The Telegraph: Banchory Lodge Review

This Georgian Grade II Listed property sits on the banks where the River Dee meets its tributary the Feugh. It’s a quirky Scottish country house escape, ideally placed for exploring Royal Deeside or a spot of fishing.

Location

8 / 10

The lodge is located in the small town of Banchory, yet drive up the hotel’s elegant tree-lined avenue and instantaneously swap civilisation for a secluded corner of Scotland. The glories of Royal Deeside, popular with Queen Victoria, are within easy reach by car. Crathes Castle and Drum Castle are four miles' and nine miles' distance respectively. The city of Aberdeen and its airport are approximately 20 miles' drive, and Banchory itself is served by regular bus services.

Style and Character

8 / 10

The rooms and public spaces playfully mix the old and new. In the bar, distinctive black-and-white animal wallpaper brings life to the original oak bar and traditional, chunky dining booths and leather sofas. Similarly, in the restaurant, as the open fire glows, a statement wallpaper featuring a mix of historic portraits plays on the very notion of a country house setting.

Hints of plaid tap into the Scottish location without overplaying it, and overall the lodge’s style is gently self-aware, on trend, yet country-house cosy.

Service and Facilities

6 / 10

The staff are welcoming and know their regular restaurant guests well. Return local patronage is clearly common: the restaurant was busy from 6pm onwards, even on a Monday evening. Guests can experience the rugged Scottish setting in relative comfort from the outdoor terrace, which has excellent riverside views, a wood-fired oven and heaters.

Fishing can be organised on the riverbank, and grouse shooting and deer stalking can be arranged on nearby estates such as Fasque and Glendye, with gun storage available on-site. Banchory Lodge is also a popular wedding venue and its Function Suite holds 110 guests.

• Parking

• Restaurant

• Bar

• Laundry

• Room service

• Wi-Fi

Rooms

8 / 10

Twenty-eight rooms are available, and the mix of old and new décor successfully continues into the spacious bedrooms. A bold pink and floral wallpaper feels contemporary, yet is complemented with traditional pieces in dark oak, maroon armchairs, a retro telephone, chunky travel cases and a solid wooden bed.

Lovely details include a tin of goodies scribed with the words 'Time for a fly cup'. Not only does this tap into fishing jargon, but uses a local term for taking a break. Inside the tin, guests find a Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer alongside the teabags and coffee, because no 'fly cup' is complete without a 'fine piece'. Learn the Aberdeenshire lingo as you go!

The uncontrollable heat in the bedroom was the only downside.The bathroom feels fresh and new, with excellent lighting, neutral-toned aqua-panelling, bath, walk-in shower, and toiletries by the Highland Soap Company.

Food and Drink

7 / 10

The menu offers a mix of classics such as venison loin, Scotch lamb and sSeabass. The Grill serves up dishes such as a tomahawk of pork or whole lemon sole on the bone. The lobster is recommended as it’s served with flavour rather than fuss. A brunch menu is available between until 4pm on Sundays; afternoon tea is served daily from 2.30pm-4.00pm. The breakfast offering is notably good, with lots of fresh fruit and glorious French toast.

Value for Money

8 / 10

Double rooms from £99 in low season; and from £165 in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi (with mixed reception).