The Rowan Tree Country Hotel Restaurant

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The Rowan Tree Country Hotel Restaurant

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#1 of 1 Restaurant in AlvieBar, International, $$ - $$$

What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

The Rowan Tree Country Hotel Restaurant

Review

At a glance

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Website

+44 1479 810207Improve this listing

About

Travellers' Choice

2024

Our country restaurant is renowned across the highlands for providing high quality, locally sourced cuisine. Our carefully designed menu showcases the very best seasonal food and the menu changes accordingly. Our chef also enjoys developing unique and interesting dishes for our daily specials so there is always the opportunity to sample new creations. Enjoy an aperitif in our cosy lounge or bar, whilst you choose from our superb menu and your food is freshly prepared for your order. Advance reservations are recommended. Hours may vary in low season. Please contact us to make a booking. We also have an Electric Vehicle charger, so you can either have a coffee or dine with us, whilst you charge your car

Features

CUISINES

Bar, International, European, British, Fusion, Scottish

Meal types

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

American Express

Discover

Free off-street parking

Free Wifi

Full Bar

Gift Cards Available

Highchairs Available

Mastercard

Non-smoking restaurants

Parking Available

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Validated Parking

Visa

Wheelchair Accessible

Wine and Beer

Location

Alvie, Aviemore PH22 1QB Scotland

Free off-street parking, Parking Available, Validated Parking

Is this a British restaurant?

Yes

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Hours

Suggest an edit

Closed now

• Opens at 8:00 AM

Sunday

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Monday

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Thursday

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Friday

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Saturday

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.5:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

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4.7

(487)

Excellent

391

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Terrible

Goddessoftheforest

5 contributions

Rowan Tree Country Hotel Food is DELICIOUS:). Don't miss out!

Dec 2024 • solo

Warm welcome on a wintery night, cosy surroundings, comfy beds, high pressure showers, great food (!), ample parking (plus charging points for e-cars), a well stocked bar and a roaring warm fire! Highly recommended! I would 100% eat at The Rowan Tree again. They do a 3 course/per person package that you can opt in/out at time of booking, or you can go for the food on its own without staying on site. Tons to see and do in the local area. The Highland Wildlife Park is super close, so is the RSPB Inch Marsches. Loads of local walks to enjoy too and one is close enough to Aviemore high street to be able to squeeze in a couple of hours of shopping at the end of your stay if one is keen.

Written December 11, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jonny and Tamasina Cassidy

Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us and had the chance to experience the warm, cosy atmosphere we strive to create. It’s wonderful to hear that you were able to enjoy our delicious food and the variety of local attractions nearby. We’re especially happy that you appreciated our 3-course package, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another meal—whether you’re staying with us or just popping in for a bite! Thanks again for your kind words, and we hope to see you again soon.

Written December 28, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Warren

Glasgow22 contributions

Nearly excellent 👍

Apr 2024 • couples

We decided to travel out of the tourist trap of the high street and found this lovely hotel. Great reviews on here so gave it a go. Not a huge selection on the menu 3-5 for each course but this obviously worked as food was very nice but slightly expensive especially the deserts which weren’t that impressive and still cost a tenner each. The restaurant room itself was a bit bland and lacked thought in the decoration as lacked atmosphere. The comments are more constructive for the hotel - to any potential diners, give it a go 👍

Written April 14, 2024

Jonny and Tamasina Cassidy

Thank you for sharing your feedback, and we're glad to hear that you enjoyed the food and appreciated the reviews that led you to our hotel. We're always thrilled to welcome guests who seek a more relaxed experience away from the busy high street. We do keep our menu selection concise to ensure that everything we offer is fresh and prepared to the highest standards, but we understand that some guests may prefer more variety. We appreciate your thoughts on the desserts and the restaurant's ambiance, and we’ll certainly consider this constructive feedback as we continue to refine our offerings and décor. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future, and we’re grateful for your support and recommendation to other diners. Thank you again for your comments!

Written December 28, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Grant M

3 contributions

A great night’s stay with excellent food in the heart of the Cairngorms.

Dec 2024 • solo

I stayed for a night recently and had a super stay and was well looked after by the hotel staff. The hotel is in a fantastic location in the heart of the Cairngorms and very easy to get to. It’s a traditional highland hotel which has a slightly surprising high end restaurant. The hotel is just as you want from a highland hotel - easy to get to, plenty of parking, open log fires and a snug bar area beside the restaurant. My room was warm, comfortable and very clean, with a modern shower room and plenty of hot water from a powerful rain shower, just the thing after a bike ride! I dined in the restaurant and was very impressed, they serve a mix of what I’d class as high end dishes and traditional favourites, all presented very well. My chorizo and black pudding starter was a great twist on a classic combination and my burger was excellent, a proper burger and chips, made with good beef and served with hand cut chips. As well as the variety of dishes there are a lot of gluten and dairy free, and vegan dishes so there really is something for everyone. You can also eat in the bar beside the fire for something a bit less formal. There’s an extensive wine list as well and a huge selection of whisky and locally produced spirits. In fact, there was very much a theme of sourcing local produce.

Written December 28, 2024

Jonny and Tamasina Cassidy

Dear Grant Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful stay and enjoyed your time with us. It’s great to know that our location in the heart of the Cairngorms, combined with our cozy atmosphere, made for a memorable experience. We’re also so pleased you enjoyed the meal in our restaurant. Our team takes great pride in offering a diverse menu with high-end dishes alongside traditional favorites, and we’re glad it made such an impression on you. It's great to hear that the variety of options, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan choices, made your dining experience even more enjoyable. We truly appreciate your kind words about the comfortable room, powerful shower, and welcoming bar area by the fire—it’s the little details that make a stay special, and we’re glad we could provide that. We hope to welcome you back for another stay soon, whether for a bike ride or another delicious meal by the fire.

Written December 28, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jennifer44

Dumfries and Galloway51 contributions

Our fault

Nov 2024 • couples

Our fault this experience didn't live up to scratch - we are not 'fine dining guests!'. Thought the food too pricey for what you received - the Cod dish could have done with being a bigger piece (for a woman) as the vegetables are smooth paste on the plate. The tables are too close together to justify the 'fine dining' experience as you are too close to the next people eating. The hotel is top notch and I would consider staying B & B and the dining room is beautifully set out (just not for the cost of the meal). Service was excellent and bar and lounge area lovely to relax in before eating. Our fault as I say.

Written November 13, 2024

Jonny and Tamasina Cassidy

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We appreciate your honesty and are sorry to hear that your dining experience didn’t quite meet your expectations. We understand that our fine dining menu may not be for everyone, and we do offer a variety of hearty classic dishes on our menu for those who prefer larger portions and more traditional options. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the hotel itself, including the relaxing bar and lounge area, as well as our excellent service. We also appreciate your kind words about the dining room’s setting. Your comments regarding the portion size and table layout are important to us, and we will certainly take them into consideration as we continue to improve our guests’ dining experiences. We would love to welcome you back for a B&B stay and hope we can offer you a more enjoyable experience next time with one of our heartier options.

Written December 28, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MFC17

Durham384 contributions

Great food

Aug 2024 • couples

We dined in the restaurant on both nights of our stay and the food exceeded our expectations. On the first night we shared the Chateaubriand. What a great choice! The beautifully cooked steak was very tender and served with delicious accompaniments. Glad we didn’t order a starter! The food was equally as good on the second night and although the restaurant was busy the service was good on both evenings. Be sure to book if you want to eat here as it does get busy.

Written September 10, 2024

Jonny and Tamasina Cassidy

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear that both your dining experiences with us exceeded expectations. The Chateaubriand is definitely a favorite, and we’re so glad you enjoyed it! It’s wonderful that you had great meals on both nights of your stay, and we’re pleased to know the service was attentive even during a busy time. Thank you for the helpful tip for future guests—we always recommend booking ahead to secure a table. We look forward to welcoming you back for another fantastic dining experience!

Written December 28, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

mcc409

35 contributions

Definitely worth another visit - more than tasty!

Aug 2024 • solo

The dinner menu offered a good range to suit all tastes and there was a good wine list, and a fine selection of gins and malt whiskies in the bar which is adjacent to the dining room. I had Gin &Tonic before dinner and a very enjoayble glass of red wine with my meal. Homemade bread was served with olive oils and balsamic to start. I particularly enjoyed the starter of baked aubergine rolls in a rich creamy cashew ricotta and tomato sauce. It was bursting with flavour. I can never bypass scallops when I see them on the menu so I had these as a second starter served with pork belly and apple compote (a great accompaniment to both scallops and pork I thought). This still left room to have two large scoops of ice cream for pudding. The dining room was busy with both residents and visitors which is always a good sign and the staff were welcoming and friendly. I'd certainly go back again to sample more of their varied menu.

Written September 8, 2024

Jonny and Tamasina Cassidy

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the range of dishes on our menu, and it’s fantastic to know that both the food and the drinks were a highlight of your visit. The baked aubergine rolls and scallops with pork belly sound like they were great choices, and we’re glad you enjoyed the flavors and pairings. It’s also great to hear that our busy dining room and welcoming staff helped create a memorable experience. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another round of delicious dishes, and we’ll be sure to have something exciting for you to try next time!

Written December 28, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Andy M

Durham111 contributions

Beautiful food and allergen control is superb!

Sep 2022 • none

This meal was booked as a 30th Birthday treat for my wife to end our week in the Cairngorms, I have to say it's set the bar for anywhere else in the local area as far as i'm concerned for service, quality of food and allergen control. As we'd made a booking the kitchen and staff were already aware of my allergy, to which they made it abundantly clear they had options for me to eat, the kitchen could deal with my requirements and the servers were also aware. We were then seated within the restaurant area which had soft lighting, nice furnishings and a very homely feel to it. Once the food arrived I can only say it was delicious, I'd highly recommend the Cullen Skink, Haggis starters and Fish & Chips. The portion sizes were spot on for a filling but not heavy meal and I have to say the value for money was outstanding. I'd come back in a heartbeat!

Written September 26, 2022

Russell J

11 contributions

Very Disappointing- Over Priced Very Small Portions

Oct 2022 • none

We booked the restaurant on the back of reviews on this site. It was a special occasion to have a family meal to celebrate my mums 76th birthday. We arrived at the restaurant to be greeted by friendly staff who informed us that they had reserved us a private room as there was 10 of us in our party so we could enjoy our evening together with privacy. This was a great start. The evening went downhill from there. The room was bolted on the end of the dining room. We walked through what was a nice warm vibrant dining room into our room. They had no heating on, it was freezing cold in there. My mum had to keep her big coat on for the entire meal. They did put on a radiator but only when we asked. We ordered our food. The starters came out. Most of us had Cullen Skink which is supposed to be a hearty soup made with smoked fish and vegetables. It was about as hearty as a cup of tea, bland and the main ingredient was small pieces of potato. I had a couple of traces of fish in mine but not much. Very disappointed, even more so when no bread rolls were offered which you would expect with soup. For main courses most of us ordered fillet streak. I have never in my life seen suck small pieces of steak which can have been no more than 4 ounces. It was served with one large chip basically. My niece asked for the sauce separate, but it came all over her steak. When she complained they took it away telling her they would bring a new one. The same piece of steak came back, they had just washed off the sauce and put it back under the grill making it dry and overcooked. I had salmon again which was the smallest portion I have ever seen. The piece of fish no more than a centimetre thick and the size of a cigarette packet. Four mouthfuls and it was gone. Deserts were ok but nothing to write home about. The bill was just under £600 for 10 of us, which included 3 year old and three teenagers. I live in the south and regularly eat in good London restaurants. The Rowan Tree is priced at that level but falls woefully short in delivering standard of food. It is a shame because the actually food tasted ok. The setting itself is nice but they are maximising profit and the expense of decent portions and missing the basics like making sure the room is warm and ready for their guests. The waiting staff worked hard and were pleasant

Written October 14, 2022

rhona88

Dundee5 contributions

Fantastic place to stay with lovely food ( and dog agrees too)

Jan 2023 • none

This was our third visit to this hotel, returning because we really enjoy how we were treated and the excellent service we have received in the past. The hotel was easy to book, I made a phone call to discuss their rates and see if they had any offers on! Always better to call and discuss with the owners! The rooms we have had were very comfortable, clean and have their own characters, the hotel has two open fires , both offering that lovely welcoming feeling we all look forward to. The staff make genuine efforts to be friendly and helpful and gave our dog that special welcome. (especially Sheena) We eat our meals in the bar where our dog can join us, this allows us to meet and chat with others doing exactly what we are doing. The food is lovely presented with flavours to entice you to return. Whether you are staying in the hotel or just in the area, keep their restaurant in mind, you will not be disappointed. When you consider a hotel or restaurant, we all look for quality, value and great service, where your hard earned money is appreciated. We believe The Rowan Tree Hotel - Restaurant has it all. Rhona, Ewen and Harris🐶

Written January 24, 2023

Martyn C

2 contributions

Homely stay near Aviemore

May 2024 • family

We stayed at Rowan Tree for a couple of nights during May half term. Such a homely place to stay in the room, hotel, sitting rooms, bar…..throughout. The staff were brilliant and friendly too. Breakfast is brilliant - choose your various courses the night before and they’re ready for you when you sit down for breakfast the following morning (at your chosen time). Great whisky selection and whisky chat too. Perfect for Aviemore and the Cairngorm mountains - all really easy to get to. We had 2 children in our room too but still didn’t feel cramped. Would love to visit again if we’re ever in the area again.

Written June 5, 2024

Jonny and Tamasina Cassidy

Thank you for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a homely and comfortable stay with us during your visit to the Cairngorms. It’s great to know that you and your family enjoyed our friendly staff, breakfast experience, and our whisky selection—plus that you found the location perfect for exploring the area! We’d love to welcome you back for another stay if you’re in the area again. Thanks for choosing Rowan Tree! Best regards,

Written December 28, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

lucas j

16 contributions

Not what was expected. Seems hit and miss

Apr 2023 • none

Food is average and the chicken gougions as well as their fish fingers for the kids are very oily and not tasty at all. Staff don't seem to know about the dishes and didn't know what some of the ingredients are. Better training is required. For being rated as one of the top restaurants in Aviemore they leave a lot to be desired.

Written April 4, 2023

Sam M

3 contributions

Nice place but overpriced for average food

May 2024 • couples

The welcome was friendly, the service excellent and the menu enticing. But sadly, the food just didn’t live up to expectations - the ‘crispy’ wild garlic crust on the cod was just soggy and tasteless and the portion of fish was minuscule for the price (£26/27). My partner’s fish and chips were ordinary and also overpriced. Such potential to be a lovely eatery but much room for improvement.

Written May 17, 2024

Jonny and Tamasina Cassidy

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We’re glad to hear that you received a warm welcome and experienced excellent service during your visit. However, we are sorry to learn that the food didn’t meet your expectations. We take all comments seriously, and your review is invaluable in helping us improve. Our team is always striving to create delicious dishes, and we’ll be sure to review the items you mentioned to ensure they are up to the high standards we aim for. We would love the opportunity to welcome you back and provide a more enjoyable dining experience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you plan to visit again.

Written December 28, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Clair S

8 contributions

Excellent Food, Service and Atmosphere.

Apr 2024 • couples

Excellent food, service and atmosphere. My husband and I chose the Rowantree to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary as we were staying on the campsite nearby. It didn’t disappoint. We arrived in full waterproofs after walking to the restaurant, and were greeted as if we were in our finest outfits, which was lovely. We were offered a seat in the bar for our pre-dinner drinks but chose to sit near the fire in a cosy area off reception where we made our menu choices. We were escorted to our table once our first course was ready and our chosen bottle of red wine was open and waiting for us. Staff were appropriately friendly and attentive but not overbearing in any way, and the food was quite simply outstanding. The atmosphere in the restaurant was nice and relaxed and we ended up chatting to a lovely family from Kent who were holidaying in the area. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit and will definitely return and recommend to others. Thank-you.

Written April 10, 2024

Jonny and Tamasina Cassidy

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you chose to celebrate your 30th wedding anniversary with us, and that we could provide you with such a memorable experience. It’s fantastic to know you felt welcomed, no matter how you arrived, and that the service and atmosphere helped make your evening so special. We’re also glad you enjoyed the food and wine, and it’s lovely to hear that you made some new connections during your visit. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon, and thank you for your kind recommendation!

Written December 28, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Neil M

1 contribution

Lovely bar meal

Oct 2022 • none

Always a pleasure to dine at this cosy & welcoming Highland hotel and restaurant. We wanted to eat early and this was no problem; delicious food at very reasonable prices. We were made very welcome by the owner Johny Cassidy.

Written October 26, 2022

CAJ471

Carlisle2 contributions

Super

Oct 2024 • couples

We stayed at the Rowan Tree travelling up to the North West and booked in for dinner bed and breakfast. We were travelling with our dog and the hotel was more than accommodating, putting us up in the bar, next to the fire for dinner. The dinner was superb, being a vegetarian and a meat eating couple, we often find that one of us does not always get a great meal. We both had an AMAZING meal and staff were brilliant throughout.

Written December 12, 2024

Jonny and Tamasina Cassidy

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your dog had such a positive experience with us. It’s great to know that our dog-friendly policy and cozy bar area by the fire made your dinner more enjoyable. We’re also so glad that both of you were able to enjoy an amazing meal! We always strive to offer delicious options for all dietary preferences, and it’s fantastic to hear that we succeeded in making both your meals exceptional. We truly appreciate your kind words about our staff, and we look forward to welcoming you back again in the future.

Written December 28, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.