Russ Robb (26 March 2007)

The drive to Ballathie House Hotel front door from the turn off is littered with slightly annoying speed bumps from start to finish. As soon as we neared closer the hotel entrance and the building appeared in full view, I was breath taken by its beauty and picture perfect surroundings. So much so that I began to think that the speed bumps were a deliberate addition in order to slow guest’s right down and force them to take notice of its perfect location and extremely well maintained grounds. As soon as I left my car I was overcome with a feeling of tranquillity. I immediately felt relaxed and at ease. This was the whole point of my visit. I was in need of a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and Ballathie House cured that before I had even set foot inside. The reception which is also extremely beautiful oozed vintage class. The welcoming staff came across as friendly and very accommodating when informed of my wife’s additional requirements. The added touch of using our names before our identity was revealed impressed me hugely.

Often when dining at country houses and remote hotels similar to Ballathie I find the cuisine to be too in keeping with the decor and general theme. The habitual position of opting between dressed crab, Caesar salad, beef fillet Rossini style or lobster thermidor and such like is something that I have became bored to death of. From there I usually can not avoid the inevitable feelings of disappointment and dissatisfaction even before the food arrives. The menu at Ballathie was a slightly refreshing change. Faced with intriguing dishes and lots of other mouth watering attractions we found ourselves unable to decide with ease. Its not often you can pick up a menu and be tempted by every dishes on it. Throughout the whole meal the dishes that we encountered conveyed a feeling that the kitchen had a very good control over and understanding of the produce that they source. A high level of skill and devotion was also very apparent. I sincerely felt that I could not fault anything we had that night and if I did it would have been very harsh of me to do so. Service was slick and attentive without being obtrusive while the wine that was recommended to suit our menu choices was very well matched and served to a strict, and well rehearsed methodical routine.

I am not saying that Ballathie House is perfect beyond the highest of expectations but it is a place of, natural beauty, extreme tranquillity, and a very high standard of service that has evolved from great attention to detail and genuinely pleasant staff. I will always consider Ballathie House as a great personal discovery but its inexplicable anonymousness is something that will continue to bewilder me and probably anyone else that has had the pleasure of being a guest there.