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The Forbes Arms Hotel, Alford, Aberdeenshire

The Forbes Arms Hotel

4.6
4.6
330 Reviews
£26 to £40
Scottish

Make a booking

2 people
20:00

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for scenic views
  • Charming
The Forbes Arms boasts a new dining experience, riverside restaurant and outdoor patio area overlooking the River Don and William Minto’s segmental granite arched bridge built in 1811. The original Public Bar retains the historic character while the Lounge Bar and the Snug offer a more relaxing place to eat and drink with luxurious furnishings throughout.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Scottish, Vegetarian / Vegan, Pub
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Sun 12:00–13:15 Dinner Wed–Sun 17:00–19:15
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Hotel Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa

What 330 people are saying

The Forbes Arms Hotel reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Best Overall

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Best Food

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Best Service

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Best Ambience

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Best Value

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Good for business meals

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Good for groups

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Healthy

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Forbes Arms Hotel delights with "fantastic service" and "delicious" food in a beautiful riverside setting. The newly refurbished decor adds charm, while the staff are "friendly" and attentive. Despite occasional noise and varying food experiences, many guests praise the "excellent" portions and value, making it a "highly recommended" destination.

330 Reviews
  1. Christopher

    Aberdeen1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    An excellent meal with brilliant service and lovely setting.

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  2. deborah

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 2 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a Sunday lunch at the Forbes Arms Hotel in Alford, and it was an absolutely delightful experience. From the moment we walked in, the staff were warm, welcoming, and attentive, ensuring we felt right at home. The service was prompt and friendly, making the whole visit feel incredibly enjoyable. The food was simply beautiful—cooked to perfection, beautifully presented, and bursting with flavour. Every dish was a treat for the senses, and it was clear that only the best ingredients were used. It’s rare to find a place where both the service and the food come together so harmoniously. I highly recommend the Forbes Arms for anyone looking for a fantastic meal in a charming and friendly atmosphere. I can’t wait to return!

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  3. Jock and Cindi

    Aberdeen1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 1 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic meal once again. The steaks were sensational. Highly recommended.

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  4. Sue

    Aberdeen1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 28 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Starter and sweet good, lamb, fat, chewy and not hot enough. House red excellent. Staff lovely., whole place very comfortable.

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  5. Alison

    Inverness3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 23 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely atmosphere- welcoming and staff friendly - good selection on menu - nice presentation - will def be back

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  6. Lorna

    London1 review

    1.0

    Dined on 23 February 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 1
    Pleasant but inept service. Tough beef and tough, overcooked lamb. Very disappointing, will never go there again.

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  7. Audrey

    North Scotland2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 16 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A great place to eat staff all very friendly and food 1st class will definitely be back

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  8. Peter

    Aberdeen1 review

    4.0

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Really great food. The resteraunt was very busy with most tables occupied.

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  9. Graham

    Inverness2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 7 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    1st class service, with excellent food - keep it up as you met our high expectations again!! Plus it was another birthday meal that was served brilliantly by the staff - with a wee special birthday message. Thank you again.

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  10. Mark

    London1 review

    4.0

    Dined on 2 February 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Went for Sunday lunch with friends. The whole experience was delightful. For me, tempura prawns to start with, followed by traditional roast beef. No room for pudding! Keep up the good work team Forbes.

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FAQs

The Forbes Arms Hotel is rated 4.6 stars by 330 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
20:00
Google Map for The Forbes Arms Hotel

Bridge of Alford, Alford, Aberdeenshire AB33 8QJ

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Scottish, Vegetarian / Vegan, Pub
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Sun 12:00–13:15 Dinner Wed–Sun 17:00–19:15
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Hotel Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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