The Clunie Dining Room

Mar Road, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom, AB35 5YL

🛍 Fish, Vegan, British, Scottish

4.4 💬 351 Reviews
The Clunie Dining Room

Phone: +441339720200,+441339720215,+441339720223,+4413397

Address: Mar Road, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom, AB35 5YL

City: Aberdeenshire

Menu Dishes: 5

Reviews: 351

Website: http://thefifearms.com/eat-drink/the-clunie-dining-room/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=restaurant-thecluniediningroom

"Dining We looked forward to dining in the pre booked Clunie restaurant on our first night. The hotel is crammed full of fascinating object d’art which have been creatively and tastefully embedded throughout the building. The restaurant was no exception which all supported the promise of a good meal. Sadly this did not really materialise despite the hotel’s website stating ‘The Fife Arms showcases the finest seasonal produce for which Scotland is world famous. From fresh seafood and game to local whiskies and spirits, many of the ingredients used in the kitchens and bars is sourced from local suppliers, gamekeepers and farmers.’ Despite the restaurant being almost full the presented menu only offered a choice of four options for starters and mains with only three side dishes listed. One of the mains was only available as a two person course thus further limiting the choice. I immediately felt this somewhat limited offering was not on par with the five star aspirations of the hotel. It clearly failed to reflect the website statement. I opted for the scallop dish which consisted of two small scallops (I used to return larger to the sea in my diving days) which were all but hidden by three scant chicory leaves and a small spoonful of hazelnut purée all for the princely sum of £20! The price is one thing but I have had a more appealing dish served as pub food! My wife opted for the equally uninspirational mackerel crudo fancy name not so fancy dish. These dishes were followed by cod on wilted greens for myself which although a sizeable portion of fish it included a glutinous skin (probably left behind after removing the outer skin post cooking) totally lacked any seasoning apart from an overwhelming acidic drench through the vegetable. My wife opted for 4 pieces of wood fired pumpkin, presumably the vegetarian dish for £22 really! While cod is not a bad fish it is hardly in the top ten of those landed on our shores. Why wasn’t there more fish or indeed seafood options on offer to showcase Scotland’s larder? Halibut, turbot, salmon, shell fish all spring to mind. Likewise I noticed a rather grand open fire range to the front of the kitchen including a josper type grill /bread oven etc which was not in use. Why not when alternative steak dishes could have been offered? Maybe this is only operated during special events. Like the hotel I purchase wine from Corney and Bowes (the delivery van was leaving as we arrived). The mark up on wines is staggering even for a hotel! Breakfast the following day presented similarly poor and limited options again bearing in mind the premier league the business seeks to compete in. The Ghillie’s breakfast was edible no more. It included spicy beans which clearly had been reheated numerous times , no mushrooms, no tomatoes which are normally standard fare in such dishes. Another odd trait concerned the toast which when ordered alongside coffee actually came underneath the brittle bacon not on a toast rack. No usual smoked haddock, kippers etc were available. I’ve had better cooked and varied breakfasts in ‘greasy spoon’ cafes. (References are available) Most of the same dishes were on offer the following day and included one of the strangest dishes I’ve witnessed broccoli and onion fritters really for breakfast! I twice asked for a copy of the previous evening’s menu to see if this vegetable had been on and possibly confirm kitchen recycling. I never got it or any further explanation. The odd practice of slipping toast under cooked food continued as I was met with one slice of soggy sour dough toast under my scrambled egg. In short the entire dining experience at the Fife Arms was hugely disappointing especially as it was meant to mark a special occasion. Again in comparison with other high end establishments we felt the kitchen lacked any imagination, creativity, finesse and ability to properly showcase what Scotland has to offer on food. Recent reviews suggest the business is striving for premier league recognition but will flatly remain in the third division unless menus and standard of cooking are radically overhauled. Otherwise I do not envisage the Michelin man visiting soon and returning a positive score. How is it that much smaller establishments can and do offer far more varied and innovative menus which showcase Scotland’s larder at much more realistic cost. I acknowledge that good reviews have been left by many regarding good standards but it does beg the question what benchmarks they are using. I for one shan’t be darkening your doorstep again and shall patronise those businesses who deserve their well earned accolades and corresponding patronage."

Full menu - 5 options

All prices are estimates on menu.

Appetizer

Vegetarian

Fish Dishes

Dessert

theepilgrim theepilgrim

The restaurant offers delicious food with exceptional service from a highly skilled staff. The wine selection and cocktail menu are excellent, all set in a unique and luxurious atmosphere.

Address

Show Map

Reviews

Monkey168
Monkey168

We dined here on the first night of our stay. Had a cocktail at Elsa’s Bar which was nice. This restaurant has a wonderful painting along with Stan the stag! Interesting combo. My venison tartare was delicious. Hubby decided to go for the Sunday roast. Largest Yorkshire pudding was one of the largest. It was delicious. My lamb was cooked to perfection. We did not have room for dessert but it was certainly an enjoyable dinner


Nick
Nick

Good: Service level from the staff was very high The starters and dessert were both very good The wine list was comprehensive, though the mark up was much higher that expected. Average: After dinner coffee had no petit fours option and was accompanied by very soft (almost soggy! shortbread Poor: The main was incredibly dissappointing very overcooked hake in overly vinegared broth. Value: Terrible. Very expensive and not a place we'll be revisiting.


Partney
Partney

After returning from walking ‘The Morrone’, we popped into the hotel to book a table for the evening. I gave details, man, time, and everything seemed fine. A moment later, we were questioned as to whether we were residents, we stated we just wanted dinner at the restaurant, then told bluntly that we could not book. That was rude enough, but moments later a couple overheard us and told us they had just booked a table, the only difference was their attire, we were in walking gear. The young man we spoke to as we entered was extremely helpful and as we were leaving asked if we had booked ok, and was surprised to hear we were unable to get a table. So rude and clearly they didn’t want ‘our sort... View menu


petesaund
petesaund

The hotel, already well-known and established, recently underwent a complete renovation by Hauser and Wirth, a global art dealer conglomerate. The transformation is truly stunning, striking a perfect balance between modern and traditional design. The focal point of The Clunie Dining Room is a majestic stag statue, reminding guests that they are in the heart of deer country. Even the Picasso portrait in the drawing room fits seamlessly into the new decor. The hand-painted, multicoloured abstract panelled walls are truly breathtaking. The wood-fired venison, sourced from a local estate, was of the highest quality, cooked to a perfect pink and tender perfection, and served with a delicious red...


Toze29
Toze29

During our stay in Braemar, we decided to try out The Clunie based on a recommendation. The hotel has a unique charm and is popular among American tourists, akin to a Scottish version of Disney Land which they seem to enjoy. The decor is interesting, although the dining room could use some improvement as it felt a bit stifling and lacked warmth. The local cuisine was good overall, although some dishes seemed unbalanced in terms of flavors – my cod main lacked taste and my husband's venison was overwhelmed by strong flavors in the dish. The starters and desserts, however, were delicious. The staff, although friendly, seemed to lack training in fine dining etiquette, indicating a need for more...


magalaur
magalaur

Overall we enjoyed our evening. It was good that you fitted us in for a special occasion. We were aware that we had to vacate the table in two hours for later diners. But throughout we felt a pressure to comply with this, which was totally unnecessary and has never happened in much more modest establishments. In other words we felt rushed. The service was friendly and if anything a little too attentive. Having been ushered in very attentively by all, this was just switched off for our exit and we might have been invisible. The main course was really excellent and a highlight. The starter was a fish dish totally dominated by chilli and very ordinary. Chefs seem to be obsessed with chilli nowa... View menu


Quest26911774420
Quest26911774420

Made reservations and came a considerable distance with visiting friends to treat them to the wood fired Sunday roast at the Fife Arms Clunie Restaurant. Bad sign that they seemed surprised to see us, then seated us in an otherwise empty dining room. Service was lovely. Wait staff were excellent. Starters (a soup, and a leek dish) were slow to arrive but tasty. Then the Sunday roast when it finally arrived an hour later was almost inedible. Beef was both tough and improperly carved, so very stringy. Managed to saw off a few bits. Gravy good, but Yorkshire puddings probably store bought and in the oven all day were dried to a crisp and tasteless. The roasted potatoes couldn 't be cut with our...


Bigal57
Bigal57

We were staying at the hotel, so wanted the full Fife Arms experience. We had cocktails in Elsa 's Bar, which were excellent, and served by very friendly, enthusiastic staff. Unfortunately, the dining experience was not nearly as good. First of all , neither of us could find anything exciting on the menu. We would have happily had two starters, as we often do in very good restaurants, but there simply were not enough interesting starters. The main options of vegetarian, cod, lamb or beef wellington for two were so uninspiring that we both ordered the lamb, which was decent quality meat with a completely tasteless sauce. Why was there no game on the menu? Wild duck or pheasant would have been...


mt672014
mt672014

Dining We looked forward to dining in the pre booked Clunie restaurant on our first night. The hotel is crammed full of fascinating object d’art which have been creatively and tastefully embedded throughout the building. The restaurant was no exception which all supported the promise of a good meal. Sadly this did not really materialise despite the hotel’s website stating ‘The Fife Arms showcases the finest seasonal produce for which Scotland is world famous. From fresh seafood and game to local whiskies and spirits, many of the ingredients used in the kitchens and bars is sourced from local suppliers, gamekeepers and farmers.’ Despite the restaurant being almost full the presented menu only... View menu

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire offers stunning coastlines, historic castles, and rich Scottish culture; typical dishes include haggis, smoked salmon, and buttery shortbread.

Categories

  • Fish Delight in our exquisite fish dishes, crafted from the freshest catch of the day. From grilled favorites to savory stews, our menu celebrates the ocean's bounty with flavors to satisfy every palate.
  • Vegan "Delight in our vegan menu, offering a vibrant selection of plant-based dishes crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Savor flavorsome meals that are as nourishing as they are delicious." View menu
  • British Traditional and hearty, the British menu offers comfort classics like fish and chips, succulent roasts, and savory pies. Rediscover familiar favorites, lovingly crafted with timeless recipes and fresh, local ingredients.
  • Scottish Discover the rich and hearty flavors of Scotland with traditional dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties, alongside savory pies and tender smoked salmon, offering an authentic taste of Scottish culinary heritage.

Amenities

  • Wifi
  • Seating
  • menu
  • Mastercard
  • menu
  • Diners Club

Similar Restaurants

The Anchor

The Anchor

New Road, DD10 0HD, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom

Menu • Pubs • Steak • Seafood • British


"Sunday, 3rd September 2023 – 19:00 Meal: Wine Starters – Main – Coffee My friend and I arrived at 19:00 to a busy but not overfull restaurant without a reservation and they accommodated us upstairs. Menus were produced and we ordered a bottle of white wine and a jug of water. 0rders placed for starters and 2 servings of the Italian style fish stew on the ‘Specials Board’ at 26.99 each. Tomato and chilli with promises of loads of different fish. The toss up was between a steak or the stew (which neither of us would cook at home). The table was dirty and needed wiping – this request was placed 3x on the young waitron who eventually produced a cloth slopping water from a bucket in the corner cupped in her hands where she half heartedly wiped the table with water dripping onto my friend’s lap. Hurried mop up with tissues out of my bag. The white wine was plonked on the table – next to the cooler – unopened and no glasses. Several attempts were made to attract the waitron’s attention. Eventually another bottle was produced opened and we were advised the waitron was under age and not allowed to pour wine. Perfectly acceptable had she produced an opener and the glasses with an explanation I would have been happy to help myself – we understand and appreciate these things. The starters arrived and were delicious! The chef then came out to see us and explained that there was no lobster for the stew – we asked for extra monkfish, he then said there was no monkfish left – but could help us with other white fish and crab claws. He said he was down to the last 2 portions, and he would ensure they were hearty. We were a bit concerned and suggested perhaps we settle for the steak which is always delicious. He assured us we had made the right choice and would enjoy the stew. The stews arrived and were ‘hearty’ if being crammed with the contents of a tin of crab claws is your definition of hearty. The promised ‘rich tomato broth with chilli and garlic’ was a watered down version of what was clearly less than a cup of the original broth left at the bottom of the pot topped with water. It was tasteless – lacking in hint of either chilli, wine, garlic or herbs – having lived in Malta I can assure you I have a deep understanding of Med cooking. I guess we were lucky we didn’t have the salty brine of the crab claws as the broth. It was inedible and we were starving so we kept adding salt and pepper – we were beyond the point of returning the food which was a mistake in hindsight. We skipped dessert – had coffees and left. The meal came to nearly £100.00. This was an expensive lousy experience. We paid a generous tip – because they accommodated us without a reservation. Take aways from the experience: • The restaurant service on a Sunday evening at 19:00 should be as good as it is on a Friday at 19:00 • Being a local and having eaten there several times – it is my first choice for a ‘good’ meal – don’t abuse the luxury of local support. • Train your waitrons to clean tables, by wringing out the cloth and not dripping water on your patrons. • Waitrons (even under aged ones) should at least carry a wine opener, and understand that wine glasses should be produced when delivering wine. • Your chef should know better and never, ever assume he can cut costs by selling the dregs from his kitchen. • A poor dining experience costs you more than you think. We would have ordered dessert, and more importantly returned for a second meal in the next week – WE DIDN’T! I have a friend coming from Ireland in November – do I risk taking her to the Anchor?"