The family run Dutch Mill has long been a favourite haunt of West End business people and locals alike, partly down to its location, but mainly because of the friendly staff and unpretentious, tasty bar food.
The hotel has recently been refurbished, with nine super-swish designer bedrooms, but the welcoming atmosphere and hearty approach to the menu remains thankfully unchanged. If you’re after minimalist plates that faff about with foam, then this isn’t the place for you. If you want fresh, well-cooked bar food, using quality ingredients and great flavours, then you’re sure to find something that appeals.
In our case, there were too many things that appealed. Deciding on starters, once we had taken our seats in the light and airy conservatory, took some time! Eventually, we decided to forego the home made paté and opted for some unctuous deep fried brie wedges and a plate of nachos that came generously topped with chilli beef and cheddar.
Feeling quite full already, we asked for a slight break before the main course and sat back to enjoy a draught real ale from the bar and a glass of chilled white. We had toyed with the idea of having one of the Dutch Mill’s Big Mill burgers or perhaps the chargrilled Strathdon chicken in a creamy whisky and haggis sauce, but plumped for a tender beef stroganoff and some lemon sole.
We made good decisions. The large strips of tender fillet of beef came enfolded in a double cream sauce spiked with brandy and both rice and a baked potato. The fish was perfectly cooked and came with lots of crispy chips, coleslaw and peas.
For desert so we opted to share the hot caramel sundae. I may have had more than my fair share, but had to research it properly. Mmm!
7 Queen’s Rd, Aberdeen AB15 4NR T: 01224 322555 www.dutchmill.co.uk