We decided to treat ourselves to some fine dining, and with limited options in the area (in reality no other close-by options for fine dining) went to Balbirnie. We've been many times to the Bistro and really enjoyed it, so decided to push the boat out and go to the Orangery. Service was attentive without being intrusive, the surroundings beautiful, but I was dismayed to receive a menu that was predominantly inflated priced pub grub - burgers, fish and chips etc, not the fine dining options I was anticipating and looking forward to. There was an interesting set menu of traditional/heritage Scottish dishes, and the Partan Bree was delicious, but as we were treating ourselves we opted for a steak for our main. It arrived with enormous chips that were unspectacular in taste and the steak was well overcooked. I ordered mine rare and it arrived more towards well done. It was also very fatty and gristly. I did point out to the head waiter that it was overcooked and received an apology but no offer of replacement. I couldn't eat it all in the end, battling with the fat and gristle on top of being overcooked put me off. The desserts were again the usual suspects on a pub menu (sticky toffee pudding etc), and the ice cream I opted for instead was fairly bland. Paying at reception, I was again asked if everything was okay and I again highlighted the overcooked steak, but nothing was offered in the way of further apology or reduction in the bill. If they'd even offered the water as complimentary I might be less disappointed. At £166 for two, including a compulsory 10% service charge - which I think should be my choice based on my assessment of the service - I expected a LOT better. Next time I decide to treat myself, I'll be going further afield as this is not what I would class as a fine dining experience. It was more of a pub meal prepared by an unskilled chef that costs twice to three times as much because you're in a lovely room.
PMacTheJag
Totally blown away with the exceptional food we had at the Orangery. The staff couldn’t have been more accommodating and friendly which set the tone for the evening. Seated without delay we had our drinks order taken very quickly and the waiting staff gave us time to peruse the menu which caters for all tastes and features local produce which is of the highest quality. Once we had decided on our choices, our order was once again taken quickly and we didn’t have to wait long till our food was served. The seafood is sensational and the steaks are well seasoned and cooked to perfection. It’s been a long time since I’ve experienced the ‘wow’ factor when food is served so it was a genuine surprise when our meals arrived and I had that moment again. I can genuinely find no area for improvement in terms of the food or the service. The chefs are to be commended for their abilities, attention to detail, and for presenting us with the best food we have had in a long time. I genuinely cannot recommend the food here highly enough and it wont be too long before we return to try more of that tantalising menu. 5* experience with 5* food.
Scotty H
Today was supposed to be a treat for my Mothers 81's birthday. Taking her for Afternoon tea, at what should be one of Fifes Crown jewels. Arrival was ok, staff did have to ask us to wait, that was fine as we were early. Then invited to our table. Pointed to the table by staff member. Pulled the chair out and food crumbs on the chair. Was then asked about drinks. We all had tea / coffee / hot chocolate. When it arrived at the table the tea cup was filthy, and hadn't been cleaned. Staff member was asked to exchange. When the food arrived presentation was if anything very amateur. The actual food taste was poor and bland, and if anything not what we would have expected from what should have been out of this world. Brought all of this to staffs attention, and was happy to pay for what I thought it was worth......... However they had the cheek to apply a "discressionary service charge"............ Staff unwilling to understand their poor performance, and the little value in monetary terms of their efforts. Duty manger more interested in stating we never get a review like this; than trying to understand the real issue. Did offer what I thought it was worth. She didn't have the authority to accept or authorise it would seem. Total cost for this abysmal 45 mintues of poor food and attention to detail was £101. In my humble opinion, your money would be better spent at somewhere other than the Balbirnie. Not worth the time effort or money.
nick h
As frequent visitors to Balbirnie’s Bistro which is now only available for private hire we instead opted to visit The Orangery for family meal for 5. This is now being marketed as The GRILL (yes, all upper case) in recognition of them having err, a grill. Mea culpa 3 of our party were ten minutes late but the restaurant wasn’t overly busy. Our drinks order was taken fairly briskly despite not having been provided with a drinks menu but my request for tap water was overruled by the waitress who insisted we have bottled water. The drinks arrived without delay and our order taken. Nothing in the entrees attracted any of our party and the main courses were two meet options, two fish option, two vegetarian options and burger, steak and meat for grilling. We all chose from the grill options on the menu. Fortunately we were able to make polite conversation for the 35 minutes until our food arrived. There was no explanation or any other contact with waiting staff during our wait and merely unfortunate that tables near us seemed to have priority. Having said that the food was mostly warm on arrival, the exception being corn on the cob which was tepid. Also it had been cooked on the grill and oiled leaving it 3 of our party struggling to eat it, it was too oily to be handled and no other implement was provided to deal with it. The grilled food was good with the minor over cooking of a steak, a small issue. Side serving of fries came presalted, which may not suit everyone, especially someone with my blood pressure. Two of our party opted for dessert which was unexceptional. We departed after two courses and two hours not thrilled by the food, the ambiance or the service.
Wyandour
We ate last night from the seven course tasting menu. Food overall was very good indeed. In particular the amuse Bouche or salt cod brandade in a pie shape tremendous flavour. Pigeon lovely flavours. Tortellini was outstanding. Sorbet was very good indeed. Parfait was good but the little puff candy was hard. Blue cheese to complete was very good.. Flight of wines complemented the food. Waiting staff were outstanding. Bar service was very good too. Such a lovely building it's not surprising that the hotel constantly receives awards.
Filosofo1961
We came for the 7-course tasting menu. Upon arrival at hotel reception we were greeted warmly and professionally and taken through to the Orangery restaurant. We were seated and the first of the accompanying wines was served. Thd first of the 7 courses was quite prompt in arriving, but then the wait between each course dragged on a bit longer each time. At the end, we clocked up 2.5 hours sitting at the table. It was 6 courses, but the 6 courses are all very small. I commented on the wait when paying and the waiter told me the chefs had not heard some of the waiters calling for the next course. Probably easily fixable. I believe Specsavers now do hearing aids? Anyway, the food itself was gorgeous. My least favourite was the Fife beef, which was a little dry, but I'm quibbling. Wines in the accompanying flight were good and well matched. A special note about service: it's difficult to hit the right balance between friendly and professional, and Balbirnie needs to err on the side of professional, as it's that kind of place. This is especially difficult with young staff, who often lack the confidence to smile and communicate clearly. Balbirnie has done well here, with chatty friendly young staff making guests feel welcome. It maybe drifted off towards too informal at times but overall, good.
briancU8039WW
Staff unhelpful,no lifts, disabled parking only 2places, electric 4 spaces, ramp to the hotel not sufficient, won't come back to this place for wedding or afternoon tea
JocksLassie
We hadn’t been to Balbirnie House for a while but heard great things about the 7 course tasting menu. I’d also been given a voucher so my birthday in March seemed the perfect time to use it - we weren’t disappointed. So much had changed from our previous visit - it was excellent, from the cocktails (and champagne at the table - cheers!) to the fantastic meal. We thought the food was really lovely, from the tiny first morsel to the cheese which I couldn’t finish - it was a delight throughout. Plenty of staff which was good to see, when we were leaving we complimented two of the waiters on the food and one said “the chef loves making it” the other “and we love serving it”. So nice to see happy staff and a busy restaurant, thanks to all.
noble0803
Booked the 7 course tasting menu which was very enjoyable. Disappointing last course of small mince pie and slice of Brie which was a bit random and a poor way to finish. The others courses were great, nice atmosphere, staff were friendly and helpful and the table was ours for the night and it was great to not be rushed at all.
AMoodyFoodie
Went for the Seven at Balbirnie and oh wow, the food was incredible and so was the service. We came to celebrate with family for my engagement and made it a lovely memory, thank you!
My partner and I went for the new 7 course tasting menu this evening (9th October 2021). To start of with the positives, the food was absolutely sublime. The highlight for us both was the beef and pigeon courses, which were two of the best plates of food we have ever eaten. However, the standard of the service completely let the food down. We were consistently forgotten about, my partner's drink order was forgotten twice, there was a 45 minute wait between the 2nd and 3rd course, and we had to repeatedly ask for the drinks menu. Overall our evening was good but would expect much better from a highly rated venue.
Alan I
After 35 years as a chef and having eaten in some incredable hotels and resturants all over scotland i can honestly say the 7 course tasting menu is the best meal i have ever had. the menu shows the best of scottish produce from Loch fyne salmon to pidgeon shot on the balmoral estate scottish hake served with roast cauliflower incredable angus beef cheeks that melted in the mouth then what can only be described as heaven in a dish rhubarb gin sorbet totally incredable followd by hazelnut and chocolate with a cherry puree again totally out of this world finished with a strathearn cheese damsom gel and unbelievable soused grapes that didnt taste of grape lol this meal was truely world class and happily we where told a new 7 course menu is due on the 21st october add in the staff where attentive but not over bearing it was without doubt the best evening you could wish for
smD7144DO
After downloading the App we ordered drinks...after 10 minutes they arrived. There was no lemon/lime in the G & T and no way to add it on the App. We have always loved The Orangery and in the past, the food has been excellent. My Thai vegetable curry was tasteless with soggy vegetables, my husband's burger was small and equally tasteless and we paid £5 for 4 slices of white bread and a thimble of balsamic and oil!!! What happened to the lovely Balbernie homemade basket of rolls? Any condiments had to be ordered on the App and were an extra charge (even McDonald's gives free mustard, dressing and ketchup). It was such a shame as we had been looking forward to it for weeks. It's important to say that the staff were universally charming and very helpful and the hotel looked a lovely as ever. The food was poor quality and over-priced.
Charles B
All food received at Dinner and breakfast was five star excellence. The restaurant is very elegant and perfect. The staff are a level above really made you feel,safe,comfortable and most welcome. Truly a great dining experience overall and would highly recommend
Margaret A
Our Meal in the Orangery was as good as you can get.The food was delicious and well presented. Though service was obviously a lot different than precovid it was very well done and we felt relaxed. As other diners left it was good to see the cleaning precautions taken before others arrived. The staff were pleasant and efficient. We did not enjoy the breakfast quite as much but still it was acceptable and ,once again,the staff were exemplary .
We decided to treat ourselves to some fine dining, and with limited options in the area (in reality no other close-by options for fine dining) went to Balbirnie. We've been many times to the Bistro and really enjoyed it, so decided to push the boat out and go to the Orangery. Service was attentive without being intrusive, the surroundings beautiful, but I was dismayed to receive a menu that was predominantly inflated priced pub grub - burgers, fish and chips etc, not the fine dining options I was anticipating and looking forward to. There was an interesting set menu of traditional/heritage Scottish dishes, and the Partan Bree was delicious, but as we were treating ourselves we opted for a steak for our main. It arrived with enormous chips that were unspectacular in taste and the steak was well overcooked. I ordered mine rare and it arrived more towards well done. It was also very fatty and gristly. I did point out to the head waiter that it was overcooked and received an apology but no offer of replacement. I couldn't eat it all in the end, battling with the fat and gristle on top of being overcooked put me off. The desserts were again the usual suspects on a pub menu (sticky toffee pudding etc), and the ice cream I opted for instead was fairly bland. Paying at reception, I was again asked if everything was okay and I again highlighted the overcooked steak, but nothing was offered in the way of further apology or reduction in the bill. If they'd even offered the water as complimentary I might be less disappointed. At £166 for two, including a compulsory 10% service charge - which I think should be my choice based on my assessment of the service - I expected a LOT better. Next time I decide to treat myself, I'll be going further afield as this is not what I would class as a fine dining experience. It was more of a pub meal prepared by an unskilled chef that costs twice to three times as much because you're in a lovely room.
Totally blown away with the exceptional food we had at the Orangery. The staff couldn’t have been more accommodating and friendly which set the tone for the evening. Seated without delay we had our drinks order taken very quickly and the waiting staff gave us time to peruse the menu which caters for all tastes and features local produce which is of the highest quality. Once we had decided on our choices, our order was once again taken quickly and we didn’t have to wait long till our food was served. The seafood is sensational and the steaks are well seasoned and cooked to perfection. It’s been a long time since I’ve experienced the ‘wow’ factor when food is served so it was a genuine surprise when our meals arrived and I had that moment again. I can genuinely find no area for improvement in terms of the food or the service. The chefs are to be commended for their abilities, attention to detail, and for presenting us with the best food we have had in a long time. I genuinely cannot recommend the food here highly enough and it wont be too long before we return to try more of that tantalising menu. 5* experience with 5* food.
Today was supposed to be a treat for my Mothers 81's birthday. Taking her for Afternoon tea, at what should be one of Fifes Crown jewels. Arrival was ok, staff did have to ask us to wait, that was fine as we were early. Then invited to our table. Pointed to the table by staff member. Pulled the chair out and food crumbs on the chair. Was then asked about drinks. We all had tea / coffee / hot chocolate. When it arrived at the table the tea cup was filthy, and hadn't been cleaned. Staff member was asked to exchange. When the food arrived presentation was if anything very amateur. The actual food taste was poor and bland, and if anything not what we would have expected from what should have been out of this world. Brought all of this to staffs attention, and was happy to pay for what I thought it was worth......... However they had the cheek to apply a "discressionary service charge"............ Staff unwilling to understand their poor performance, and the little value in monetary terms of their efforts. Duty manger more interested in stating we never get a review like this; than trying to understand the real issue. Did offer what I thought it was worth. She didn't have the authority to accept or authorise it would seem. Total cost for this abysmal 45 mintues of poor food and attention to detail was £101. In my humble opinion, your money would be better spent at somewhere other than the Balbirnie. Not worth the time effort or money.
As frequent visitors to Balbirnie’s Bistro which is now only available for private hire we instead opted to visit The Orangery for family meal for 5. This is now being marketed as The GRILL (yes, all upper case) in recognition of them having err, a grill. Mea culpa 3 of our party were ten minutes late but the restaurant wasn’t overly busy. Our drinks order was taken fairly briskly despite not having been provided with a drinks menu but my request for tap water was overruled by the waitress who insisted we have bottled water. The drinks arrived without delay and our order taken. Nothing in the entrees attracted any of our party and the main courses were two meet options, two fish option, two vegetarian options and burger, steak and meat for grilling. We all chose from the grill options on the menu. Fortunately we were able to make polite conversation for the 35 minutes until our food arrived. There was no explanation or any other contact with waiting staff during our wait and merely unfortunate that tables near us seemed to have priority. Having said that the food was mostly warm on arrival, the exception being corn on the cob which was tepid. Also it had been cooked on the grill and oiled leaving it 3 of our party struggling to eat it, it was too oily to be handled and no other implement was provided to deal with it. The grilled food was good with the minor over cooking of a steak, a small issue. Side serving of fries came presalted, which may not suit everyone, especially someone with my blood pressure. Two of our party opted for dessert which was unexceptional. We departed after two courses and two hours not thrilled by the food, the ambiance or the service.
We ate last night from the seven course tasting menu. Food overall was very good indeed. In particular the amuse Bouche or salt cod brandade in a pie shape tremendous flavour. Pigeon lovely flavours. Tortellini was outstanding. Sorbet was very good indeed. Parfait was good but the little puff candy was hard. Blue cheese to complete was very good.. Flight of wines complemented the food. Waiting staff were outstanding. Bar service was very good too. Such a lovely building it's not surprising that the hotel constantly receives awards.
We came for the 7-course tasting menu. Upon arrival at hotel reception we were greeted warmly and professionally and taken through to the Orangery restaurant. We were seated and the first of the accompanying wines was served. Thd first of the 7 courses was quite prompt in arriving, but then the wait between each course dragged on a bit longer each time. At the end, we clocked up 2.5 hours sitting at the table. It was 6 courses, but the 6 courses are all very small. I commented on the wait when paying and the waiter told me the chefs had not heard some of the waiters calling for the next course. Probably easily fixable. I believe Specsavers now do hearing aids? Anyway, the food itself was gorgeous. My least favourite was the Fife beef, which was a little dry, but I'm quibbling. Wines in the accompanying flight were good and well matched. A special note about service: it's difficult to hit the right balance between friendly and professional, and Balbirnie needs to err on the side of professional, as it's that kind of place. This is especially difficult with young staff, who often lack the confidence to smile and communicate clearly. Balbirnie has done well here, with chatty friendly young staff making guests feel welcome. It maybe drifted off towards too informal at times but overall, good.
Staff unhelpful,no lifts, disabled parking only 2places, electric 4 spaces, ramp to the hotel not sufficient, won't come back to this place for wedding or afternoon tea
We hadn’t been to Balbirnie House for a while but heard great things about the 7 course tasting menu. I’d also been given a voucher so my birthday in March seemed the perfect time to use it - we weren’t disappointed. So much had changed from our previous visit - it was excellent, from the cocktails (and champagne at the table - cheers!) to the fantastic meal. We thought the food was really lovely, from the tiny first morsel to the cheese which I couldn’t finish - it was a delight throughout. Plenty of staff which was good to see, when we were leaving we complimented two of the waiters on the food and one said “the chef loves making it” the other “and we love serving it”. So nice to see happy staff and a busy restaurant, thanks to all.
Booked the 7 course tasting menu which was very enjoyable. Disappointing last course of small mince pie and slice of Brie which was a bit random and a poor way to finish. The others courses were great, nice atmosphere, staff were friendly and helpful and the table was ours for the night and it was great to not be rushed at all.
Went for the Seven at Balbirnie and oh wow, the food was incredible and so was the service. We came to celebrate with family for my engagement and made it a lovely memory, thank you!
Restaurantji Recommends
My partner and I went for the new 7 course tasting menu this evening (9th October 2021). To start of with the positives, the food was absolutely sublime. The highlight for us both was the beef and pigeon courses, which were two of the best plates of food we have ever eaten. However, the standard of the service completely let the food down. We were consistently forgotten about, my partner's drink order was forgotten twice, there was a 45 minute wait between the 2nd and 3rd course, and we had to repeatedly ask for the drinks menu. Overall our evening was good but would expect much better from a highly rated venue.
After 35 years as a chef and having eaten in some incredable hotels and resturants all over scotland i can honestly say the 7 course tasting menu is the best meal i have ever had. the menu shows the best of scottish produce from Loch fyne salmon to pidgeon shot on the balmoral estate scottish hake served with roast cauliflower incredable angus beef cheeks that melted in the mouth then what can only be described as heaven in a dish rhubarb gin sorbet totally incredable followd by hazelnut and chocolate with a cherry puree again totally out of this world finished with a strathearn cheese damsom gel and unbelievable soused grapes that didnt taste of grape lol this meal was truely world class and happily we where told a new 7 course menu is due on the 21st october add in the staff where attentive but not over bearing it was without doubt the best evening you could wish for
After downloading the App we ordered drinks...after 10 minutes they arrived. There was no lemon/lime in the G & T and no way to add it on the App. We have always loved The Orangery and in the past, the food has been excellent. My Thai vegetable curry was tasteless with soggy vegetables, my husband's burger was small and equally tasteless and we paid £5 for 4 slices of white bread and a thimble of balsamic and oil!!! What happened to the lovely Balbernie homemade basket of rolls? Any condiments had to be ordered on the App and were an extra charge (even McDonald's gives free mustard, dressing and ketchup). It was such a shame as we had been looking forward to it for weeks. It's important to say that the staff were universally charming and very helpful and the hotel looked a lovely as ever. The food was poor quality and over-priced.
All food received at Dinner and breakfast was five star excellence. The restaurant is very elegant and perfect. The staff are a level above really made you feel,safe,comfortable and most welcome. Truly a great dining experience overall and would highly recommend
Our Meal in the Orangery was as good as you can get.The food was delicious and well presented. Though service was obviously a lot different than precovid it was very well done and we felt relaxed. As other diners left it was good to see the cleaning precautions taken before others arrived. The staff were pleasant and efficient. We did not enjoy the breakfast quite as much but still it was acceptable and ,once again,the staff were exemplary .