Review: Reflecting on memories at Fife Lodge Hotel in Banff

Before our recent outing, it had been a while since my boyfriend Josh and I paid a visit to Banff’s Fife Lodge Hotel. Six years, to be exact.

Shameful.

The striking Sandyhill Road venue is where the pair of us celebrated our school prom – both being in the same year at Turriff Academy – in the summer of 2018. I distinctly remember everyone praising the country house hotel afterwards, myself included.

Based in beautiful private grounds overlooking the River Deveron, it was the perfect setting.

As time went on, it dawned on me that while the pair of us have experienced a function at Fife Lodge Hotel, we hadn’t yet dined in the restaurant.

We rectified that earlier this month.

‘A joy’ to see the restaurant at Fife Lodge Hotel bustling on a Wednesday evening

To be on the safe side, I made a booking. After being greeted by several members of the team at reception and swiftly escorted through to the light and spacious dining area, I was glad I did.

I hadn’t seen so many occupied tables in a restaurant on a Wednesday evening in a long time, and it was a joy to see.

The restaurant had an elegant yet relaxed feel.

Whenever I caught the gaze of a staff member, I was met with a smile.

We felt right at home.

The restaurant itself is sleek, yet relaxed with grey carpeting and seats that feature tartan fabric. There are windows throughout, allowing diners to soak in the stunning surrounding gardens and alfresco area.

I’ll need to take advantage of that with summer approaching.

Our starters, and a venison main that had me grinning from ear to ear

The dinner menu – served from 5pm to 8pm – was much larger than I anticipated.

I lost track of how many times I flicked through the pages trying to whittle down my picks. For Josh’s sake, I moved at speed.

It was a toss up between the pan seared scallops (£14.95) and Fife Lodge bruschetta (£7.95). With the sun shining, I thought the latter was more fitting.

My bruschetta was served on a slate serving platter during my visit.

Placed on opposite ends of a rectangular slate serving platter were two thin slices of crispy bruschetta, with a pile of radiant salad in the centre. It comprised sliced cucumber, red onion, tomato and mixed leaves.

The toasted bread was topped with a herbaceous and tangy mix of thinly chopped tomato, onion, garlic and basil.

It proved a tad challenging to eat with utensils on the slate given its crunchiness. And yes, I know what you’re thinking – “why not just use your hands?” I started off doing just that, but it resulted in the tasty toppings sliding off.

The toasted bread was topped with chopped tomato, onion, garlic and basil. Delicious.

Josh too had a flavourful dish, opting for the langoustine cocktail (£16.95).

It was the langoustine cocktail for Josh.

Our eyes widened at the price initially. However, the langoustines were delicious, boasting a perfectly balanced salty and sweet taste. They were clearly caught locally, which is stated on the menu.

They were coated in Marie Rose sauce and accompanied by a crisp leaf salad and granary bread.

A slice of granary bread was among the accompaniments.

We washed our starters down with two Diet Cokes (£2.45 each). Within 10 minutes, it was time for the main event.

For Josh, the Fife Lodge burger (£18.95). And for me, the medallions of venison (£24.95). I haven’t stopped thinking about this dish since our visit.

Nine slices of venison sat on top of a bed of smooth and silky mashed potato that was buttery to taste.

I’d asked for the venison to be cooked medium-rare, and it was. Rich and tender, it almost melted in the mouth. The burgundy port and redcurrant jus made for the ideal pairing.

An assortment of vegetables accompanied on a separate plate.

As for Josh’s burger, which comprised two 4oz patties, cheddar cheese, blue cheese, bacon and onion rings, plus a soft bun, this was served with hand cut chips, a salad and coleslaw.

It was demolished.

My eyes were bigger than my belly as I also ordered us two sides – hand cut chips and onion rings, both priced at £3.95. Neither portions were finished, but they were a treat too.

Desserts to go

I initially thought we’d easily get through three courses each. However, the pair of us were stuffed by this point.

Thankfully, a member of the team recommended a few desserts that were fine to be taken away for us to enjoy at home (after a breather).

Josh opted for the classic Fife Lodge sticky toffee pudding served with hot toffee sauce and ice cream (£8.95). The ice cream scoop came in a separate container, which he appreciated.

Sticky toffee pudding is one of Josh’s favourites.

Later in the evening, he popped the sponge in the microwave before adding the ice cream. The sponge was fluffy and slightly nutty.

My pick, the cheesecake of the day (caramel) (£8.50), was another winner with a buttery biscuit base topped with a melt-in-the-mouth cheesecake mixture.