I’m going to be honest and say I don’t look forward to autumn.
Summer has my heart, even the north-east version which is normally a two-day heatwave followed by cloudy skies.
Everything feels that bit easier when it’s still light gone 11pm and you don’t need to defrost your windscreen before heading to work.
My job means I am lucky enough to be immersed in the food and drink industry on the daily, so I’ve had a delicious reminder that autumn isn’t so bad.
My slow cooker has recently come out of hibernation and has already served up some comforting stews and even a roast chicken.
One of my all-time favourite quotes is actually about autumn and the beauty which can be found in saying goodbye.
Whenever I think of the ultimate Sunday, it’s normally around this time of year.
It involves a trip out to the country with a pub lunch followed by an ambling walk.
Wrap up if needed, but admire the falling leaves and get ready for cosiness before the madness of the festive season takes over.
To help you plan the ultimate autumn day out, we at Team Society have put our heads together and come up with seven of our top foodie haunts across Aberdeen and the Shire.
The Garlogie Inn
We’ve got all the time in the world for this traditional family-run restaurant, which has been on the go since 1986.
The car park is always busy, and this place is popular with good reason.
It boasts ultimate cosy pub vibes and the all-day menu offers traditional macaroni and hot smoked salmon Nicoise salad.
Aside from top-notch food, the location is the ultimate autumn getaway.
Garlogie itself is a pretty hamlet, surrounded by open fields.
You’re a stone’s throw from the turn-off to Banchory, or you can keep on going for the stunning forest of Midmar where there’s a fantastic walking route.
This spot is a great all rounder, without straying too far off the beaten track.
Address: Garlogie, Westhill, Aberdeenshire, AB32 6RX
The Falls of Feugh Restaurant
If you’re after the ultimate view, you’ve found it.
This award-winning restaurant is chocolate box perfection, in a truly stunning location.
I dined there only a few weeks ago to celebrate my mum’s birthday, and I’m pretty sure I spied the most fabulous maple tree on the grounds.
As the name would suggest, the restaurant can be found right on the banks of the river Feugh in Royal Deeside.
Award-winning for good reason, you can enjoy fish of the day or the traditional Sunday roast.
There’s a variety of menus, and once you’ve satisfied your appetite you can take a stroll across the bridge to admire the dramatic waterfall.
Address: Bridge of Feugh, Banchory, Aberdeen, AB31 6NL
Rothesay Rooms
This is definitely more of a destination trip, and there’s no denying that it’s on the pricier end.
Having started off life as a pop-up, founded by none other than King Charles III, this restaurant can now be found within Ballater’s Old Royal Station.
There’s a reason why the late Queen adored the area, and autumn is the best time to visit.
The wonderful scenery is awash with burnt orange and rusty reds, and you’re of course not far from Balmoral.
Be sure to check the website so you don’t coincide your visit when the estate is closed, as the grounds of the castle make for a wonderful walk.
Back to the food, and you can expect fine dining at Rothesay Rooms. Scottish langoustines and wild garlic risotto? Yes, please.
Address: Station Square, Ballater, AB35 5RB
Douneside House
Again, this is more of a destination but it is well worth it.
Found at Tarland near Aboyne, Douneside House is set in seventeen acres of landscaped gardens.
At £25 for two courses, the lunch menu boasts Isle of Mull cheddar souffle and slow-cooked blade of Highland Beef.
If ever there was a time to enjoy seasonal Scottish produce, autumn definitely has the upper hand.
You can also find out about the amazing history of Douneside House, which was purchased by Sir Alexander MacRobert in 1888.
Take a stroll around the walled garden, after sampling apple and blackberry shortcake from the dessert menu.
Address: Douneside House, Tarland, Aboyne, AB34 4UL
Common Sense Coffee House and Bar
Back into the beauty of the Granite City, and this community and arts-focused coffee house has a fantastic spot.
Situated within Union Terrace Gardens, which have of course undergone a revamp, you can still take a sneak peek at the ongoing work.
The actual coffee house is a vibe in itself, and the menu alone is a talking point.
Interspersed with quotes, some serious thought has gone into the dishes.
You can enjoy grazing bento boxes, and their peanut chicken skewers with chilli jam have caught our eye.
Address: Union Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1DF
Milton on the Corner
Now open for Sunday brunch, need we say more?
Previously Cognito on the Corner, this spot on Mid Stocket Road was recently taken over by the team behind Milton’s Brasserie.
The current seasonal menu boasts autumn cocktails, and we’re 100% here for the fisherman’s platter.
Appetite satisfied, you can take a wander around the independent shops in Rosemount or enjoy the gorgeous colours to be admired in Westburn Park.
Address: 1 Mid Stocket Rd, Aberdeen, AB15 5NE
Castleton Farm Shop and Cafe
Is it even Sunday if you don’t head to a farm shop?
The menu at Castleton Farm serves ultimate comfort food with a twist. Get stuck into pork belly wafers, served with apple and chestnuts, alongside a salad.
This place is a fantastic example of diversification in the farming industry.
Found at Fordoun near Laurencekirk, you can find out about sustainable farming and come home with some tasty goodies.
Address: Castleton Farm Cottage, Fordoun, Laurencekirk, AB30 1JX
After more autumnal goodness? Check out our guide to the best pumpkin spice lattes on offer in the north-east before they’re gone!
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