Franklin's Restaurant at Cluny Bank in Moray

Drove from an hour away on a sightseeing day only to have owners say there is no restaurant here. So then had to drive back the other way to go to our second choice restaurant.

Another excellent meal in a super restaurant, As previous , staff are friendly and efficient and they and the chef go the extra mile to ensure a great experience. Well done to all and again thank you

This was my first time at the Cluny Bank Hotel's restaurant. It will not be my last. This was a fine dining experience, in the setting of beautifully maintained 'front room' of a large Victorian house. I loved the curved windows and decorative cornices. Lloyd, owner and chef, is worth a mention on his own. This guy not only can produce dishes which look and taste exemplary, but also thoroughly enjoys his guests. He was charming, funny, full of anecdotes and soon had the diners chatting and swapping stories. It was a great evening in every way.

My family and I went to Franklin’s for a delayed 50th celebratory meal; the service was friendly and attentive, while the food was gorgeous. I had pigeon followed by venison and then a dark chocolate ganache. The meal started with two aperitifs, bread with salsa and olives, then a chicken and vegetable soup taster with balsamic vinegar and bread.

Great night with wonderful food and service. We could not fault a thing every course was delicious and beautifully presented. Thank you team.

Food was amazing, desserts are outstanding. Great atmosphere, lovely staff. Highly recommend Franklins.

My wife and I had dinner this evening at the restaurant and it was absolutely outstanding. Incredible value for money for truly tremendous food. We are both “foodies” and, based on this experience, can’t recommend this place enough! If we had discovered it sooner in our week’s holiday in the Forres area, we would have eaten eaten here every single night. Lucky locals…….!

Excellent, well cooked food, attentive service and friendly staff - what more can you ask for ? Quite small dining areas - 4 tables, no pressure / rush As a special meal should be

Absolutely wonderful, really good food, lovely service and an entertaining chef who made us very welcome. Recommend thoroughly

The whole experience was special. All the necessary Covid precautions were in place, but this did not detract from the experience. It was just reassuring. We were greeted when we arrived and shown to our table (immaculate linen napkins and table cloth). There was a good choice on the menu. My husband had the goat meatballs and I had the crab and avocado cocktail for starters. We both had the vension for main (the best we've had in ages) and for pudding we had Brandy pudding and Chocolate torte. Lloyd even gave me the recipe for the Brandy pudding! This is the best 'fine dining' restaurant in the area. We were on holiday and have eaten here twice before on previous holidays and we were not disappointed. Food and service 'top notch'. Thank you.

The combination of the stylish dining room at Franklin’s and Lloyd’s top notch cooking skills make for a great dining experience. The food was excellent. The trout ceviche with avocado sorbet was an absolute treat. Venison loin and fillet steak were also very good. The wine list had a good range of options at various price points. Covid standards were very high and we felt safe. The covid compliant narration of the dessert menu was innovative and entertaining. Great experience, can’t recommend it highly enough.

We had some lovely food here. Good value. Only five tables in the dining room and attentive service. Chef runs through desserts via iPad (would usually be table side, but couldn't due to covid). A great place for a treat.

Very good choice / menue selections. Good quality ingredients, well prepared and presented. Food very tasty. Good service Good Covid controls in place .

An excellent meal. By far the best in this area. All Covid safety precautions in place and everything very well organised. Loved that we got appetizers and Amuse Bouche as surprise extras to our meal. Everything perfectly cooked and presented and the venison was top class. As a local, this will always be our first choice for fine dining, right on our doorstep. Chef certainly hasn't lost his touch!

From start to finish this was a real treat.We felt safe but not anxious ,a lovely welcome.The food was a delight,we had an appetiser and wee 'amuse bouches' that lead us into the actual starter and main course.All the food was so tasty and well presented and cooked to perfection.Lovely too, to have seasonal vegetables as part of the meal, not as an extra. Definitely worth a visit .

Served amuse bouche to start followed be an appetiser before going on to a wide choice of imaginative starters and mains. Tummy capacity didn't permit an examination of sweets

This is the finest food available in the area and it is served in an attentive, intimate and welcoming manner.The crudités and amuse-bouche were fantastic and the ideal palate cleanser. We went straight to the mains which I regret as the starters all sounded wonderful. The fillet steak was cooked perfectly and went well with the sauce and selection of potatoes. Dessert was a panna cotta of perfect consistency and the ideal light end to a meal on a summer’s evening. Desserts are “narrated by the chef” - he appeared on our table over video call on an iPad and talked us through the options. This was a memorable and unique touch which felt personal and friendly. It was a lovely evening with great food made even better by the beautiful dining room and its opulent intimacy. They have adapted brilliantly to the COVID restrictions and I can’t recommend a trip here enough.

We ate at restaurant twice while we stayed at Hotel. The service was excellent and the food was outstanding.

Tonight we enjoyed a fantastic meal at Cluny Bank Hotel, what a treat. The food was delicious as ever, the venison with spiced beetroot purée and poached pear was very special. Felt very safe and all Covid precautions were in place without it feeling too restrictive. Well done Team Cluny Bank!

It was great to go to Franklins at Cluny Bank Hotel as our first meal out after the lockdown lift. The service was faultless . Their attention to the detail to keep their dinners safe was excellent. Social distancing and hygiene was faultless. It felt a very safe environment to relax and enjoy the wonderful cuisine. The FaceTime with the chef to find out about the desserts was a great personal touch. Perfect for an anniversary treat.

We ordered 2 x smoked Salmon starters and 2 x Brisket Roast dinner as a takeaway due to present circumstances. Absolutely delightful. Nice thick pieces of Salmon. The Brisket (ample portions) was served with potatoes and carrots in a lovely pale ale gravy with onions. We both enjoyed it and would certainly have again.

All the food is freshly cooked from scratch. Local produce is used where possible. We also had breakfast as we were staying here. That, too, was good.

Lloyd is really passionate about food, no wonder he reached so many awards. Don‘t miss his special deserts! All food is absolutely superb and staff is highly professional and friendly. Loved this place during vacation.

We went here based on reviews, but found it disappointing. Most of the food was average - including the stuffed flounder (quite bland). We also found the hostess to be very stuffy and uninviting. We did like the chef though. He came out to describe the desserts, and he was quirky and interesting. Overall it's a restaurant that we would not go back to.

excellent quality. food served in a great setting - would check if vegetarian, no choice when we visited.

Lloyd, or Franklin, runs his restaurant from their hotel, the Cluny Bank Hotel and if you are staying there, have dinner there too, you will not be disappointed. Great starters, mains, with the meat supplied by the local butcher. Great ingredients, and a very good marriage of taste and texture. Do make sure you ask Lloyd to come tell you about his desserts. And have one, any one of them!

The food was wonderful - beautifully cooked and presented by chef Lloyd Kenny. If I lived locally I would use this restaurant a lot.

The food was of very high quality and prepared with love and attention to detail. Perfect presentation of the food delivered in a relaxed and unfussy manner was ideal.

Ce restaurant d'hôtel est vraiment petite mais situé dans une sublime demeure bourgeoise. La cuisine est raffinée, les viandes sont cuites à la perfection, c'est gastronomique, un régal, le personnel est au petit soin, même le chef vient vous présenter certains plats. J'ai beaucoup apprécié.

A lovely experience from start to finish - a relaxed drink to start accompanied by nibbles. Bread served with roast garlic and butter, setting us up for one of the best meals I've had. The chef's description of the desserts of the day was a particular highlight - I wanted them all but I also want a podcast of the chef descriptions so I can listen to it all over again!Wonderful evening - thank you so much to the whole team.

My husband and l dined at Franklin's tonight and we had a great time. I have swallowing difficulties , this was thoroughly catered for and l ate a lovely meal.My husband was delighted with his too. Excellent chef and front of house staff. Thank you for making my 60th birthday present so special. X

Small and cosy restaurant. The food has to be the best myself and my partner have tasted. We've had the Michelin star restaurants in London and they do not even come close to the standard and quality of food served in this restaurant. The chef came out to go through what he had for desserts and went into details of how he made each dessert leaving us wanting to try all of them.

A warm welcome as soon as you arrived. The dining room only has 6 or 7 tables nicely spaced within the room. We both had 3 courses and one of the highlights for us was the hare. It's not often on menus, so we're always keen to have and this was cooked to perfection.

Booking a table here for Dad’s 70th earned me many brownie points for months to come and I may have set the bar too high for future family treats but if it means we get to return on a regular basis no one will be complaining. Everyone enjoyed their choices and Dad can say he tried something he’d never tried before- Buffalo steak - at the grand old age of 70.

Small restaurant but each table is given plenty of space. Dining here is a real experience - not to be missed!

Stayed there for one night through Work,room was neat and tidy and bed comfy,no complaints at all There,had meal in restraunt cause work had budgeted me £20 I could only have a choice of 2 items off the main list,cause it's fine dinning,but Lloyd made the most of it for me with a cracking dish of possun and really tasty sauce with it,also breakfast was with it poached eggs and crispy bacon cooked perfectly,if bank up that way working I will deffinetly be getting work to book me back in the clunybank

Want fine dining with affordable prices? Look no further. Franklin`s is definitely a magically and surprising experience. Chef Lloyd, who is co-owner of the Cluny Bank Hotel, really is an inspiring genius. The passion oozed from Lloyd when he described in detail the list of desserts, we were salivating just listening to him. All three of us chose different dishes from each section of the menu to gain an all-round knowledge of this mans creativity. He genuinely loves what he does and the result mirrors the mans passion. This restaurant is a must but book in advance to avoid disappointment.

My wife and I went to Franklin's to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. We weren't dissapointed, the staff were warm and welcoming, the service was great and the food excellent.

On entering we felt uneasy with the not very inviting welcome. The food was very good and very well presented . When I go out for a meal I do expect to be greeted in a friendly manner and at the price it cost I think we deserved it.

Food is fantastic, highly recommended if you are looking to have a nice meal in a cosy restaurant. Staff are very friendly as was the chef.

Had dinner two nights in a row. Food exceptional. One of the party had specific dietary requirements and the chef/part owner went out of his way to make something interesting. unusual and delicious for her. She was delighted with the result. The chef is very passionate about his food and was keen to please. The meals were the best I have had in the last 2-3 years in the Moray area.

This restaurant is one of our favourite. It is a true dining experience. Lloyd and jules are great hosts and the food and service is 2nd to none. Amazing food, amazing service, amazing experience. What else do you want from a restaurant :) thanks guys we will see you again soon :) paul, vic and Alfie :)

For something very special this restaurant is a must. The evening we visited was very memorable with superb food and service. Lovely menu. We were spoilt for choice. The little extra touches like the surprise Amuse bouche were so delicious.

Decidimos comer en Franklin, ya que estábamos alojados en el hotel y habíamos estado viajando todo el día y quería algo práctico. Poco sabíamos que íbamos a ser tratados a una comida realmente bien. Tuve el relleno de calamar y el venado. Ambos eran nuevos...

Greatly enjoyed my first visit to Franklin's with their menu made possible by local high quality businesses. An excellent range of starters, mains and of course their speciality desserts. We were allowed to take each course at our own pace without being hurried along and everyone in our party enjoyed their food and drinks and greatly appreciated the amuse-bouche on offer. Hope to return soon.

Amazing food with great service. Everyone in the party I was with loved the pre-starters, the starters, the mains, the pre-deserts and the deserts!

Lloyd is a wonderful character, full of life and laughter and his food is excellent. The best local ingredients cooked with flair and skill to bring you a dinner to remember. Breakfast was just as good. You won't leave hungry.

We were early Sat in cosy bar with a drink ,helpful ,friendly welcome ,didn't have to wait long and we were seated by the window ,plenty of space ,undivided attention from staff and chief ,beautiful well worth the money what more can i say

The Clunybank is my go to place when I need to book a hotel up near Elgin. I always look forward to dining in Franklins as Lloyds food is nothing short of excellent, only really surpassed by his hosting should you meet him. This time I opted for the twice cooked cheese soufflé, it was excellent, it's a famous dish at La Gavroche where I've had it a few times and Llyods one is up there. For main I had the Cod Loin which was excellent, only beaten by the amazing John Dory dish I had on my last visit. If you're near then I urge you to go and eat here. Breakfast is always fantastic also, the Eggs Benedict are my go to dish.

A warm welcome to a double birthday celebration dinner. The bar/ante-room was warm and comfortable with effortless attention to our drinks. There were 7 of us and everybody thoroughly enjoyed the beautifully cooked and presented food. As mentioned in another review, the desserts were carefully explained by the chef/owner and all were eaten to the last spoonful. A truly memorable occasion.

We were attracted to this restaurant following a recent renewal of their menu and previously having heard good things.An intimate bar area with only a few seats and a warming fire. We were afforded some olives, chutney and crisp breads whilst we perused the menu.There was a good selection of starters and mains, we are not great dessert people but this was definitely a major miss for us as the neighbouring table were spoiled for choice, which was described to them by the chef coming to their table......hat said we really did enjoy our cheese selection! An amuse bouche of halumi fritter was very nice. We had the lobster with wasabi gazpacho and duck terrine as starters and both were very flavourful. The loin of lamb and cod likewise and cooked perfectly. The cheese selection was a little restricted but more than adequate and the wine list was extensive and well described. A very nice, relaxing and well timed evening. No rush

While staying in Forres, we made a point of booking an evening meal at Franklins restaurant at the Cluny Bank Hotel.We were welcomed into the bar on arrival where olives were served and the menus were presented for our consideration and ordering. We were then shown through to the small but classily decorated dining room. A delicious gazpacho was followed by delicate foie gras or a tasty cheek monkfish starter. The mains we had of rack of Lamb and fillet of Hake were cooked to perfection and accompanied by delicate potatoes and seasonal veg... We were then presented with a pre-desert of rum and coconut sorbet, after which our thoroughly enthusiastic chef arrived at our table to talk us through the evening's dessert options with humour and gusto... A totally novel experience... The desserts we selected included a strawberry and raspberry mousse with homemade shortbread, which simply melted in the mouth, and an exquisitely dark, chocolate parfait.All in all, a simply delicious meal in comfortable and tasteful surroundings.Highly recommended if you're looking for a fine dining experience in the Moray area.

The best little restaurant with amazing food and Llyod loves his desert inventions .All the food was beautifully cooked and it was hoot in the restaurant

The food here never disappoints, it is always top notch. Excellent produce cooked to perfection. The service was very good as well. We all enjoyed our meal and had a very enjoyable evening.

Excellent meal freshly prepared with flair, using local produce. Lovely touches to make it a memorable evening.

Excellent meal in relaxing, elegant setting. Wonderful fresh, local produce. Warm welcome and some lovely touches to make a memorable occasion just that. Small family run hotel but we were only there to use the reputable restaurant.

Just had one of my best restaurant meals ever. This is innovative exciting food made and served by a chef with his heart on his plate and sleeve. If you go to Forres don't miss it.

Visited the restraunt with some friends for dinner. It was my first visit and most likely my last unfortunately. I was very excited, especially because of the price, I was expecting 'special' and perfection and we did not get this.Arriving at the stunning building was beautiful and entering into the intimate bar for a pre-dinner drink was lovely. But when we went into the room for the dinner, we found that tables had been positioned where some of our friends had to sit with thier backs to other friends!!This was awkward and felt like it was set up to make it easy for serving staff, rather than for he enjoyment of the guests. We all discussed various ways in which it could of been set up better. Which made us laugh but it put a damper on the evening. There was a dry side portion of something which tasted like wheetabix...We didn't know what it was but it wasn't appetising. The soup was delicious, everyone enjoyed the soup although I would have liked it warmer. Some people had watercress starter which tasted literally of nothing and was cold.The mains arrived and I felt like the service was abrupt. Some people ordered beef stroganoff which cane with no side like rice or chips. It was just 1 or 2 cubes of beef, with mushrooms and a sauce. Which in our opinion, was not a meal. There was some small plates of standard unseasoned boiled carrots and plain potatoes to share around the tables however. So maybe the chef thought this would suffice. People asked for more. I had the turkey, which was lovely and the gravy was beautiful. But upon being caught giving some to my partner because he only got two 1 cm cubes of beef.... the chef demanded rather rudely to know if I didn't like brown turkey meat. I didn't know what to say. I felt the chef was rather 'in your face' and made a few people uncomfortable with his jokes. I had been looking forward to desserts being 'narrated' by the chef. In reality this entailed.....'being told' that there was pavlova, cheesecake or the 3rd option. The pavlova was very soggy and the cheesecake was nice. We went easy on the wine as the cost was extremely high.Overall it was lovely to spend the evening with great friends and as a group we made the most of it and but the overall experience was poor.

Warm welcome as always, great selection of drinks in the cosy bar and a real fire burning. My wife and I double dated with good friends who had not visited before. The meal was perfection in every single way, everything cooked and presented beautifully, most of it sourced very locally. After the meal we went back into the bar for a couple of wee drams and a chat in front of the cosy fire. Our friends, as with everyone else we have taken there, were delighted with the experience. We visit Franklins regularly for the simple reason the you can guarantee that the whole experience will be faultless from start to finish. Already watching the menu to see what Lloyd will be cooking up this month. Forgot to mention that the wine list is spot on as well, very nice Rioja at a very reasonable price.

This is one of the best restaurants we have eaten in recently & highly recommend it. We were served truly wonderful food, created by a passionate chef, in a candlelit dining room - faultless.

Lloyd & Jules welcomed us to the most wonderful Christmas dinner. My wife and I had family up for the Xmas break so thought we'd save on all the prep and washing up on the big day. A 7 course meal, beautifully prepared, stunning flavours, the hotel was decked out with gorgeous decorations. Made to feel so welcome. Could not have wished for a better experience. My sister and brother in law were blown away with the flavours and quality as were the rest of us. Will be taking my wife there for a valentines treat without question.

Just came back from our first visit to this amazing restaurant after going for hubby's bday (and child free night). Have to say was blown away. As other reviews state taken to small bar room with roaring fire to have a drink and some olives and nuts. We then were served lovely (hot) bread with butter etc, followed by the courses we had chosen plus some added wee extras from the chef. The dining room had a lovely atmosphere with low and candle lightning. I had fillet steak which was just divine, cut up my last piece about 6 times so it would end!! Honestly so happy that we have found a place we can go out in moray and enjoy a different sort of meal at a reasonable price. As someone else has stated if your looking for hussle and bussle with standard pie and chips this is the place for you tonight but if you are after a treat and lovely tasting food, this is a must try!!

Lloyd did not disappoint as we experienced yet another wonderful dinner at Franklin's for my birthday. The dining room was tastefully decorated for the Holidays and was a lovely and intimate atmosphere for a quiet dinner. The food was delicious and Lloyd's entertaining description of dessert choices was a highlight!

I can safely say that I travel the world in my job and on my holidays and the food here is easily up there with the very best. Expertly prepared and presented just go and try it you will not be disappointed.

Can't say any more than that it was actually the most beautiful and tasty meal I have ever had. I long to go back ;)

The dinner was delicious - vey interesting blnds of flavors, all great and wonderful service. The desserts ar dscribed o you after dinnr by the chef!

Vom Starter bis zum Dessert alles war ausgezeichnet gekocht, abgeschmeckt und angerichtet. Wir bekamen sogar ein zusätzliches Dessert zum Probieren. Das Beste, was uns während unseres 11-tägigen Schottland Besuches aufgetischt wurde. Netter gepflegter Service, nicht aufdringlich aber immer zur richtigen Zeit zur Stelle.

We had a lovely meal - the Chef is very passionate about his menu and there were some inspired creative touches in the amuse bouche and the flavour combinations - best two dishes were the pea soup and the lamb - the lamb was perfectly cooked - Julia the manager has assembled a very respectable wine list - we had a perfectly chilled Chablis with our starters and a Marlborough Pinot Noir which accompanied the lamb and the venison very nicely. Make sure you have desert as much for the pleasure of hearing chef Lloyd's introduction to them and of course a wee goldie of Ben Romach to finish you off in style. This is a perfect menu for 2-4 people and the setting is very enjoyable in the Victorian parlour overlooking Forres. We will definitely come again !

Delicious menu beautifully prepared by owner. Real choice of interesting flavours cooked to perfection and something for everyone on the menu. A real gem. Save room for the desserts - I have not managed to do this yet!

AMAZING dinner lovely atmosphere been once before for a friends birthday dinner and the food is just fabulous culinary bliss!!!!

Had a lovely evening meal here. The whole experience was very good. When we arrived we were shown into the small bar, which looked like a small room in a gentleman's club. We were offered drinks and nibbles in here and looked at the menu. There were about 6 choices each for starters and mains and all sounded delicious. The restaurant itself is not huge. There were only 6 tables, so you really have to book. I have various dietary intolerances but had given notice of them when we booked, and the chef had prepared special 'amuse bouche' pallet cleansers just for me. They also provided beautifully warmed gluten free rolls with the soup. We both started with pea and ham soup, which was delicious, and had large chunks of ham in it. Then my husband had sole - which was enormous. It covered the entire plate. I had medallions of venison, cooked the way I wanted them (just blushing) with cranberries and an orange flavoured gravy. Special vegetables, prepared without dairy, were provided. All beautifully cooked and presented.As others have mentioned, the chef, who's quite a character, comes out to describe dessert. He'd again prepared me something that was wheat, dairy, egg and alcohol free. Usually When I eat out, I end up with no dessert or sorbet or fruit salad - but here I was given a specially prepared pineapple foam with mango and passion fruit puree and beneath it was sprouting baby rocket. You'd think they wouldn't go together but surprisingly they did. The peppery-ness of the rocket cut through the sweetness of the fruit very well. Overall the bill came to £70, which I think was very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food we had. Would highly recommend this place.

Wunderbare Küche, netter, unaufdringlicher Service. Unbedingt vorab reservieren, weil nur wenige Plätze

We stayed at the hotel for 3 nights and dined in Franlins each night.The food was sumptuous. Not cheap but good value.

We were staying at the Cluny Bank so we took a chance and booked their restaurant as well, so glad we did!!! Service was impeccable and the food was out of this world. Lloyd made certain we were happy with our meal and of course entertained but his stand up comedy. Such a wonderful establishment.

Franklin's is really a step above all the other restaurants in Forres. Great fine dining.The restaurant is in the Cluny Bank hotel which is a 10 minute walk from the centre of Forres. Great variety of local seafood, game and meat are on offer with a menu that will suit every taste. 2 surprise courses at no extra cost were excellent.Starters are < £10, mains < £20 are good value for this standard of cooking. Wine list was good but a little pricey.The Chef's narration of the desert menu was great fun.Service was low key and friendly.We had a great evening and will return.

Thoroughly recommend this restaurant. More relaxed than I imagined but food is top quality. Great service.

Treated my wife for her birthday and took along my mother also. As always we were welcomed through to the cosy bar for a drink and to look through the menu at our leisure. The amuse bouch was wonderful, as were all 3 courses, along with a beautiful mini pina colada pallette cleanser between mains and sweets. The desert soup was absolutely spot on, wonderful sharp berry flavours and a gorgeous sorbet.You may notice that I have reviewed Franklins on several occasions now, this is not because I have any affiliation to the place. It is simply because I believe that you will struggle to find a better place to eat wonderful, local ingredients, prepared to the highest of standards anywhere else locally.If you enjoy hussle and bustle, meal deals and pie and a pint this is probably not the place for you, but if you want a culinary experience to remember then you will not find better.

Found the atmosphere horrible quiet and as if the place should be set in the war time the food was meh as being a chef my self I like to treat my self and through ID give it a go well next time Ile just go to the chip shop staff don't seem happy and the rest of my family were stunned by the bill and needless to say so was I. Not good

If you appreciate locally sourced, beautifully prepared food then you will not find better. I didn't need to say it with flowers this valentine's, my wife declared that she could not remember eating a better meal ! This is THE place to eat if you can get a table. Utterly fantastic.

This was a long overdue visit to a restaurant I've been meaning to try for ages. It far exceeded my expectations. I booked over the phone in advance and was asked if we had any dietary requirements. I have a mild intolerance to gluten but nothing sever or allergy levels. A few days later we arrived to a warm welcome, a nice drink in the bar, by the fire (is was 2 degrees outside), and given the wine list and menus. The menu was of 5* London hotel quality, quite a surprise from the norm in Forres!.We were escorted to our table, very inviting dining room with table by the fire. Drinks brought through for us, nice selection of breads with oil/balsamic, butter, and even roasted garlic. Our meal was delicious, and included an interesting amuse-bouche of a Cesar salad foam (where it was even remembered to remove the gluten laden crouton from mine!!), and a very refreshing piña colada palette cleanser, worked into the courses.As I see from the other reviews, the chef/owner is called Luke, and he was so passionate about his desserts. My parents don't even normally have anything after a main course, but we all did. An amazing chocolate pot, a generous cheeseboard and for me, possibly the nicest (cinnamon) creme brûlée I've ever tasted!If I didn't have family in Forres, I'd stay here whenever I'm in town. Will definitely be back here next month!

A wonderful, intimate venue, Cluny Bank is a Victorian house turned hotel with a superb restaurant. For our golden anniversary just before Christmas, and booked well ahead, we could not have found a better choice. Each of nine people found each course was perfect, with tastes between courses adding perfect little touches, served with confidence and humour by the chef himself. The Christmas decorations were very tasteful with a lovely Christmas tree at the bottom of the stair in the hall.The menu is posted on line for advance consideration and you may ring and discuss alternatives. One vegetarian guest chose an item from the lunch menu which looked delicious. Be aware that the building is at the top of a steep bank and there is not much parking nearby, although a taxi can drop you by the steps up to the front door. - But it is worth it. It really is!

Only just found time to review Franklins. Went out for my 40th birthday in Oct, all 5 of us were blown away, my wife and I have been lucky enough to have eaten in some of the best restaurants around the world and we don't care about the name, cost or reputation of an establishment, just how good a meal we get. In a word, Perfect.The best local ingredients, prepared beautifully by a very talented chef. The bar area on arrival is stocked with a great selection and is cosy, great welcome, lovely dining room and an unhurried experience.Didn't really want to review this place as the more people that know about it the harder it will be for us to book.Very lucky to have such quality close by to where we live.

This was our first time here and definitely won't be our last. The menu was amazing with the ingredients being locally sourced. As a party of 6 we all ended up ordering 3 courses (main courses included hare loin, hogget, Aberdeen Angus fillet steak, monkfish) Then the chef came out and described the desserts he had made, needless to say we all ended up having one each. The staff are brilliant and the atmosphere perfect.

Absolutely delicious meal up there with the best in execution, flavour and presentation. We were meeting up with old friends who live in Forres and they were very impressed to find such a gem on their doorstep. Definitely worth going out of your way to eat here.

Overuse of the term "hidden gem" is ubiquitous on this site but, for the first time ever, I think it is absolutely appropriate here.Having driven up St Leonard's Road many times over the years I was unaware of the existence if this wonderful place.We dined here and, from start to finish, everything was faultless.Beware, the chef is so persuasive, you'll be hard pressed to choose from the exquisitely described deserts!

We dined at Franklins recently for a birthday meal, and it was fantastic. The building itself is beautiful and has a great atmosphere. With one of us being a vegetarian we had made sure to book in advance and request a vegetarian main. From arriving to leaving our dining experience was faultless. The menu has plenty to choose from. I opted for a tomato, artichoke & feta tart and my other half the lentil soup with gnocchi, both were served beautifully and tasted lovely. We then had a very tasty amuse bouche to follow. My vegetarian main was Thai vegetable fritters, served with some delicious accompaniments, which was a great surprised and just what I would have ordered. My other half opted for the wild boar duo - something different and probably one of the best places to try it and cooked perfectly.After a delicious pre-pudding, the pudding menu was narrated by Lloyd. It's lovely to have a personal dining experience and really sets Franklins apart from other restaurants. I chose the crème brulee - honestly one of the best I'd ever had. My other half went for the chocolate pot, very rich and full of flavour. A very tasty coffee followed with some home made tablet. The grand total came to £70 (no alcoholic drinks)A delicious, and thoroughly recommended restaurant!

We had two evening meals and 3 breakfasts in the restaurant and couldn't fault anything about the food. Lloyd is very passionate about his food and all the meals were absolutely out of this world. Will be back again at some point, keep up the good work :)

On our 7th consecutive trip to Scotland, we discovered the Cluny Bank Hotel and Franklin's Restaurant. Had 4 unbelievable meals while there. All were world class. On our 2nd night, Lloyd prepared freshly caught and butchered (by Lloyd) monk fish in a romesco sauce, a variety of fresh lovely prepared vegetables and the desert. It gets special mention, because we had requested a rhubarb crisp. The presentation and preparation were stunning. The rhubarb cooked and seasoned perfectly served in a small champagne flute, the crumble seasoned with ginger, cinnamon and other spices presented in a small bowl, a small poached pear with a vanilla sauce and bean and finally your choice of creams in a separate flute. In the center of the presentation was a bowl to mix the ingredients as you wished. Just enough, but not too much. We have eaten in most of the best restaurants in the world, including the French Laundry in the U.S. and 3 Chimneys in Scotland and all the other great places around Napa and Yountville. My wife and I agreed, the best meal we have ever had!! We enjoyed it so much we made another overnight visit this year just to eat with Lloyd. (He could be adoptable.) Of course the lovable chef didn't disappoint again.We would be remiss not to mention the Cluny Bank Hotel also. Julia does a beautiful job with the rooms and keeping them fresh and updated. This is without question one of the best values for the money anywhere!We also discovered that Shirley and Eddie Spear, owners of 3 Chimneys always stay and dine at Cluny Bank when in the area. That says a lot for the quality of this fine establishment.

Enjoyed a lovely meal for my wife's birthday, nice service without being too obtrusive, 3courses with a couple of tasty treats thrown in. Beer, wine and a fantastic cask strength benromach all added to a very good culinary experience.

Perfect food, best meal we have ever had and we eat out a lot! Everything perfectly cooked, seasoned, presented 10 out of 10 to Lloyd very talented chef! Can't wait to come back !

Although I live very near Franklins this was our first visit. Indeed I had only recently heard of the restaurant but the fault is probably mine. The menu is interesting but one that probably would not entice a vegetarian; the service is attentive but relaxed; and the food varied and beautifully cooked. Overall, it was a most enjoyable evening and one we intend to repeat soon.

Our daughter arranged for us to have a meal here as a special treat. We were certainly not disappointed. We received a warm welcome. The service was excellent and the food was tremendous. Lloyd is clearly a 'master chef'. The menu was varied using fresh local produce. We managed three courses, all of which were superb. The pre-starter and pre desert were a surprise and complemented the food beautifully. Quite probably one of the best meals out ever!! Thank you Lloyd and Jules.

Never written one of these before so am going to be brief.Taken here for a birthday dinner on Friday 21st Feb and was treated to an absolutely sublime dining experience that is far and beyond anything in Moray. The menu is creative and seasonal ingredients from local suppliers - not overly fussy or pretentious; great food cook superbly. The wine list is superbly thought out and provides quality at every price. Tempura of squid that literally melted in the mouth alongside fresh clean squat lobster set up nicely for beautiful plate of sea bream and cullen skink with spinach. Great selection of vegetables were perfectly cooked with a nice bite. The meal was finished with a selection of deserts narrated by the chef - a comedic sketch rather than some dull narration; I would go again just for that. The bill brought only an appreciation for price/quality ratio that puts it far above other establishments trying to achieve the same results. Absolutely the best restaurant in Moray and up there with the best in Scotland.

The restaurant provides an interesting menu devised by a Chef who is clearly passionate about ensuring diners have a wonderful eating experience , a great place to eat and stay.

Stayed at Clunybank for three nights and we had a wonderful experience. The hotel is a beautiful building, full of character and you can be sure of a warm welcome. It's the little touches like fresh milk, home made fudge in the room and bottles of water which are replenished daily. As for the food.....well Lloyd, what can we say. You obviously are passionate about what you do. We enjoyed some wonderful, freshly sourced ingredients. The prestarter and prepuddings are a lovely touch and you have the chance to try things that maybe you wouldn't always have chosen.We would thoroughly recommend Clunybank for a stay or meal.....and thank you Lloyd and Jules ...we will see you again, and I will let you know how I get on with your recipe!

We were staying at Cluny Bank fromMelbourne and were lucky enough to dine at their restaurant,Franklins.What a delight! Local, fresh produce prepared by LLoyd,a wonderful chef with personality abounding!A must for anyone staying in the area or just take the journey and dine in style-the steak was very tender and flavoursome and his creative desserts are not to be missed!

Delicious food that compares to that of any of the best known chefs. A must try for yourself. You will love it!

We decided to have a special dinner here, having tried most of the other local restaurants. It's just so nice to have good, friendly service and top-class food in such a relaxed environment - not ofter you get all three in one place.From the front door ("can I take your coats?" rather than "do you have a reservation") through the bar (Botanist gin, Fevertree tonic) to the dining room (exemplary low-key service, wonderful food) and puddings (how often do you get the chef going round the tables waxing lyrical about the desserts?) and back to the bar for coffee and a chat with the proprietors - total enjoyment start to finish. Be back we will.

Small intimate restaurant....wonderful menu with many interesting choices. Prices reasonable....good food

Booked a meal here after reading reviews on trip advisor and wasn't disappointed! Once we found the hotel (got a bit lost looking for it not unusual though!) we went in and ordered drinks and food. Then we were given a few nibbles to eat while we waited. Our meals didn't take long to prepare so didn't have a long wait. The food was fabulous! We both had different things to eat so we could sample each others, but it definately wasn't a case of 'I wish I had what you had'. Everything was cooked perfectly and just the right portion sizes, so you don't leave too full or empty. Definately going back here for a meal and think we might stay the night too, just to try the breakfasts in the morning!! Wouldn't say it was too pricy either £70 for two having 3 courses.