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6 places serving the best Cullen skink in Aberdeenshire

What's your go-to restaurant when you fancy a hearty bowl of Cullen skink?

Cullen skink from Portsoy's Aspire. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson
Cullen skink from Portsoy's Aspire. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

Cullen skink is a winner all-year-round.

Even when the sun’s shining, it’s a recurring craving of mine and I find myself inspecting café and restaurant menus to see if the traditional Scottish dish is on offer.

Thankfully, it often is.

Here are some places to visit if you’re after a hearty, hefty and wholesome bowl of Cullen skink in Aberdeenshire.

The Captain’s Table, Stonehaven

The Captain’s Table – located inside The Ship Inn – offers a fantastic menu of home-cooked food, with seafood its speciality.

Its Cullen skink, priced at £7.50, is a must-try.

The restaurant is open from noon to 2.15pm and 5.30pm to 8.30pm Monday to Friday, and noon to 8.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Address: 5 Shorehead, Stonehaven AB39 2JY

Cullen skink at The Captain’s Table is priced at £7.50. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

The Seafield Arms, Whitehills

Cullen skink is a permanent feature on the menu at The Seafield Arms Whitehills. Made using Jocky’s of Macduff smoked haddock, it’s freshly-prepared and delicious.

If you’re thinking of dining at the venue, book ahead if possible, particularly during weekends.

Address: 5 Chapel Street, Whitehills, Banff AB45 2NB

Smoked haddock from Jocky’s of Macduff features in this Cullen skink. Image: Chris Sumner

The Bank Café and Restaurant, Huntly

If you’re planning a trip to Huntly, then you’ll be pleased to know that The Bank Café and Restaurant – which has been welcoming customers since March 2022 – serves a fantastic Cullen skink.

You’ll spot the £8 dish on the evening menu. It’s available from 5pm to 8.45pm Monday to Saturday, and comes with sourdough bread and rock salt butter.

Address: 2 The Square, Huntly AB54 8AE

The Bank Café and Restaurant is based in a former Clydesdale branch in Huntly. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson

The Creel Inn, Catterline

Situated in the historic fishing village of Catterline, The Creel Inn serves both traditional and modern food menus that feature Cullen skink (£7.50).

Here, it features creamy smoked haddock, potato and leek, and is served with crusty bread.

To go alongside your creamy soup, you can choose from a range of whiskies, beers and wines.

Address: Catterline, Stonehaven AB39 2UL

Fancy Cullen skink in Aberdeenshire? Consider The Creel Inn. Image: Scott Baxter/DC Thomson

The Knowes Hotel and Restaurant, Macduff

Next up, The Knowes – one of my favourite restaurants in the north-east.

The venue is great for a number of occasions – whether it be a romantic dinner for two, celebrating a special occasion with the family or tucking into some delicious Cullen skink, of course.

The dish is available on The Knowes’ brunch and light lunch menu for £7.50 and its dinner menu (under the ‘starters’ section) for £8.95.

Address: 43 Market Street, Macduff AB44 1LL

Enjoy dinner with a view at The Knowes Hotel and Restaurant. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

Aspire, Portsoy

Aspire is a family-run restaurant that serves a variety of breakfasts, lunches and meals throughout the day, with a focus on Scottish cuisine.

A bowl of Cullen skink at Aspire, which is served with bread or oatcakes from John Donald Bakery, is priced at £6.95.

Address: Seafield Terrace, Portsoy, Banff AB45 2QB

You can choose between bread or oatcakes to accompany your soup. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

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