Recommendation Rating 2010 ► Highly Recommended | country house hotel
Awards Chef Médaille d’Or for Real Food 2010 | Taste of Grampian Restaurant of 2008
Other
guides
VS 4 stars | Foodstars™ 5
Mouthwatering real food and a cheery welcome
We like this hotel with its fine restaurant but not because it's grand. Simply, if you value cheerful hospitality, clean rooms with nice extras plus real food cooked with dedication…it just is highly recommendable. The manor sits in woods in a quiet part of Forres. Lloyd and Jules Kenny work hard; many guests return frequently. Cosy bar: bay window, sofas, leather chairs, coffee-toned décor, real fire, many malts. Franklin’s Restaurant: informal, candle-lit, high-backed leather chairs, original walnut. Lloyd’s a true chef; his is country cooking with passion. Dishes range from trad comfort food with a twist to local Highland steaks to special requests. He comes to the tables and in an inimitable style makes sure all is well; he goes through dessert options personally. More, please.
Need to know
> The 8 bedrooms vary considerably in size, décor, outlook and modernity
> All get mineral water, Scottish biscuits, flat TV / DVD, iPod dock / player, free wi-fi
> Some rooms have a bath – ask; all have prestige Penhaligon’s 'Blenheim' toiletries
> Lady Kathleen, in 'nature' colours, has comfy super-king bed, wood outlook, shower
> Queen Betty is biggest, red-hued, with bay window, light airy bathroom with corner bath
> Garden Room is ideal for dog-owners as it has porch area, and own external door
> Henderson is a great little single room, practical with desk, light, front-facing, bath
> 10.30am checkout a bit early; cooked breakfast (good) until 9am, cold buffet served ‘til 10am
> Dining is an absolute treat – dinner menu (PDF) changes every few weeks; wine list good too
> Benromach distillery is a mile away and offers tours and tastings: recommended!
Love it…
… The relaxed atmosphere of Franklin’s Restaurant is a real aid to digestion
… Knowing many of the local suppliers as we do gives us confidence
… The quiet location is a real boon when it comes to sleepy time
… Bedrooms are spotlessly clean and have nice little extras ‘thrown in’
… The cosy bar is a great spot to relax but especially nice for ordering dinner