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The Clunie Dining Room at The Fife Arms, Braemar

Elegant Scottish fine dining with wood-fired flavors and striking contemporary art in the heart of Braemar’s Cairngorms.

4.7

The Clunie Dining Room, nestled within The Fife Arms hotel in Braemar, offers a refined fine dining experience focused on seasonal Scottish produce, particularly seafood and game, cooked over an open wood fire. The restaurant is renowned for its artful ambiance featuring a striking mural by Guillermo Kuitca and a blend of traditional and contemporary Scottish flavors in an elegant setting near the Cairngorms.

A brief summary to The Clunie Dining Room

  • Mar Rd, Ballater, Braemar, AB35 5YN, GB
  • +441339720223
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
  • Luxury
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 7:30 am-10:30 am
  • Tuesday 7:30 am-10:30 am
  • Wednesday 7:30 am-10:30 am
  • Thursday 7:30 am-10:30 am
  • Friday 7:30 am-10:30 am
  • Saturday 7:30 am-10:30 am
  • Sunday 7:30 am-10:30 am

Local tips

  • Book in advance, especially for Sunday wood-fired roasts, as the restaurant is popular and seats fill quickly.
  • Try the tasting menu to experience a curated selection of seasonal Scottish dishes cooked over wood fire.
  • Explore the art within the dining room, including the large mural by Guillermo Kuitca, for a unique cultural experience.
  • Pair your meal with a selection from the extensive whisky list or local wines recommended by the sommelier.
  • Visit The Flying Stag bar in the same hotel for a more casual meal or to enjoy local whiskies in a relaxed setting.
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Discover more about The Clunie Dining Room

A Culinary Tribute to Scottish Heritage

The Clunie Dining Room is named after the nearby Clunie River, reflecting its deep connection to the local landscape and culture. This fine dining venue specializes in dishes crafted from seasonal Scottish ingredients, with a strong emphasis on seafood and game sourced from local farmers, gamekeepers, and suppliers. The kitchen’s hallmark is its use of open wood fire cooking, imparting a smoky depth to the dishes that celebrates traditional Scottish culinary techniques while presenting them with modern finesse.

An Artistic and Historic Setting

Situated within The Fife Arms hotel, a historic coaching inn revitalized as a luxury hotel, the dining room is also an art destination. The space is transformed by Argentinian artist Guillermo Kuitca’s large-scale mural, painted in his distinctive cubistoid style, which harmonizes abstraction with figurative elements inspired by the dramatic Cairngorms landscape. This artistic presence enriches the dining experience, offering guests a feast for both the palate and the eyes.

Menu Highlights and Dining Experience

The Clunie offers an à la carte menu and tasting menus that showcase the best of Scottish produce. Signature dishes often include hand-dived Orkney scallops with seaweed béarnaise and finger lime, heritage beets with smoked crowdie and candied walnuts, and a range of wood-fired roasts, especially popular during Sunday lunches. The restaurant also features unique desserts such as baked Alaska, blending nostalgic flavors with contemporary presentation. Prices reflect the quality and exclusivity, with main dishes typically ranging from £35 to £40, and sides priced separately.

Ambiance and Hospitality

The Clunie Dining Room exudes a refined country ambience, combining the warmth of a traditional Scottish inn with the sophistication of a modern fine dining restaurant. The interior design balances historic charm with contemporary art, creating an inviting yet elegant atmosphere. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, with a sommelier offering a curated selection of local whiskies and wines to complement the menu.

Complementary Experiences at The Fife Arms

Guests can also enjoy The Flying Stag, the hotel’s public bar, which serves bar meals and an extensive whisky collection in a more casual setting. The Fife Arms itself is a hub of cultural and natural heritage, located a few minutes’ drive from Balmoral Castle and set in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, making The Clunie a perfect stop for those exploring the Scottish Highlands.

Seasonal and Operational Details

The Clunie Dining Room operates daily with breakfast service from 7:30 to 10:30 am and dinner service from 6:00 to 9:30 pm. Sunday afternoons feature a special wood-fired roast lunch. The restaurant’s focus on seasonality means the menu evolves to reflect the freshest local ingredients, ensuring a dynamic and authentic Scottish dining experience year-round.

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