Aboyne doesn't have a vast choice of decent eateries. but we were up for the weekend and I found The Boat Inn (on Yelp, natch!) whilst looking for somewhere better than the hotel restaurant for a Saturday evening.
Despite our rather late booking at 4.45 in the afternoon and the fact that it was the Aboyne bonfire and fireworks display at 7pm that evening, they managed to squeeze us in at 6.30 in the upstairs Pine Loft restaurant. The place was packed to the rafters with families and kids attending the fireworks, yet despite this we were served very quickly and courteously and were soon enjoying our starters of smoked mackerel fishcakes with horseradish mayo. The fishcakes were so thick that they were served balanced on edge with a wee twist of lime on the top, and the waitress was very pleased with herself that she had managed to carry them upstairs without them falling over!
Main course was a substitute for the grilled halibut, but as the substitute was swordfish (which we both love), it was a no-brainer to go for that. Served on a bed of chickpeas with samphire, it was absolutely delicious. More so because by this time the rabble had departed for the bonfire party and we were left in peace to savour our meal.
For dessert, we both again chose the same dish (this is quite unsual for us!), the blackberry parfait with honeycomb. I was marginally disappointed it wasn't an actual honeycomb but a Crunchie-like candy honeycomb; however it was a great combination.
Great food, with cheery and efficient service despite the place being absolutely full when we arrived. Prices were pretty good too - with a bottle of wine our 3-course meal worked out around £36 each. read more