What the Papers Say

Sunday Herald Magazine 22.07.07

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND ABBOT’S BRAE HOTEL, DUNOON

Location
If you have an old banger that struggles on hills, fuggetaboutit. Abbot’s Brae (www.abbotsbrae.co.uk) is half way up a cliff. Precipitous views of the Firth of Clyde, no extra charge. 4/5

Comfort and staff
Unlike some hotels which value a hundredweight of velvet cushions and fancy soaps over hospitality, proprietors Christine and Colin offer simple rooms and genuine warmth. No surprise then that it is one of Scotland’s Personal Hotels (0800 056 1870, www.scotland-hotels.com). It’s family-friendly – my children were given a present at dinner and a pile of games to choose from later. 4/5

Food
The kitchen is headed up by two-rosette-winning chef Stephen Boswell, and about half the menu is dedicated to the story of where the ingredients come from. Locally sourced, totally delicious. I spent the whole meal dwelling dreamily on my starter of seared scallops with chilli oil. 5/5

Stuff to do nearby
The Pearsons went to town on this one thanks to the links on the hotel’s website to activity-providers. We tried the high speed River Rocket and quad biking at nearby Quadmania. Rather than take the ferry, we drove home via Loch Goil and went out in a boat to catch our tea. And Really, it doesn’t get much better than that (www.lgc-motorboathire.co.uk). 5/5

Value for money
£160 for a family plus £25 a head for a truly memorable dinner. 5/5

Total
Small, friendly, good food, perfect for a family celebration. 23/25

ANDREA PEARSON

Please Note: Stephen Boswell has since moved on but keeps in touch!