August 2025 by Lee D
We ate here one evening in early August, easy to book, when I enquired by email about food availability it was answered very quickly.
Unfortunately we weren't in time for the roast dinner as they had all gone but the food we had was great, lovely steak and chips and the pork belly was beautiful too. All served quickly and the staff there were all excellent ?
The view outside is amazing too, sun was just about down, and It looked spectacular.
August 2025 by Owen Watters
Great service and good food. Nice vibe to the place which was busy but relaxed
August 2025 by Martin Easton
Wonderfull meal
July 2025 by Rachel
Had a lovely meal here - staff and atmosphere was great
July 2025 by ian fox
Great old pub with great pub grub....very pricey though
July 2025 by Chris Horridge
A lovely meal as always. Great service too.
July 2025 by Helen
Delicious food, great service, highly recommend
June 2025 by Mark Gage
This is a very comfortable place to stay just between Ballater and Aberdeen. It?s a very small town but has a wonderful setting right on the river. The hotel is right across the street from the river. The food is great for breakfast and the pub is nice after a day of activity. We also had dinner here which was kind of like home cooking. The service is friendly and I highly recommend this place. And there is a great connector trail that you can bike ride to Ballater and then on to Balmoral castle.
June 2025 by Funki Pickle
We stayed for two nights at the Boat Inn whilst working in the area. The Inn is situated in a beautiful location, close to the river, many walks and local attractions.
Staff at the Boat inn were all lovely and friendly. Our room (15) was situated in the separate annex at the back of the Inn. The room was spotlessly clean, beautifully decorated and had everything we needed whilst staying there including tea/filter coffee and a hairdryer.
The walls were a little on the thin side, so we tried to be as quiet as we could be when getting up early to start work. The room was small with no desk, so with all our work kit it was a little tricky but was fine for a couple of days. There was parking at the back of the Inn which was very handy.
The breakfast on offer was good, my husband had the full Scottish breakfast on both mornings, and I sampled the potato (tattie) scone with egg, veggie sausage one morning and the porridge with apple butter (extremely filling) the next day. You also have toast, tea or coffee and juices. All presented lovely and cheerily by the staff.
The restaurant at night time gets very busy, so I would advise you to book a table to avoid disappointment or a wait. Good selection of dishes on the menu with several vegetarian/vegan options. We tried the loaded fries, the chickpea burger, the tempeh jerk curry and the steak. Can recommend finishing off the night with a boozy coffee. Good selection of whisky, draft ales, spirits and non alcoholic drinks on offer.
The bar is dog friendly and they even had a doggie bar in the bar area at the back of the Inn.
The staff were attentive and were very busy getting tables served. Keep an eye open for the train that travels around the top of the restaurant.
All in all a lovely place to stay and eat. Would love to visit again when not working.
June 2025 by Janusz Panicz
Fantastic cuisine and very friendly staff ??.
June 2025 by Whitney Bowers
Best meal I had in Scotland!
May 2025 by Laura Sellars
Came here for food, had not booked but came as a walk in. Made very welcome, seated upstairs in a cosy area with rooflights and fairy lights. Good choice of local real ales, menu was smaller than I'd have liked, perhaps 5mains or a few burger options. Quite expensive £18 for burger etc but the fresh salmon and potato's caught my eye. Very fresh and tasty, £22 but decent portion. Good service and relaxed atmosphere. Perhaps somewhere for a special occasion rather than a general lunch but worth a visit in the area. Lovely views too!
May 2025 by Iain Rowson
Nice cosy pub in Aboyne that consistently serves great lunches. Service is always great from the staff too. Would recommend the sharing boards or burgers.
May 2025 by Cefyn Harrison
Had a family birthday meal. Food was fabulous as was the service. The staff were pleasant, well mannered and professional. Highly recommended.
May 2025 by Robin Black
Excellent place
