Blair's Restaurant

Built in 1878 by one, Soapy Ogston, a local businessman, in the style much favoured by Queen Victoria and Albert for Balmoral. Ardoe House is now one of the leading hotels in Aberdeen and a great favourite with the oil barons.

Blairs Restaurant, located in three classically decorated rooms, offers a set menu for residents, supported by a carte also of high quality. Its magnificence would suggest well above average prices but this is not the case with a set price two course lunch at £13.50, though dinner can approach £40 a head without too much effort.

Seared fillet of halibut with roasted fennel, cherry tomato and balsamic jus is but one example of the precisely cooked and well presented dishes that Chef John Kelly and his team produce. A well-travelled wine list raises flags worldwide. House wine starts at £16.50.