special recipe. Gluten-free battered fish is available by advance request. They use social media to update on the daily catch as well as special events.

Hugo’s 63 High Street, Laurencekirk AB30 1BH 01561 376271, hugoslaurencekirk.co.uk Mon–Sat 9am-5pm.

Laurencekirk is fast becoming a vibrant town to visit. With a recently opened haberdashery, gift shop, florist and antiques shop lining the high street, Hugo’s has become the meeting place for both locals and visitors. It is an easy and comfortable café to visit and enjoy an all-day breakfast, lunch or a hot drink and cake. A simple but wholesome lunch menu offers fresh staples such as jacket potatoes, toasties and burgers. Soup of the day is always gluten free, the pâté platter in particular is a winner and cakes tend to be homemade traybakes and scones, with toasted teacakes always on offer.

Kirktown Garden Centre Kirktown, Fetteresso, Stonehaven AB39 3UP 01569 766887, kirktowngardencentre.co.uk Mon–Sun 9am–4.30pm.

The café here is subtly divided so that families tend to sit in the conservatory area, while those without children can enjoy relative peace in the main restaurant. All-day breakfast is available, and homemade specials for lunch – the menu is otherwise made up of staples: soup, sandwiches and baked potatoes. The garden centre incorporates a food section with much of the produce being local.

The Lairhillock Inn Netherley, Near Stonehaven AB39 3QS 01569 730001, lairhillock.co.uk Mon–Thu noon–2pm, 6–9.30pm; Fri– Sun noon–2pm, 5pm–9.30pm

There’s history stretching back over 200

>COOKERY COURSES COWSHED COOK SCHOOL The Banchory restaurant uses its kitchen for a range of courses, from breadmaking to international dishes.

■ cowshedrestaurantbanchory.co.uk FOODIE QUINE FUNGI FORAGE Run by local food blogger Claire Jessiman alongside Mark Williams of Galloway Wild Foods, these educational trips are held a short drive outside Aberdeen.

■ foodiequine.co.uk NICK NAIRN COOK SCHOOL The well-known chef or one of his staff host a wide-ranging array of courses on individual dishes or full meals.

■ nicknairncookschool. com NINO MASALA COOKERY COURSES Nino Khan has over 20 years’ experience of fine Indian cooking, and offers group classes through Aberdeenshire Council or privately at home.

■ ninomasala.co.uk THE STORE BUTCHERY MASTERCLASSES In-house butchery classes from the wellknown North-East farmers and meat specialists.

■ thestorecompany. co.uk The Aberdeenshire Larder 43

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Where to Eat

Hornblower’s Restaurant and Fish & Chip Shop (page 43)

list.co.uk

years in this former coaching house. Dine in the inn or conservatory or drink in the cosy snug with an open fire in the middle of the dining room. The menu changes every three months and is supplemented by a daily specials board. Ingredients come from local growers and suppliers, with salmon, fish, chicken and duck all smoked on site. Lairies gambas, as a starter or main, is a must-try dish as is Lairies lasagne made with beef, venison and pork.

The Marine Hotel Shorehead, Stonehaven AB39 2JY 01569 762155, marinehotelstonehaven.co.uk Mon–Fri noon–2.30pm, 5.30–9pm; Sat/ Sun noon–9pm.

With its fantastic location right on the harbour, choose to dine in the lounge bar with its open fire or the more formal firstfloor restaurant. Specialising in locally sourced game and seafood, the daily specials board showcases the catch of the day from Aberdeen and Gourdon. A good selection of real ales is complemented by over 130 bottled Belgian beers, and every dish on the menu is matched to a beer.

The Muchalls Bistro

>ONLINE LISTINGS Extended write-ups of all venues, with individual location maps and links at each entry, can be found at thelarder.net Accessible on all devices including smartphones and tablets, thelarder.net features additional listings within Aberdeenshire and search functions for food and drink venues across Scotland.

14 Dunnyfell Road, Muchalls AB39 3RP 01569 730393, themuchallsbistro.co.uk Wed–Sat 5.30-8.45pm; Sun noon– 2.30pm, 5.30–9pm. Closed Mon/Tue.

Situated just off the dual carriageway midway between Aberdeen and Stonehaven, come here for bistro-style food from chef-proprietor Hermann Schmid. There’s an emphasis on local seafood, steaks and game in a menu with broad appeal, and an always-interesting range of daily specials on the board.

Regular themed nights include lobster, Italian, French, or surf & turf.

The Old Post Office Tearoom Kintore Street, Auchenblae AB30 1XP 01561 320660, oldpostofficetearoom.co.uk Mon–Thu 9am–4pm; Fri–Sun 9am–close.

This is a wee place with a huge menu offering all-day breakfast, coffee and cakes, light bites, traditional meals and bistro dining. Local suppliers are used and the local community is supported: game might be from the Drumtochty Estate and local salads and vegetables come from the village. Friday night is Fry-Night with fresh fish from Gourdon available to eat in, take away or for home delivery.

There’s a pop up bistro on a Saturday night while Sunday offers traditional roast dinners followed by very popular high tea from 4.30pm comprising a main course served with hot buttered toast, tea and coffee and a selection of homebakes.

The Ship Inn 5 Shorehead, Stonehaven AB39 2JY 01569 762617, shipinnstonehaven.com Mon–Fri noon–2pm, 5.30–9pm; Sat/ Sun noon–9.30pm.

On a summer evening, The Ship has no equal as customers can sit outside and enjoy the sensational view over the harbour. The Inn’s atmosphere is friendly and vibrant and as it’s often busy, there can sometimes be a wait for food. Expect traditional pub food such as breaded fish, Cullen skink and steak pie, plus a special seafood section of the menu listing the likes of Cajun-style blackened sea bass fillets, or a crab claw and mussel platter.

The Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant Old Pier, Stonehaven AB39 2JU 01569 762287, tolbooth-restaurant.co.uk Wed–Sat noon–2pm, 6–9.30pm; Sun noon–3pm. Closed Mon/Tue.

Local shellfish is a speciality at the Tolbooth and langoustines, crab and lobster regularly feature on the fine dining à la carte menu. This is balanced with local pork, venison and beef dishes and a seasonal vegetarian option. The low ceiling, roughcast walls and small windows create an intimate dining atmosphere that’s appreciated by couples and small groups. Note that access to the Tolbooth is via a steep flight of stairs.

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Farmers’ Markets

Aberdeenshire Farmers’ Markets Farmers’ Markets are an integral part of the food scene in Aberdeenshire – the strong rural communities know the benefit of supporting their local producers, and many of today’s success stories started out with a stall at their local market. Keep up to date on Facebook or Twitter @FarmersMarketAB

Aberdeen Country Fair

last Saturday of the month

Belmont Street, last Saturday of the month

9am–12.30pm

9am–5pm aberdeencountryfair.co.uk

Stonehaven

Banchory

9am–1pm

Bellfield Park, third Saturday of the month

Torphins

Market Square, first Saturday of the month

9am–1pm

Platform 22, every Wednesday

Huntly

10am–2pm platform22.co.uk

Huntly Square, first Saturday of the month 9am–1pm

Turriff

huntlyfarmersmarket.co.uk

Balmellie Street, third Saturday of the month

Inverurie

9.30am–12.30pm

Market Place (Town Centre), second Saturday of the month

Westhill

9am–1pm

Macduff

Ashdale Hall Car Park, Westhill Drive, first Saturday of the month

Fishmarket at Macduff,

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Where to Eat

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Aberdeenshire Food & Drink Events JUNE

Taste of Grampian tasteofgrampian.co.uk

Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

>FOOD TRAILS Royal Deeside has some great food to offer, and great produce for sale.

■ discoverroyaldeeside.com The Banffshire Coast can be overlooked by visitors, but it’s a coastline full of beauty, wildlife and great produce. Watch dolphins jumping in the Moray Firth, take a walk along a deserted beach, then sample some amazing seafood.

■ banffshirecoast.com

Taste of Grampian is the biggest showcase of Aberdeenshire food and drink in the year. The one-day festival is held on the first Saturday in June, at the Thainstone Centre. As well as lots of exciting food products to sample and buy, there are chef demos, music, childrens’ entertainment, and arts & crafts. Arrive hungry and eat your way through the best the North East has to offer.

Great Grampian Beer Festival

is the focus for farmers and visitors alike for two days, usually the first Sunday and Monday in August. The serious business of judging livestock and selling tractors is combined with lots of delicious local food.

SEPTEMBER

Braemar Gathering braemargathering.org

The Royal family always put in an appearance at these traditional games – the monarch also has the title of Chieftain of the Braemar Gathering. And there’s always some great local food on offer.

aberdeencamra.co.uk

Huntly Hairst

Held in early June, hosted in Aberdeen’s Pittodrie Stadium, and run by the Grampian and Northern Isles branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), the Great Grampian offers 100 real ales to choose from and the £5 entry fee includes a free commemorative Festival Glass.

huntlyhairst.co.uk

The hairst (Scots for harvest) celebration started in 2007 and in various formats over the years has become an annual celebration of local food and farming. The town square is usually the hub for events.

OCTOBER

Midsummer Beer Happening msbh.co.uk

Held in a marquee in Baird Park in the middle of the month, Stonehaven’s own alefest is a not-for-profit event organised by local brewers and real ale enthusiasts.

Scottish Traditional Boat Festival stbfportsoy.com

Aberdeenshire’s Secret Malts trail offers a chance to discover some lesserknown distilleries and whiskies.

■ For more see p.6.

The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, held in Portsoy, runs at the end of June (sometimes at the start of July) and while its primary focus is on the amazing traditional boats in the harbour, there is a huge local food offering housed in the dedicated food tent.

An East of Scotland Seafood Trail is in development - look out for further details.

AUGUST

Royal Deeside Food and Fiddle Fortnight visitroyaldeeside.com

This festival showcases the wealth of natural musical talent and stunning local produce available the length and breadth of Royal Deeside. There’s lots going on to see and do including food demonstrations, live music, song & dance, farmers markets’, fiddle workshops, cookery classes and so much more.

For further information on these and other Aberdeenshire events ■ aberdeenshire.gov.uk/visit ■ visitscotland.com/aberdeenshire

Turriff Show turriffshow.org

The main event on the agricultural calendar in the North East, Turriff show

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Where to Eat

Index Aberdeen-Angus 14, 35 Aberdeenshire Larder (business) 28 Alford Bistro, The 35, 36 Allan, John 35 Anchor Hotel 42 Ardmore Distillery 6, 23 Aunt Betty’s 29, 33, 42 Baird, Robin 31 Balmakewan Farm Shop 20, 33, 42 Banchory Lodge Hotel 39 Banff Springs Hotel 34 Barra Berries 21, 41 Bay Fish & Chip Shop, The 10, 33, 42 Berry Scrumptious 19, 23 Berryfields Farm Shop 21 Bert Fowlie Butcher 26 Birdhouse Café 39 Black Faced Sheep, The 39 Bogside Farm Shop 21, 26 Bothy, The 40 Boyndie Trust Visitor Centre 34 Brasserie 1763 43 BrewDog 16, 30 Brewmeister 16 Bridgefoot Organics 22 Brown & Son, AE 26 Bruce of the Broch 26 Buchan Braes Hotel 34 Buchanan, Calum 39 Buchanans Bistro 39, 40 Burnside Brewery 16 Cambus O’May Cheese 8, 23 Castleton Farm Shop 13, 21, 33, 43 Celebrations of Turriff 35 Cock and Bull, The 36 Cocoa Ooze 23, 30 Collie Butchers, A&G 28 Cool Gourmet 33 Courtyard Café, The 40 Coutts & Son, R 26 Cow Shed Restaurant, The 40, 43 Crannach Bakery 23, 41 Creel Inn, The 43 Darroch Learg Hotel 40 Davidsons Butchers 28, 30 Dean’s of Huntly 23, 37 Deeside Brewery 16 Deeside Deli and Garden Shop 32 Deeside Drinks Emporium 7, 32 Deeside Water 23 Delica 29 Delish Fish 23 Derek Ritchie Butchers 29 Devenick Dairy 8, 22, 23, 32 Dolphin Fish & Chips 10 Donald Russell 22 Dossett, J&G 29 Downies of Whitehills 11, 22, 26

Duff House Tearoom 35 Duff, Lesley 29 Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky 7, 23 Dunnottar Wine & Spirits 7, 34 Durn House 35 Easter Anguston Farm 32 Eat on the Green 37, 41 Ewan Morrice Quality Butcher 27 Farm Garden, The 22 Farmers’ markets 45 Fennel Restaurant 37 Fernieflatt Farm 22 Fettercairn Distillery 6, 23 Fife Arms Hotel, The 37 Finnan haddie 17 Finzean Estate 17, 21, 32, 41 Fjord Inn, The 37 Food For Thought Deli 22, 27 Foodie Quine Fungi Forage 43 Forbes Raeburn & Sons 29 Formartine’s 29, 37 Fraser, J&M 22 FreshFoodGuru 22 Gadie’s Restaurant 31, 37 Galley, The 35 Gathering Place, The 41 Glen Garioch Distillery 6, 23 Glendronach Distillery 7, 23 Glenglassaugh Distillery 7 Glenview 22 Grainger’s Delicatessen 34 Granite City Fish 22, 30 Green Grocer, The 18, 22, 29 Hattencrook Farm Shop & Deli 30 Hornblower’s Fish & Chip Shop 10, 43 Hugo’s 43 Huntly Herbs 21 Ingrams Homecure 22 John Stewart Quality Butchers 27 John Troup Butcher 32 Kellockbank 37 Kildrummy Castle Hotel 38 Kildrummy Inn 38 Kilted Frog Delicatessen. The 30 Kincardine Kitchen 21, 23 Kirkford Chickens 22 Kirktown Garden Centre 43 Knockdhu Distillery 7 Laird’s Kitchen, The 38 Lairhillock Inn, The 43 Lastbus Works Canteen Café 35 Lembas Organics 10, 22 Leys Estate 39 Loch Kinord Hotel 41 Lodge, The 35 Lower Thorneybank Farm Shop 30 Macdonald Pittodrie House Hotel 38 Macduff Distillery 7, 23 Mackie’s 12, 23 Mackintosh of Glendaveny 21, 37 Marine Hotel, The 44

Marshalls Farm Shop 31, 38 McIntosh Donald Butcher’s Shop 34 Meldrum House Hotel 38 Menzies, NG 32 Milton Brasserie, The 41 Mitchells 23, 31 Morgan McVeigh’s 39 Mortlach Game 22 Muchalls Bistro, The 44 Nairn, Nick 30, 37, 43 Netherton Real Farm Shop 22, 28 Nick Nairn Cook School 43 Nino Masala Cookery Courses 43 Oatmeal of Alford, The 21 Ola Oils 18, 21 Old Post Office Tearoom, The 44 Pitsligo Arms Hotel 36 Platform 22 41 Porterhouse Restaurant 14, 39 Portsoy Ice Cream 12, 23, 28 Presly and Co 31 Pulsetta 18, 23 Raemoir Garden Centre 33 Raemoir House Hotel 41 Restaurant 1756 36 Richardson, Calum 10, 33 Ritchie, TA 28 Riverside Cottage 41 Rizza’s of Huntly 12, 23, 31 Rockfish 10 Rocksalt and Snails 42 Ross, JG 23, 31 Rowett Institute 18 Royal Lochnagar Distillery 7, 23 Scott the Butcher 31 Scottish Goat Meat Company 14, 22 Seafield Arms 36 Sheridan, HM 33 Ship Inn, The 44 Simpson’s of Buckie 23, 29 Six˚North 16, 30 Smokehouse, The 23 Spey Valley Brewery 16 Speyside Craft Brewery 16 Speyside Specialities 22 Store, The 10, 20, 21, 31, 39, 43 Summerhouse Drinks 19, 23 Tarts and Crafts 39 Taste 42 Taste of Grampian 15, 46 Tease Coffee Bar 42 Thainstone Centre 14 Tilquhillie Fine Foods 21 Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant, The 44 Tufted Duck Hotel, The 36 Ugie Salmon 23 Vital Veg 22 What’s For Tea Tonight?

34 Whiskies of Scotland 7 Wilson, Craig 41 Windswept Brewing Company 16 The Aberdeenshire Larder 47

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Aberdeenshire

Larder

THE GUIDE TO THE FOOD & DRINK OF ABERDEENSHIRE Aberdeenshire is the home of the world’s most famous breed of cattle, Aberdeen-Angus, and Europe’s most important white fish ports. Along the coastline and across the landscape is a wealth of good food and drink: oats, barley, shellfish, cheese, beer, whisky, game, fruit and ice-cream. There’s lots to discover and enjoy, whether you’re exploring for new tastes, stocking the cupboards at home, just visiting or looking for a memorable local meal.

This fully revised and updated new guide to the food and drink of Aberdeenshire includes: ■ The stories behind the region’s great produce ■ Practical listings of the best food shops, markets and producers

■ Profiles of the people and places behind Aberdeenshire’s food and drink: fishermen, farmers, fruit growers and distillers

■ Aberdeenshire chefs talking about the local food that inspires them

■ An independent guide to the best places to eat out

the

Larder

GUIDES

DE TO ANGUS’ FOOD & DRINK

Larder THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FOOD AND DRINK

Cairngorms Larder THE GUIDE TO THE FOOD & DRINK OF THE CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK

GUIDES Cairngorms Larder 2013JT.indd 1

SECOND EDITION

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