Castle Fraser Tearoom

The Anchor

➤ New Road, DD10 0HD, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom

Carta • Pubs • Steak • Seafood • British

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"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?"

Queens Arms Public House

➤ 37 King Street, DD10 0RQ, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom

Carta • Pub • Beer • British • Scottish

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"My husband and I visited here for lunch while passing through the area. It was a later lunch and it was very quiet due to local holidays however still had a nice welcoming homely atmosphere. Friendly chatty staff with good knowledge of the menu, great food choices and great prices with prompt table service. Best burger and best baguette we have had in a LONG time, really good hearty home cooked food, was delicious! Cooked to perfection and nice portion sizes. Clean, tastefully decorated and nice spaces between tables, great if you had a pushchair or mobility aid, we also noticed it is dog friendly with a bowl of water and dog biscuits provided for the four legged diners. Great wee eatery with fantastic food and welcoming service. Will definitely visit again."