The old bank in Huntly may no longer be a place to deposit your hard earned cash, but it’s now certainly a place where you should spend it.
Reincarnated as The Bank Café and Restaurant, the old money house has been transformed. Echoes of the building’s rich history have been maintained and woven into the restaurant’s graceful and modern decor. It is at once elegant without being pretentious.
Equally elegant is the food. The Bank may have only opened its doors six months ago but it has already been shortlisted as one of only four finalists for the North-east of Scotland Restaurant of the Year Award.
Their award winning chef, David Mutter, serves up the specially selected menu, using locally sourced ingredients and the best of in-season meat, fish, and vegetables. Dishes are thoughtfully put together and quench the appetites of both those with a sophisticated palate and those more accustomed to traditional fare.
My own dining experience began with an appetiser of luscious tomato soup with celeriac, a tasty glimpse of the goodness to come. My starter of smoked Loch Fyne trout with truffled free range hen’s egg, capers and brioche was something else. It was stylishly put together and exceptionally delectable.
The main was another fine affair. A confit leg of duck with petis pois a la Françoise, boudin noir, chorizo sausage and pont neuf potatoes – the duck fell off the bone, tender and succulent.
Facing the struggle of finding room for dessert, I was gently and happily persuaded to try the baked chocolate fondant. The fondant, put simply, was out of this world. It was the ultimate indulgence, oozing rich chocolatey goodness.
The perfect place for a chic meal on date night or a delightful evening meal with family or friends, the Bank Restaurant is certainly a place worth investing in.
No. 2 The Square, Huntly AB54 8AE Tel: 07955710755 www.thebankhuntly.co.uk