Food is indescribable! Never disappointed here, the menu is amazing and the food tastes so good! Something for everyone and the bistro is so rustic it’s great!
Loanhead
Did a last minute booking for lunch on Valentines Day. Was not expecting hearts and flowers but there was nothing to mark the occasion, a flower on the table, something appropriate on the specials board or even a cocktail. I had the breaded Camembert. The cheese was fine but dry and not running, the house pickles were small silverskin onions and some cornichons, both soft and totally lacking in flavour. Was expecting them to be crisp and sharp with vinegar to cut through the rich cheese. The spiced tomato chutney was also bland and uninspiring. Husbands caramelised onion tart was soggy and hidden under a pile of rocket. Feta a few crumbs. Both followed with the beef bourguignon which was served with mustard greens and champ potatoes. This was also disappointing and not very hot. No rich wine and robust flavours. Didn’t seem to have any mushrooms or bacon but there were onions, seemed to be the same bland, small silverskin onions I had with my starter. Veg was fine. A good bowl of stew and potatoes but not the rick hearty dish we were expecting. The staff were good and the atmosphere relaxed. Reasonable value but not the quality we are used to when dining at Balbirnie.
C9709UBjaned
Fabulous meal's, top standard in the casual relaxed atmosphere of The Bistro. Well worth a visit. The crab linguine with a seafood bisque was delicious, along with the lamb, chicken and classic bourguignon our friend raved about the standard and flavours of a well crafted new menu.
Scott
Nice spot for lunch. Food was good and staff were really kind and accommodating. Thank you!
margaretr411
Enjoyed an amazing "Sparkling Afternoon Tea" this afternoon at Balbirnie House Hotel. The service from the moment we arrived was outstanding and the sandwiches, sausage rolls, smoked mackerel Pate and cakes were amazing. The banoffee scones were quite simply "out of this world.
Broonaldo
Check in was very fast with friendly welcoming staff. Room was quite spacious, nicely decorated throughout with a lovely bathroom. Afternoon Tea was really tasty with some nice treats. The 7 Course tasting with paired wines was superb with an efficient service. The full Balbirnie Breakfast was tasty and freshly made. Check out as efficient as check in. Thanks Balbirnie for a memorable Experience.
SharonC2268
We have just enjoyed an overnight stay at the hotel on their special deal. We had an afternoon tea, a 7 course tasting menu and we chose the wine pairing as well and we had breakfast. We also used the bar facilities. Our room was a wonderful 4 poster bedded room with sofa, etc. the ambience and service was impeccable - we lived all the smaller rooms for relaxing in with the chairs and sofas. All the food was very good. The website does not do it justice, it is even better in reality. Set in a beautiful park, it was a great mix of old character with modern finishes. Thank you very much for making my husband’s birthday memorable. The staff were always present but discreet and efficient - they were exceptional. We will definitely be back.
C0nquestor
Amazing place and incredible food! ? might come back sometime
363jackv
Another celebration done in style at Balbirnie House, many thanks to all the staff who made this a wonderful 70th Birthday for one of the family, great food and excellent service… Special thanks to Lewis & Claire for going the extra mile to ensure it was a memorable occasion you are both a credit to the business ❤️❤️
JaneP848
We have been to Balbirnie House several times over the years and we have never been disappointed, the rooms are all beautifully designed and the food is second to none. The staff are all lovely, Chelsea and Rachel W on front of desk are extremely friendly and welcoming and David in the dining room was very chatty and attentive to our needs. We stayed for one night in a lovely quite and spacious room decorated in calming greys. The whole place is very tastefully decorated to a very high standard, the Orangery where we dined has just been redecorated where we had the fine dining Tasting Menu which I can highly recommend, every course was delicious and beautifully presented, I am vegan and can quite often be disappointed when going to dinner as the choice is very limited but to have the whole seven courses as vegan was very much a treat. The breakfast was equally delicious with a good choice catering for all palates. We slept like logs and left feeling we had recharged our batteries. The grounds are lovely to have a walk before dinner.....it is just lovely....I think everyone needs to experience Balbirnie at some point, it is a place that definitely is very deserving of 5*
I shared a downstairs room with one of my Family, on the occasion of my Granddaughter's wedding on the 18th August, 2022. It was a lovely large comfortable room with a spacious bathroom incorporating a bath and shower. As for the wedding, I have nothing but praise for all the management and staff, who worked tirelessly to ensure that every single detail had been dealt with and treated everyone with such respect and kindness. The whole venue was beautifully decorated with excellent catering and the outdoor surroundings are just stunning. A special mention must go to all the entertainment who made the event a great success from beginning to end, not forgetting the photographer and video operator who conducted the whole task with such precision and professionalism. I thoroughly recommend this venue for either a simple meal or a grand occasion. So well done Balbirnie Team and thank you once again. Best Regards Mrs Margaret Robertson
Ellen J
I arrived late but still received a warm welcome. I quickly found my room and settled in. Apart from a fiddle with the lights it was just fine. Very clean and comfortable with a modern country house feel. A few details would have made it perfect, like an illuminated mirror for makeup, I really struggled to use the mirror at the desk which had no light source about and being shortsighted I wouldn’t get close enough to the mirror!! Also the shower ran hot and cold and this made for an interesting experience. On the plus side the toiletries provided smelled amazing and were in large refillable bottles which I approve of. Other nice touches in the room in included Tunnocks tea cakes on the tea and coffee tray! Breakfast in the orangerie was good, I just wish the food was a little hotter. Even so I enjoyed my stay and will definitely return.
Julia A
We stayed at Balbirnie House for 2 nights in August. We booked a family room and it was huge. We were given the Balfour Suite - Two very large rooms connected. The hotel beds were comfortable and the bathroom was modern and clean. Fresh bottled water was provided in the room which was good since we visited during a heatwave. There were also a couple of TUNNOCK’S teacakes for a little Scottish treat! We loved the old charm of the hotel. It was what we had wanted from our visit to Scotland. Breakfast was included and it was good. Not fantastic, but good. The hotel was quiet (no noise from any other guests) which was great because there was a wedding on the premises when we stayed. The hotel staff were polite and attentive and we enjoyed our stay very much.
Charles B
I had booked for the 23rd of August but for some unknown reason I wrote on my calendar that I was staying on the 22nd. So we traveled to the hotel on the 22nd only to find out when we went to check in that I had made this blunder. We were having the mini break as we had suffered some recent bereavements. When the wife was told of the mistake , as she was checking in and I was getting the bags, she became upset and the reception staff were fantastic and settled her down and said that would shuffle things around and don't worry we will get you a room. Within a few minutes we were on our way to our room. That was a great effort but this was further enhanced when we heard a knock on the door and a member of staff Sarah offered us a free complimentary upgrade to a four poster bed room which was totally stunning. We were also given a complimentary bottle of bubbly and some delicious chocolates for the mistake I had made!!!! I really do think this is above and beyond any customer care or service we have ever received. We had dinner in the Bistro again as we had done before and again the food was marvellous. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming. The overall sleep quality is fantastic with very comfortable bed and pillows. The breakfast is of the highest quality served in the excellent Orangery restaurant. All staff throughout the establishment must receive high quality training as they are all credits to the hotel. We have been returning guests already but this stay at a difficult time was absolutely amazing and I cannot praise the staff enough. Delighted customers thanks again
Q7969LOjamesw
I attended a wedding here in July and I have to say it was probably the worst experience as a guest I have ever had at a wedding. The hotel is beautiful and the grounds of the estate are outstanding - it's easy to see why couples would like to tie the knot here. That is the only positive thing I can say about the day. The wedding was held outside on possibly the hottest day of the year - the guests (many elderly) were wilting during the ceremony - surely the duty manager could have forseen the conditions ahead and offered the party to move the ceremony inside. There are no canopies to protect the guests for an out door ceremony. This is the crux of the problem - the staff are all running about but there is no direction! The wedding had ran over time by about an hour and by the time the food was served guests were weary. The food at the wedding was awful - it was like an inferior attempt at fine dinning but very poor - slivers of dried vegetables accompanied a steak pie with no seasoning it just looked and tasted amateurish. The guests were decanted out side as soon as the staff could sheperd them out and the pathetic little bar trying to cater for evening guests for drinks before the evening dance was over run. If you are tempted to have your big day here please make sure your credit card has a substanial limit the prices are eye watering and no cash is accepted which is another liberty. At the end of the day these events are all about the happy couple and I'm sure they had a great day but it's such a shame that the management couldn't look after guets with some more proffesionalism.
Food is indescribable! Never disappointed here, the menu is amazing and the food tastes so good! Something for everyone and the bistro is so rustic it’s great!
Did a last minute booking for lunch on Valentines Day. Was not expecting hearts and flowers but there was nothing to mark the occasion, a flower on the table, something appropriate on the specials board or even a cocktail. I had the breaded Camembert. The cheese was fine but dry and not running, the house pickles were small silverskin onions and some cornichons, both soft and totally lacking in flavour. Was expecting them to be crisp and sharp with vinegar to cut through the rich cheese. The spiced tomato chutney was also bland and uninspiring. Husbands caramelised onion tart was soggy and hidden under a pile of rocket. Feta a few crumbs. Both followed with the beef bourguignon which was served with mustard greens and champ potatoes. This was also disappointing and not very hot. No rich wine and robust flavours. Didn’t seem to have any mushrooms or bacon but there were onions, seemed to be the same bland, small silverskin onions I had with my starter. Veg was fine. A good bowl of stew and potatoes but not the rick hearty dish we were expecting. The staff were good and the atmosphere relaxed. Reasonable value but not the quality we are used to when dining at Balbirnie.
Fabulous meal's, top standard in the casual relaxed atmosphere of The Bistro. Well worth a visit. The crab linguine with a seafood bisque was delicious, along with the lamb, chicken and classic bourguignon our friend raved about the standard and flavours of a well crafted new menu.
Nice spot for lunch. Food was good and staff were really kind and accommodating. Thank you!
Enjoyed an amazing "Sparkling Afternoon Tea" this afternoon at Balbirnie House Hotel. The service from the moment we arrived was outstanding and the sandwiches, sausage rolls, smoked mackerel Pate and cakes were amazing. The banoffee scones were quite simply "out of this world.
Check in was very fast with friendly welcoming staff. Room was quite spacious, nicely decorated throughout with a lovely bathroom. Afternoon Tea was really tasty with some nice treats. The 7 Course tasting with paired wines was superb with an efficient service. The full Balbirnie Breakfast was tasty and freshly made. Check out as efficient as check in. Thanks Balbirnie for a memorable Experience.
We have just enjoyed an overnight stay at the hotel on their special deal. We had an afternoon tea, a 7 course tasting menu and we chose the wine pairing as well and we had breakfast. We also used the bar facilities. Our room was a wonderful 4 poster bedded room with sofa, etc. the ambience and service was impeccable - we lived all the smaller rooms for relaxing in with the chairs and sofas. All the food was very good. The website does not do it justice, it is even better in reality. Set in a beautiful park, it was a great mix of old character with modern finishes. Thank you very much for making my husband’s birthday memorable. The staff were always present but discreet and efficient - they were exceptional. We will definitely be back.
Amazing place and incredible food! ? might come back sometime
Another celebration done in style at Balbirnie House, many thanks to all the staff who made this a wonderful 70th Birthday for one of the family, great food and excellent service… Special thanks to Lewis & Claire for going the extra mile to ensure it was a memorable occasion you are both a credit to the business ❤️❤️
We have been to Balbirnie House several times over the years and we have never been disappointed, the rooms are all beautifully designed and the food is second to none. The staff are all lovely, Chelsea and Rachel W on front of desk are extremely friendly and welcoming and David in the dining room was very chatty and attentive to our needs. We stayed for one night in a lovely quite and spacious room decorated in calming greys. The whole place is very tastefully decorated to a very high standard, the Orangery where we dined has just been redecorated where we had the fine dining Tasting Menu which I can highly recommend, every course was delicious and beautifully presented, I am vegan and can quite often be disappointed when going to dinner as the choice is very limited but to have the whole seven courses as vegan was very much a treat. The breakfast was equally delicious with a good choice catering for all palates. We slept like logs and left feeling we had recharged our batteries. The grounds are lovely to have a walk before dinner.....it is just lovely....I think everyone needs to experience Balbirnie at some point, it is a place that definitely is very deserving of 5*
Restaurantji Recommends
I shared a downstairs room with one of my Family, on the occasion of my Granddaughter's wedding on the 18th August, 2022. It was a lovely large comfortable room with a spacious bathroom incorporating a bath and shower. As for the wedding, I have nothing but praise for all the management and staff, who worked tirelessly to ensure that every single detail had been dealt with and treated everyone with such respect and kindness. The whole venue was beautifully decorated with excellent catering and the outdoor surroundings are just stunning. A special mention must go to all the entertainment who made the event a great success from beginning to end, not forgetting the photographer and video operator who conducted the whole task with such precision and professionalism. I thoroughly recommend this venue for either a simple meal or a grand occasion. So well done Balbirnie Team and thank you once again. Best Regards Mrs Margaret Robertson
I arrived late but still received a warm welcome. I quickly found my room and settled in. Apart from a fiddle with the lights it was just fine. Very clean and comfortable with a modern country house feel. A few details would have made it perfect, like an illuminated mirror for makeup, I really struggled to use the mirror at the desk which had no light source about and being shortsighted I wouldn’t get close enough to the mirror!! Also the shower ran hot and cold and this made for an interesting experience. On the plus side the toiletries provided smelled amazing and were in large refillable bottles which I approve of. Other nice touches in the room in included Tunnocks tea cakes on the tea and coffee tray! Breakfast in the orangerie was good, I just wish the food was a little hotter. Even so I enjoyed my stay and will definitely return.
We stayed at Balbirnie House for 2 nights in August. We booked a family room and it was huge. We were given the Balfour Suite - Two very large rooms connected. The hotel beds were comfortable and the bathroom was modern and clean. Fresh bottled water was provided in the room which was good since we visited during a heatwave. There were also a couple of TUNNOCK’S teacakes for a little Scottish treat! We loved the old charm of the hotel. It was what we had wanted from our visit to Scotland. Breakfast was included and it was good. Not fantastic, but good. The hotel was quiet (no noise from any other guests) which was great because there was a wedding on the premises when we stayed. The hotel staff were polite and attentive and we enjoyed our stay very much.
I had booked for the 23rd of August but for some unknown reason I wrote on my calendar that I was staying on the 22nd. So we traveled to the hotel on the 22nd only to find out when we went to check in that I had made this blunder. We were having the mini break as we had suffered some recent bereavements. When the wife was told of the mistake , as she was checking in and I was getting the bags, she became upset and the reception staff were fantastic and settled her down and said that would shuffle things around and don't worry we will get you a room. Within a few minutes we were on our way to our room. That was a great effort but this was further enhanced when we heard a knock on the door and a member of staff Sarah offered us a free complimentary upgrade to a four poster bed room which was totally stunning. We were also given a complimentary bottle of bubbly and some delicious chocolates for the mistake I had made!!!! I really do think this is above and beyond any customer care or service we have ever received. We had dinner in the Bistro again as we had done before and again the food was marvellous. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming. The overall sleep quality is fantastic with very comfortable bed and pillows. The breakfast is of the highest quality served in the excellent Orangery restaurant. All staff throughout the establishment must receive high quality training as they are all credits to the hotel. We have been returning guests already but this stay at a difficult time was absolutely amazing and I cannot praise the staff enough. Delighted customers thanks again
I attended a wedding here in July and I have to say it was probably the worst experience as a guest I have ever had at a wedding. The hotel is beautiful and the grounds of the estate are outstanding - it's easy to see why couples would like to tie the knot here. That is the only positive thing I can say about the day. The wedding was held outside on possibly the hottest day of the year - the guests (many elderly) were wilting during the ceremony - surely the duty manager could have forseen the conditions ahead and offered the party to move the ceremony inside. There are no canopies to protect the guests for an out door ceremony. This is the crux of the problem - the staff are all running about but there is no direction! The wedding had ran over time by about an hour and by the time the food was served guests were weary. The food at the wedding was awful - it was like an inferior attempt at fine dinning but very poor - slivers of dried vegetables accompanied a steak pie with no seasoning it just looked and tasted amateurish. The guests were decanted out side as soon as the staff could sheperd them out and the pathetic little bar trying to cater for evening guests for drinks before the evening dance was over run. If you are tempted to have your big day here please make sure your credit card has a substanial limit the prices are eye watering and no cash is accepted which is another liberty. At the end of the day these events are all about the happy couple and I'm sure they had a great day but it's such a shame that the management couldn't look after guets with some more proffesionalism.