Royal Deeside · Scotland

Food & Drink

At the Auld Kirk we take food seriously.  We aim wherever possible to provide the best of fresh, local, seasonal produce cooked and presented with care.

We avoid prepared, processed and frozen food and therefore keep our menus relatively small.

In addition to using the best of Scotland’s larder we are keen to use traditional Scottish recipes, giving them an appropriate contemporary twist.

Whilst we are serious about our food, we believe that eating should be a pleasure.  We are therefore happy to vary dishes (where it is possible) to suit the taste of our diners, we do not have a dress code in our restaurant and we will do our best to cater for customers with special dietary needs.

The Spirit Restaurant

Dinner is served in the ’Spirit Restaurant’.  The high vaulted ceilings, cathedral windows and ornate chandeliers provide a unique and elegant dining experience in which to enjoy great food and wine.  Our waiting staff are efficient , very friendly and helpful without being intrusive.  We will let you enjoy your meal without distraction, but be available when you need us.

Our menu is altered in response to the seasonal availability of fresh produce and food is prepared to order.

The Kirk Bar

For a leisurely morning coffee or afternoon tea, a lunchtime tipple or pre-dinner drinks, the Kirk Bar is the place to be.

Carefully blending the old with the new the Kirk Bar provides a stylish and interesting venue to relax and socialise. The bar counter (hand crafted from antique pew ends), contemporary lighting, the original (if modest) baptism font and a good selection of fine Scottish single malt whisky all add to the ambiance.

The Kirk Bar Terrace allows customers to make the most of the Ballater sunshine, to lunch alfresco (weather permitting) and even bring the dog.

The bar has a full hotel licence and is open from 10 am daily.  To allow our hardworking staff to re-charge their batteries, the bar closes at 2pm on Sundays and is not open on Sunday evenings.

The Ministers room

Adjacent to the bar is the Ministers room – a small intimate room - where breakfasts and lunches are served  - also used as a private dining room in the evenings  and for small private functions up to 16 people.