By Kelly McAlpine  

You’ve booked your flight-free escape, now it’s time to plan your perfect post-lockdown getaway at Dalriada Lodges - and you’ll be in second heaven when it comes to sourcing divine dining delights.    

Staying at our luxury lodges perched on the dramatic Aberdeenshire coastline and overlooking the North Sea, you’ll have all the freedom you need to enjoy a safe and happy break. It’s a cracking base for wonderful woodland walks and leisurely rambles exploring the beautiful coastline as well as having a full flavour of eating experiences.

From the town that lays claim to inventing the deep-fried Mars Bars, while the chip shop delicacy might not be to everyone’s taste, you will discover a fantastic culinary mix with a heavy emphasis on fresh and local. Here’s our guide to the neighbourhood food favourites that are right up our street.

Sea air makes for a hearty appetite and the fruits of the sea don’t come any fresher than that served up at the Seafood Bothy. 

This quirky converted horsebox at the pier lives up to its promise of ‘Posh Tucker by the Sea’, selling fresh crab, mixed seafood, scallops, king prawns, langoustine, as available. Its tempting street food options vary, but you might expect to find crab quiche, mackerel pate crackers, spicy prawn taco, seafood nachos or lobster pot salad on its menu.

It’s been part of Stonehaven life since 1771, and The Ship Inn has earned its reputation as an old favourite, as a small hotel that’s big on its friendly welcome. For the first time, The Ship Inn is offering takeaway food which customers can eat at its outdoor tables as they watch harbour life. And its dining room is back in action, serving up home cooked options that provide a taste of North-east cuisine.

Its synonymous with a trip to the seaside and fast food doesn’t come much quicker - or tastier - than chip shop fayre. The Bay Fish and Chips has won top plaudits for its quality fish suppers and even offers gluten free options.

Make sure you leave some room for a treat from its neighbour, Aunty Betty’s Ice Cream Shop. This fab wee outlet scoops up the popularity vote for its amazing flavours and lovely staff and has a great selection of sweets as well.

In addition to coming with a fully equipped kitchen, each Dalriada Lodge has its own suntrap decked dining area, making it ideal for relaxed, al fresco eating. Head to Castleton Farm Shop to stock up on the ingredients you need to serve up your own foodie feast. You may be tempted by the mouth-watering home baked scones, tarts and cakes in which case afternoon tea might be the order of the day. Castleton has everything you need for good, simple cooking, like fabulous fruit, vegetables, meat, bread, eggs, jams and other store cupboard essentials.

Stonehaven - food heaven indeed!