The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Make a meal of it with all-day food and drink in Aboyne
Karla Sinclair takes a tour around the Royal Deeside village to sample everything from coffee to cocktails
Shining a light on local food and drink businesses is a passion of mine – and Aboyne proudly houses a line-up of them. The town has spots for fish and chip lovers and fans of Indian cuisine, along with coffee shops serving freshly-made treats daily. You certainly won’t leave the area hungry, that’s for sure.
Here are the Aboyne food and drink venues worth checking out the next time you’re passing by or visiting for the day.
BREAKFAST 10AM TO 11.30AM
The Black Faced Sheep is a welcoming coffee shop and restaurant combined with an emporium, which is packed full of furniture, gifts and homeware.
It has been trading since 1990 and serves freshly-prepared food, all made using quality ingredients.
Expect homemade soups and breads, petit pains and salads, a selection of bruschetta and platters, and much-loved favourite – Mark’s Toasted Cheese – on the menu.
The venue opens at 10am, Monday to Saturday – excluding Wednesdays when it is closed – and 11am on Sundays, so there’s plenty of time to work up an appetite beforehand.
COFFEE AND CAKE 11.30AM TO 1PM
There are several spots to choose from if you’re looking to tuck into a tasty treat and piping hot coffee.
Spider on a Bicycle – located in Aboyne’s former railway station on Station Square – is one.
As well as hot drinks and baked goods such as cinnamon buns, brownies, loaves, cakes and biscuits, there are daily specials on the cards, too, .
It’s a great place to unwind after a walk around the area, as is Courie Courie Bakery.
The business is based in Unit 3 at Aboyne Industrial Estate and is open once a week, from 10am to 2pm on Thursdays.
However, you might also spot the team at farmers’ markets in Torphins, Aboyne, Banchory and Ballater. Be sure to check the business’s social media channels for updates.
The next option might not be a cafe or coffee shop, but Aboyne coffee roasting company Morningdog Coffee had to get a mention.
Founder Alan Watson wholesales to various businesses across the north-east, and customers can also buy coffee directly from Morningdog’s website.
If you needed a sign to get your hands on some high-quality coffee, this is it.
LUNCH/BRUNCH 1PM TO 3PM
In terms of lunch, The Boat Inn immediately springs to mind. However, it’s also a great shout for breakfast and dinner.
This is the place to be if you’re a fan of pub grub, with a range of freshlyprepared dishes featuring locally-sourced produce on the menu.
The sticky spiced pork belly has my name written all over it.
Suppliers include Menzies Butchers of Braemar, Cambus O’May Cheese, Turriff ’s of Montrose, Devenick Dairy, Deeside Water, Cream o’ Galloway and JG Ross Bakery.
SNACK 3PM TO 6PM
For anyone with room remaining after lunch/brunch, put Shorty’s Coffee Shop and Gelateria on your must-visit list.
Located in Aboyne’s former post office on Charlestown Road, the venue opened its doors last November and is the second premises under the recognisable Shorty’s brand.
Sandwiches, paninis, bagels, loaded nachos and burgers are available, as well as a wide selection of treats in the cake cabinet, waffles and Shorty’s ice cream.
Back at Station Square, you’ll also spot zero waste, sustainable living and refill shop Deeside Re-fill.
You’ll find products by Katy’s Eggs, Bee Cabin’s Honey, The Pasta Tree and much more.
If you’re not feeling overly hungry, then definitely buy a treat or two to enjoy after dinner.
DINNER 6PM TO 8PM
Speaking of dinner, Nurtaj on Ballater Road is one place to consider.
The team prides itself on serving authentic South Asian cuisine based on low-fat cooking styles and dining rituals of ancient Indian nobility.
But there’s also an excellent option for chippie fans – Shah’s Fish & Chips Aboyne.
Open from 4pm to 9pm Sunday to Thursday and 4pm to 9.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, you can place an order for collection by calling 01339 887000.
Puddings, wraps, burgers and pies are available, along with fish and chickenbased dishes.
DRINKS 8PM TO LATE
For drinks, we’re heading back to The Boat Inn. It has to be done given the variety on the drinks menu.
There are wines, craft beers and spirits galore.
However, my eyes were drawn to the £9 cocktail selection which includes a classic espresso martini, peach and passionfruit martini, gin cosmopolitan, strawberry white Russian, mango rum sunrise and rhubarb gin sour, to name a few.
I’m sold. You’ll find me at The Boat Inn this weekend.
My eyes were drawn to the cocktails, including espresso martinis and the rhubarb gin sour