LOCATION
On the edge of the village green. Tomintoul is just six miles from the Lecht Ski Centre in the spectacular Cairngorm National Park and the hotel is a favourite with skiers and hikers.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Warm, friendly and popular with locals.
SERVICE
Laid-back but swift. Our orders were taken at the bar but delivered to the table in double-quick time. Staff were happy to chat and give tourists the low-down on what to see and do in the area. Children are made extremely welcome.
MENU
Includes a selection of dishes from the grill, a separate burger range along with mains, fish and a salad choice. The dessert menu includes standard favourites such as sticky toffee pudding as well as some surprises like the ‘cool mint fling’.
TASTE
The mains were a complete success. My 10-year-old daughter had the poached salmon fillet with lemon and parsley butter, crispy salad and potatoes. The fish was fleshy, moist and delicious. I chose the 8oz locally-sourced, farm-assured sirloin steak with beer-battered onion rings and thick cut chips. It was perfectly cooked and tender.
PRICE
This is a value for money, no nonsense eatery offering generous portions. Our starters were less than five pounds each, while my steak cost a reasonable £15.95 and my daughter’s salmon was £11.50.
AMBIENCE
This place has a couthy, easy-going charm. Diners would be comfortable here in jeans and hiking boots. It’s good for the kids too who are clearly thrilled by the free snooker table and dart boards on offer.
SOMETHING SPECIAL
The ice cream milk shakes made in-house in a variety of flavours. My daughter couldn’t get enough of them.
TOILETS
Spacious, clean and tidy but a little tired.
OUR VERDICT
Decent food served at a good price in a friendly and relaxed environment. 15/20
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