Readers,
Remember me? That's right, it's the Yellow Dress talking.
Sincere apologies for vanishing into thin air lately; 4th year signifies total hibernation in the library, only stepping out of campus to go to Starbucks (to work, not for the sake of it.) But 4th year is OVER which means it's time to eat, drink and be very merry. So here's how we celebrated.
The Conservatory at the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa
Nestled ten minutes to the west of Aberdeen lies the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa. Although you're only ten minutes down the road from the hustle and bustle of the Granite City, you could easily be light-years away: the Marcliffe is wrapped up in the ravishing views of Royal Deeside and serene grounds. This establishment shines during the summer when the gardens are green, the meals turn al fresco and the sun pours in through the Conservatory windows. And the Conservatory, by the way, works. Look at the picture and feast your eyes on one stylish restaurant. Bet you wish you had that in your house. Although I've never been during the winter, I can imaging the real log fires, muted colour schemes and sumptuous furnishings work too. The Marcliffe is owned by super-experienced Stewart Spence, who manages the most impeccably behaved and beautifully mannered staff team. These people look like they've never even thought to complain about work. Ever.
At the helm of the kitchen is Gilbert Brock, who's locally-sourced-and-Scottish-themed dishes (can't avoid a cliché) sound mouth-watering and look like they belong in an art gallery. But they belong on your plate, then in your stomach. Eat crispy duck dumplings and thank your lucky stars you'll experience heaven before a heart-attack, choose the best steak this side of Argentina, wash it all down with a glass (or two) of Cape Mentelle and finish with salted caramel ice-cream. Those are your instructions, now go.
We went to the Conservatory for my graduation lunch and having been to weddings and afternoon teas here, I can promise you it's a cut above the rest. Oh and for all you geeks out there, Mikael Gorbachev opened the Hotel in 1993. They didn't give me a history degree for nothing.
The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa,
North Deeside Road,
Pitfodels,
Aberdeen,
AB15 9YA,
(01224) 861000
