Copper Dog At The Craigellachie

The Mash Tun

➤ 8 Broomfield Square, AB38 9QP, Moray, United Kingdom

Carte • Pub • Cafés • Steak • British

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"We visited the restaurant at Mash Tun for the second time in four months. The restaurant/ bar is lovingly restored and the atmosphere is pleasant, the views over the river Spey fantastic. The bar itself is really well stocked. We had had a great meal there back in July, just on a wander about old tourist haunts from when we were kids with only enough cash for a baked tattie, and found the place on a walk down to look at the Spey. Whilst perusing the menu, you are served with a jug of tap water and glasses. A nice touch, but indicative of the service offered throughout. Today, he had a half portion of the charcuterie from the main menu. Gorgeous home-made crostini, fresh and tasty Mediterranean meats, Crowdie, Scottish cheddar and chutneys. All memorable and delectable. I chose the special of pan seared scallops on a bed of seared tomatoes- three types of baby/plum- with onion, capers in a rather splendid dressing. Dreamy. Main course, we both went off menu. He had half roast chicken with lovely crispy skin, and sprouting broccoli, in a gorgeous mushroomy sauce and very moreish home-made chips- he couldn't finish it, so we were given doggy boxes. I had seafood gnocchi. Loads of tiger prawns, chunks of salmon and crab in a wonderful creamy sauce with peas and nice light gnocchi. MMMM.... You begin to run out of superlatives in this place! We finished with mixed berry crumble and ice cream. As you can guess faultless, followed by filter coffee. I had a glass of house red during the meal which was good and robust, and, the other reason for being there, I ended with a Stalla Dhu Speyside single malt whisky, dreamy, mellow.... memorable. An unforgettable meal, in nice surroundings, with good service and very friendly staff."

The Station

➤ 51 New Street, AB38 7BJ, Rothes, United Kingdom

Carte • Wine • Full • Cafés • Scottish

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"We stayed for 3 nights at this adorable little boutique hotel in Rothes. Rothes is a sleepy little town but this hotel is definitely worth a stop for dinner or drinks, even if you stay elsewhere. Our room, the Glen Spey suite, was nicely appointed with a completely renovated and modern bathroom and giant soaking tub. Everything was clean and comfortable. My only complaint is that there was a heat wave the week we were there (2nd week of Sept), nothing in Scotland has A/C, and while the room has a window and fan, the window was covered in spiders and so we had a few very scary spider encounters. They are a little short staffed due to covid (as is everywhere in Scotland), but the staff are BEYOND lovely and helpful. They never make you feel rushed or bothersome, and they do everything they can to accommodate. The restaurant onsite is excellent but if you are American the burger will not be what you are expecting and I recommend you try other dishes. Everything is locally sourced and the scallops/short rib appetizer was one of the best things I ate during our entire 2 week trip. And of course I cannot leave a review without mentioning the amazing and extensive whisky collection they have at the onsite bar. We had so much fun trying a lot of new-to-us Scotches. They also have many rare vintages and difficult to find whiskeys that you can try by the dram. There are very well priced flights including one with old whiskeys. Final thoughts: there is no Uber in the area so plan on requesting taxis an hour or more before you need them. Glen Grant Distillery is a 5 minute walk away, and Glenfiddich Distillery is about a 15 minute drive. Breakfast at the on site restaurant was the best we had at a hotel! Nearby activities: There is almost nothing to do in Rothes aside from walking along the river, Glen Grant Distillery (which has a nice garden to walk through), and two tiny restaurants with limited hours. I felt that having a car was necessary except that if you are drinking you need to take a taxi, and Uber was not available. Safety: Rothes is a very quiet safe town. Rooms: 5 Service: 5 Location: 4 Hotel highlights: Romantic, Quiet"

The Copper Dog

➤ Victoria Street, Craigellachie, United Kingdom

Carte • Pub • Cafés • British • Scottish

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"This restaurant is our go-to spot for weekly dinners. The staff is fantastic and very dog-friendly. They have a good selection of vegetarian options on the menu and are able to accommodate dietary restrictions, including allergies. The price per person ranges from £30-40. The food, service, and atmosphere all receive top marks. Some recommended dishes include Fish and Chips, Cheesecake, Fillet of Cod, Bangers and Mash, Crispy Monkfish Tacos, Single Beef Burger with Strathdon Blue, and the Monkfish Special. There is plenty of parking available, including free parking lot and street parking options."

Craigellachie

➤ Copper Dog Craigellachie Hotel Craigellachie, Moray AB38 9SR, AB38 9SZ, ABERLOUR, United Kingdom

Carte • Mexican • Asiatic • European • Fast Food

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"This unique hotel has a pub attached to it. The rooms are fantastic, with a country house vibe, featuring large four poster beds and full, ornate furniture. The whiskey bar on the ground floor was incredible, and the bar manager was very knowledgeable about whiskey. While the food (for both dinner and breakfast) was good, the service was a bit lacking; there were no teaspoons or sugar on the table, they served chips instead of fries, and some steaks were delivered to the wrong people, making it seem a bit disorganised. However, the hotel is in a great location for a whisky tour or a walking tour. The pub downstairs was also lovely, with a mix of locals and guests."

Aberlour

➤ 87 High Street, Aberlour United Kingdom

Carte • Soup • Cafés • Coffee • British

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"Aberlour is absurdly beautiful and if you want a central and very cozy place to stay, this is The Aberlour Hotel! The room was much bigger than I thought, with a large bathroom with a great shower and smelling amenities. The room already has hangers, bathrobes and slippers, a good TV and items for making tea and coffee. The hotel has dining facilities and a bar with the best cider I had in Scotland. The food is delicious, both for dinner and breakfast! It is very close to the Aberlour distillery and the GlenAllichie distillery, you can walk to both. I recommend seeing the surroundings, especially the bridge over the River Spey. There is a market next to the hotel with lots of delicious and fresh things, great for buying water or some sweets. If you are traveling by car, the hotel has its own parking. Walkability: You can walk to the Aberlour and GlenAllichie distilleries, which is great if you're going on one of the Whiskey tasting tours."