The Anchor Hotel in Aberdeenshire

Visited the Anchor Hotel for dinner with a bunch of friends a few nights ago. I have to say that I was disappointed to say the least. The food was not as good as it has been in the past. The prices were a lot higher than before. There was not manager to meet and greet us nor did anyone enquire as to how the meal was going, we even had to walk to the bar to ask for more drinks! Previously, the manager and owner would come to the table to say hello and ask if everything was alright. I felt as if the Anchor Hotel is taking its patrons for granted. Not good.

Stayed for two nights at the delightful Anchor Hotel. Food was fantastic in every respect. The staff were friendly, helpful and had time for a laugh and a joke. The locals at the bar treated us like we were locals too - great atmosphere. I'll be finding any excuses to visit The Anchor again....and again.

Sunday, 3rd September 2023 – 19:00 Meal: Wine - Starters – Main – Coffee My friend and I arrived at 19:00 to a busy but not overfull restaurant without a reservation and they accommodated us upstairs. Menus were produced and we ordered a bottle of white wine and a jug of water. 0rders placed for starters and 2 servings of the Italian style fish stew on the ‘Specials Board’ at 26.99 each. Tomato and chilli with promises of loads of different fish. The toss up was between a steak or the stew (which neither of us would cook at home). The table was dirty and needed wiping – this request was placed 3x on the young waitron who eventually produced a cloth slopping water from a bucket in the corner - cupped in her hands where she half-heartedly wiped the table with water dripping onto my friend’s lap. Hurried mop up with tissues out of my bag. The white wine was plonked on the table – next to the cooler – unopened and no glasses. Several attempts were made to attract the waitron’s attention. Eventually another bottle was produced opened and we were advised the waitron was under-age and not allowed to pour wine. Perfectly acceptable had she produced an opener and the glasses with an explanation I would have been happy to help myself – we understand and appreciate these things. The starters arrived and were delicious! The chef then came out to see us and explained that there was no lobster for the stew – we asked for extra monkfish, he then said there was no monkfish left – but could help us with other white fish and crab claws. He said he was down to the last 2 portions, and he would ensure they were hearty. We were a bit concerned and suggested perhaps we settle for the steak which is always delicious. He assured us we had made the right choice and would enjoy the stew. The stews arrived and were ‘hearty’ if being crammed with the contents of a tin of crab claws is your definition of hearty. The promised ‘rich tomato broth with chilli and garlic’ was a watered-down version of what was clearly less than a cup of the original broth left at the bottom of the pot topped with water. It was tasteless – lacking in hint of either chilli, wine, garlic or herbs – having lived in Malta I can assure you I have a deep understanding of Med cooking. I guess we were lucky we didn’t have the salty brine of the crab claws as the broth. It was inedible and we were starving so we kept adding salt and pepper – we were beyond the point of returning the food which was a mistake in hindsight. We skipped dessert – had coffees and left. The meal came to nearly £100.00. This was an expensive lousy experience. We paid a generous tip – because they accommodated us without a reservation. Take aways from the experience: • The restaurant service on a Sunday evening at 19:00 should be as good as it is on a Friday at 19:00 • Being a local and having eaten there several times – it is my first choice for a ‘good’ meal – don’t abuse the luxury of local support. • Train your waitrons to clean tables, by wringing out the cloth and not dripping water on your patrons. • Waitrons (even under-aged ones) should at least carry a wine opener, and understand that wine glasses should be produced when delivering wine. • Your chef should know better and never, ever assume he can cut costs by selling the dregs from his kitchen. • A poor dining experience costs you more than you think. We would have ordered dessert, and more importantly returned for a second meal in the next week – WE DIDN’T! I have a friend coming from Ireland in November – do I risk taking her to the Anchor?

We had lunch. One hot seafood platter really meant for 2 people but my husband tried it for one. He didn't manage all the mussels but everything was superbly cooked especially the bits of monkfish. I had haddock steak with mussels in a very lightly creamy mussel an lobster sauce - perfect not to overwhelm the rest of the tastes. Beautifully cooked fresh veg. We didn't have room for a pudding but washed down with a pint of Timothy Taylors was perfect. Staff were amazing and we also really enjoyed the eclectic bluesy sounds that were playing when we were there. All in all one of the best meals we've had.

We visited for dinner with my 14 month old for my friend’s birthday. It was amazing! Staff were super helpful and friendly we hadn’t booked but they had no issue finding us a table we could have until 7pm. We both had fish and chips which was superb and my 14 month enjoyed her fish supper too!

Ate here twice during our holiday. Delicious food, seafood is a speciality. Good, friendly service. Great selection of real ales & gins. Well worth a visit. I’d advise booking at weekends, it gets really busy. We’ll be back next summer.

Our first visit yesterday and really enjoyed our meal. Nice friendly staff and atmosphere and will definitely return and also recommend to family and friends

7 of us enjoyed a fabulous meal at the Anchor earlier this week. Staff were lovely and friendly, food fabulous, great range of drinks!

My husband and I went for lunch and really were not impressed at all . I had a salmon sandwich which consisted of very little salmon but tiny bits mixed up in a mayo paste which was sickly . My husband had a burger which was tasteless and the chips were just strange . Crispy in bits and so anaemic looking . Overall disappointing and will not be back

Fantastic find. Great menu and plenty of delicious seafood options. We went as a small family group and all of us chose different dishes which were all thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommend.

The food was lovely but the portion size we got tonight of the ‘beef’ strips in peppercorn and mushroom sauce I would say it should of been on the kids menu. out of the whole portion I got 2/3 tiny tiny beef strips and rest was mushroom s and like I say the portion was absolutely tiny!!!! also we got the specials ‘lobster’ and prawn pasta. there wasn’t a SINGLE bit of lobster in my pasta and I got 3 very small prawns. the portion size again was absolutely shocking. staff are very slow/clueless. we had to ask to order, I was given a gluten alcohol free peroni when I ordered a normal peroni when I asked why I was given that they said they had no others so that’s why. (no one asked me if I wanted a gluten alcohol free one instead) very slow overall and staff don’t seem to know what there doing

Best food awesome staff; incredible menu options, informed service, quality menu recommendations, good fun with staff and local customers.

How this establishment get's any good reviews is hard to concive.The food was terrible under cooked leaving my family including myself with severe food poisoning ,apparently fresh sea food cuisine but is obviously less than adequate.... The alcholic beverage prices are grossly inflated and the staff are down right rude.We spoke with the manager and owner whom was in our opinion a tattooed unempathetic thug whom said to us if your not happy? people like you are not welcome here.We spent over £200 and were treated with unacceptable and unempathetic service. We highly unrecommended this the Anchor hotel Johnshaven,Save your money and time and venture to near by Montrose,Gourdon or Inverbervie.I believe that this sub standard eatery public house and hotel should have there licence revoked.More than disappointed.

So I booked 3 weeks before my big birthday . Called day before to double check. My husband called to ask if anything special could be done on the day ie candle on a tiny cake! No! We arrived and asked had we booked...and pointed to the noisiest bar table! I said of course but we were not accepting bar meal The lady went and looked after we refused the bar table! Finally taken upstairs. My husband never told me he had also contacted the place for my birthday. Absolutely nothing. Not with 3 calls a table! Food was good but v upsetting experience!

We have had two family meals here this year, taking up the whole of the upstairs. Delicious food, lovely setting, great staff. Despite how many there was of us, the service was fast and the food was tasty and fresh. Great selection on the menu. A special mention to our waitress Lee who went above and beyond both times.

Amazing!!!!!!!! The Anchor has options for vegetarian coeliacs, if you are in this minority you will know how hard and often stressful it can be when eating out. No problem or stress here, I had the Thai quorn curry and it was beautiful, my daughter...

Having had lunch here for the past two consecutive Sundays, I would describe it as understated excellence. From the food, to the staff and the ambience everything is perfect. Meanwhile the history oozes from the walls. A little gem in the most delightful Scottish fishing...

Visitng Johnshaven out of season, it was great to visit this local restaurant - excellent food, friendly and helpful staff and a lovely atmosphere.

After a pleasant walk on St Cyrus beach, drove to Johnshaven for lunch at The Anchor Hotel... Great food from starters mains and puds.... Lighter lunches also available.., seafood definitely a must try..... Good selection of beers from near and far... Pleasant, family and dog...

We were in a group of 11 with three children 12, 8, 5. We had plenty of room and the staff as always were brilliant even although it was really busy, which is always a good sign. Great selection of Starters, Mains and Desserts. The...

Delicious fresh seafood and good coffee with very friendly staff. I had a special of scallops and black pudding which was lovely and my wife has the seafood pie. She enjoyed the seafood but the seasonal veg seemed to be from all four seasons. I...

My wife and I have had lunch here on 3rd or 4th January for the last couple of years. On both occasion she had a Mediterranean fish stew, which had lobster, mussels, scallops and several types of fish in a well balanced sauce. They don't...

An excellent impromptu visit on Hogmanay afternoon. Welcomed very warmly even though we hadn’t booked. Lots of tables with families all enjoying generous portions of good looking food. Service excellent throughout, macaroni cheese thoroughly delicious, Mr enjoyed his chicken fillets. Great pub grub. Very nicely...

Friendly staff with a cosy feel to it. Last minute booking for Sunday lunch which didn’t disappoint always return for more great seafood.

We stayed here for one night, the reception from J D was very friendly & he was extremely helpful - carted our suitcase up the narrow turning staircase to the room as I have COPD & my lady has recently had neurosurgery. I lived very...

We stopped off at the harbour and found this lovely traditional fishing village pub. Inside we received a warm welcome and it was dog friendly and the variety of seafood on the menu was staggering We had lobster in a beautiful beer batter - great...

Fantastic food inthis lovely wee fishing village. Italian seafood stew & monkfish with lobster & mussels in a tomato sauce with spinach mash & seasonal veg both totally delicious. Generous portions & well presented food. Staff in the main were friendly & chatty, let down...

Would recommend this place anytime Sunday's can be busy so booking required dogs welcome food tasty fresh

My wife and and I stayed two nights in the town, and booked the Anchor for days nee for both. The food - particularly the fish - was excellent, withe the menu (and daily specials) provided great choice and variety. Our meals were delicious. Service...

Spent an evening at the Anchor Inn with family. Service from staff was attentive and the food was delicious. The three of us had three courses, whilst the Mother in Law had a main and dessert, all reasonably priced.

A Sunday evening dinner. Two mains; Italian fish stew packed with a range of fish & shellfish, including lobster; plus scallops with black pudding. Both highly enjoyable. Really notable service from friendly lady working behind the bar & serving tables.

This was our second visit and to be fair this is a lovely quirky pub however sadly the food does not live up to expectations of previous reviews. This establishment sells itself in fresh seafood this us not the case. The menu is so extensive...

First time been here but definitely not the last Very busy lunchtime but service was great. Good delicious a d really enjoyed it Lovely area it’s in . Seafood pie delicious , mussels lovely not so keen on squid. Treated by my lovely daughter

Family meal at the Anchor tonight. Seems a very popular place to eat, so booking ahead recommended to avoid waiting and disappointment. The staff are very friendly and make you feel very welcome. Pleased to see all Covid protocols followed. The starters were fine (hence...

Brilliant meal here for Hogmannay up in the restaurant. Food was lovely and staff are brilliant. The starter of bread and olives and main of beer battered lobster went down a treat as can been seen in the photos...empty plate equals happy customer!

Everything else in the village was closed and we fancied a coffee so tried here . Understandable the restaurant had limited tables but we were told we could have coffee in a couple of seats outside and our order would be taken . Waited for...

A great venue and highly recommended, certainly will be going back again and again. A great welcome from the staff when we arrived and we were swiftly shown to our table. A great menu selection, should be able to cover off all tastes. The food...

We went for dinner at the restaurant and it was amazing! We arrived early by mistake and staff were very helpful in finding us a table so we could have some pre dinner drinks. The food came and it was very high quality and cooked...

The Anchor Hotel is situated in Johnshaven Harbour in a picturesque location. We were met at the door by a member of staff immediately and shown to a table on the ground floor and asked for our drinks order. We were a party of five...

Stayed local last week and ate in here 6 of the 7 nights. Food was superb, fresh and presented perfectly.

Stayed for one night on a DBB basis and had a most enjoyable stay. The room was comfortable, clean and cosy in the dimensional sense! Wash hand basin tiny and impossible to shave in but the food more than made up for it. Having wandered...

Thought this would be good, based on reviews, but was better than expected. Lovely range of specials and high number of choices on menu. All four in our party loved all three courses and that is a rare thing...!

I had crab cakes to start which were the best I had ever had. For mains could not resist the lasagne which was also very good. There were 4 of us in our party and all enjoyed the food and the restaurant atmosphere in general.

Great atmosphere. Feels just like a country pub should. An excellent range of food on offer and a lot of fresh seafood choices. The food was well presented and fresh. Our steaks were a little over cooked than the med rare we asked for (still...

In a lovely village with a great selection of vegetarian and seafood, dog friendly, good service...what’s not to like?

We booked a table for lunch on Saturday. First time in the restaurant and very impressed with the food. Great choice on menu and specials. Went for the rock turbot special marinated in ginger and lime and a seafood salad. Rock turbot beautifully charred and...

We stayed in the apartment for 2 nights and it wasn’t long enough! My son cried for an hour when we had to leave. Harbour right on the doorstep, food in the restaurant was lovely, apartment had everything we needed, was cosy and welcoming. My...

I stayed 2 nights with my dog. Room was warm and cosy, if a little small. Location right on the front was excellent. Food? I actually thought I'd died and gone to heaven. I cannot recommend this place for seafood and sticky toffee pudding enough....

We enjoyed the Indian takeaway service on Thursday night. Starters and 3 different mains - all super and great naan too. All delivered to our door - fab!

Booked lunch as recommended by friends. Ordered special "Beer battered lobster served with cucumber salsa, chips and salad" It arrived and was drenched in chili sweet sauce which we dont like. When we mentioned this to the more senior member of staff she tried to...

So, we (me and hubby) dropped by here after walking at St Cyrus - I just fancied a cup of tea, but he was hungry ...it was about 2.15 pm ‘ ish. We ordered (and shared) one Cullen skink and a plate of langoustine. Both...

Booked lunch for 6. We were given a time which was early as they said it was going to be busy. Arrived on time but it took 45 minutes to take our order, even though there was our table and another table in the bar.....

A lovely pub with a large choice on the menu. The sandwiches where a good size and where made to order.

Operating a hospitality business in the current pandemic is challenging, the team at the Anchor have adapted to the current climate and offer fantastic food and great, friendly service. We had the scallops for the starter and lobster for the main course. Both were well...

Great visit to this hotel for our evening meal. Large choice of fish dishes. I had the pan-fried sea bass with spinach mash. Delicious 😋. Hubby had the beef in peppercorn sauce which was also delicious. Lemon cheesecake and coffee for dessert. Fantastic experience with...

Came across the Ancho Inn by having a wander round the village.What a gem.We ate in the beer garden and were served promptly even though the inn was full.I had the mussels which were really fresh and my husband had cheese and onion sandwich with...

We went for coffee earlier in the day and a meal at night. Both times the staff were very well trained both in general terms and in relation to Covid 19 precautions. Staff all wearing masks and customers. Friendly and professional. Food was excellent. We...

Provided gluten free options for my son and were thorough in asking the kitchen when needed. Relaxed atmosphere but felt safe at all times. Attentive staff. Gorgeous food. Beautiful location. Great menu with plenty of GF Options. Would definitely recommend

Had a lovely lunch with a friend here recently. The staff were very good with following the current guidelines, we had to pre-book and give contact details. Tables are well spaced and there was also some outside seating - we ate inside. Lots of choice...

We found the Anchor by chance when looking for lunch. We got lucky. Extremely pleasant, friendly staff. Everything done in accordance with the Covid protocols. The food was perfect served in the small outdoors beer garden. Many thanks to all at the Anchor. Hope to...

After a bad experience at the Quayside Fish Restaurant in Gourdon, where you can only order food on line, we visited the Anchor Hotel. They were fully booked for dinner and busy taking orders by telephone but were happy to provide take away food for us. The service was excellent with friendly, smiling staff. Food was first class and we will definitely return.

Excellent meal - Cullen skink was full of flavour, the Scottish mussels were excellent quality and cooked beautifully, and the haddock mornay was a delicious throwback to the ‘80s. Good service and good coffees in a delightful setting.

On a coastal walk from nearby Gourdon, we called into The Anchor for lunch. This was my first dining experience since the Covid lockdown restrictions have been eased, and The Anchor has dealt with the “new normal” in a very positive way. Tables are placed with social distance in mind, the staff all wear face masks and wipe and disinfect tables after every customer, hand sanitiser is available by the door and also by the toilets, and your name and phone number is taken in line with track and trace requirements. Orders are taken at your table and drinks and food brought to you. I felt very reassured by the arrangements. The food here is excellent. We had Johnshaven crab sandwiches served in delicious bread and a plate of local calamari. This was the best lunch we had had for ages! Real ale available. Staff are friendly and welcoming. Really recommend this place – hope to be back soon!

Great food and put COVID 19 procedures In place so felt very comfortable. Thank you for a good experience on the first day of opening after lock down

Went on the recommendation of family, booked last minute...Fairly typical looking village pub from the outside down near the harbour, much bigger inside than you would think.Large menu with options covering most tastes and a wide range of specials on various blackboards, take your time reading the blackboards as there are quite a few....Service and food was first class, way above expectations... value also very good.Will be back again.

Very good food mainly fishes dishes all of our party had, one person had the Thai curry and loved it, staff friendly and place pleasantly busy, definitely worth a visit and better than some of the more pretentious higher cost places around.

Excellent selection, specifically of seafood dishes. Starters, mains, desert's Great wine list and a good choice of coffees, brandy's and liqueurs for afters. Well worth a visit.

Our first visit for a few years was as good as always. Despite a sellout Hogmanay menu the food was first class, the service top notch and really good value. Would definitely recommend.

shared already on hotel. expectations not met. food choices not all available. cold. go to Gourdon or Stonehaven instead

Good food. Busy due to Christmas booking but staff took good care of us. Fish centric menu but good other choices. Prices moderate to high but food stood up to the prices. Good choice of restaurant in an area where there’s little choice !!

Lovely dinner with girlfriend. Went to the Anchor after hearing about it from a few different people and we really liked it. Lovely atmosphere and the girls behind the bar and serving were really helpful.

Excellent seafood with great choices on the menu and daily boards. From lobster to monfish and haddock, everything was beautifully cooked and well presented in a pub environment. Beers good and great service. Minor point, could do with better quality napkins, table a bit sticky and at lunchtime room a bit cold but will be back for more regardless!

As amazing as I remember. The seafood stew is just delicious and very satisfyingly filling. Lovely beer and wine choices too.

Went to the Anchor Hotel restaurant for dinner. I was amazed at how cozy and warm the atmosphere was. The staff were very friendly and our order was taken and brought in a timely manner. The food was really good and the prices are fair. I really enjoyed the experience and will visit the restaurant again!

Dinner with friends. Very Extensive menu, could have eaten all the starters delicious choices. Excellent food. Recommend booking if going to restaurant but bar food same menu different setting. Staff very friendly and efficient. Definitely recommend it and will definitely be going back.

9 of us occupied all the rooms over a weekend and ate in the bar both nights. The food and service was fantastic and delicious and we were well looked after. I didn’t have breakfast but those that did really enjoyed it. Plenty of choice.

we took our two young grandchildren and our son and daughter for a Sunday lunch. We all had an excellent lunch and the fish and chips were exemplary. The girls who served us were very professional and charming. I would definitely recommend The Anchor

Booked for 5pm, had mussels to start, very tasty with gorgeous bread, Monkfish and Italian style fish stew, both from the specials board, for mains, very very nice, no room for pudding, would highly recomend a visit if you are within the area.

This is the third time that we've holidayed in Johnshaven and the third time that we booked every night at The Anchor . This time our experience was a little different as we travelled a day earlier and spent the first night in one of hotel's lovely rooms. We were greated by happy friendly staff who showed us to our clean and tidy little room. My partner had breakfast the next morning and said it was he'd had. Eating there every evening as there is an extensive menu plus several specials. Scottish seafood is definitely the best and the chefs at this hotel know how to prepare it to it's best. We're leaving Johnshaven tomorrow but have already planned when we are coming back. Thank you Anchor for making our holiday so special.

Abbiamo passato qui una notte di passaggio in questo paesello sulla costa selvaggia. Da cartolina il porticciolo e la costa rocciosa con l erba a ridosso. L hotel è accogliente, la camera in stile marinaro era ben arredata e pulita, il letto comodissimo e caldo per le notti ventose delle higlands. Il ristorante ottimo con pescato del giorno fresco. Soddisfatta

A popular restaurant, and booking is recommended. Even at 6.30 it was full on a Saturday night.

Four of us ate here on Friday night and have to say everything was fabulous. Bread with dipping oil to start, 2 lobster soups, 1 prawn cocktail and 1 pan fried prawns in a cream type sauce, 2 seafood platters for main, 1 langoustines, 1 fillet steak with pepper sauce, 2 banana fritters and 1 cranachan. All outstanding. There must have been about 15 langoustines on the plate and they were fabulous. Staff very knowledgeable and pleasant. We stayed over so managed a few glasses of vino too.

We visited the Anchor with our son and Springer Spaniel.

We were staying in a cottage in Johnshaven and came upon The Anchor. Were told by shopkeeper that it was very popular and had to book. Booked a table for that night and was not disapppointed. Lovely atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious food. Well worth booking!

Food was ok but not nearly as good as expected. Service was slow. Wouldn't rush back. Not sure I would recommend it either.

When you have produce this good and this fresh the skill is to balance what goes with it. The Anchor do this so well. Had a few dishes during our stay in the area from Fish stew , Lobster and Scallops. Great value Oh ! and the home made puddings are just as good. Great service from a family business little wonder they get custom all through the day.

Another wonderful visit to our neighbourhood restaurant. The quality and freshness are consistent. Gary and Jan are great hostess and chef. We had a table in the restaurant, do book a table if you want a better ambience. The pub can be a little noisy and i would definitely recommend the upstairs restaurant for couples.

We came here for a pre booked meal,the food was all good but too I have to complain about customer service with Phoebe being a bit slow,all the others were running about with orders but she seemed to just want to stand behind the bar and watch-even ignored our empty plates

Have eaten here several times/ Its a folksy place, very popular. Excellent food. , the servers and service lets it down. Unfocused, scatty staff. You wait. And wait. and wait while others come and go. Staff is friendly. Staff knows the locals. BUT, seriously? Disappearing in a half empty restaurant or chatting behind the bar or whatever. Either be professional or be part of the entertainment. You let the chef down.

Wonderful meal. Cooked fresh to order, polite friendly service. Mussels are wonderful, kids loved the burgers, and Grandma claimed it was her best egg mayo sandwich ever!

We had a great time here cocktails very good, staff excellent good service and entertaining, the food is awesome. Been here quite a few times now. Love it.

Visited today and was greeted and served drinks by a lovely friendly young lady. Had a look at the menu and decided to eat there as the lobster dish sounded fantastic. Then an older member of staff came out of kitchen area, shouting at younger staff, making comments about customers and while passing our table muttering about our dogs barking at another dog that had come in.

We visit the Anchor repeatedly and find the bar food and the upstairs dining room excellent value and great service. The seafood dishes are great and not often found in many restaurants in this price range

Came back for fine dining upstairs and the difference between upstairs and downstairs is a great experience. The ambience is superb and the fact that there is no back ground music is a added bonus making conversations a pleasure.

We stayed in Johnshaven for a week in a cottage on the harbour and we ate here 3 times during that week. Each time we had lovely food served by very pleasant staff. The fish is so fresh and second to none. We would definitely recommend this place to eat when you are in this area. Seamus

Great place with friendly staff and a good menus. Shame they were out of my favourite, steak pie. Next time hopefully. Recommended

lovely pub, dog and child friendly. real ales and good food unless you have chips. have been a few times now and the chips are always peely wally and not crisp. will ask for them well done next time

We were looking forward to romantic meal together. We ordered fish cakes to share . My husband order cod mornay and I ordered the Lobster. We waited forever for the starter , which was ok . Then time stood still for the main meals . My Lobster was like rubber , disgusting . Which I It sent back . To have cod mornay on my own . I cancelled the cheese and biscuits. But still had to pay the full bill .... shocking will not be back . Employ more staff Customer service is everything. The kitchen bell was ringing and know was going!!!

Good food, good service, a tiny bit expensive.

First time we have eaten in this Hotel/Bar/Restaurant. Recommend from a friend. Thought since it was a nice fresh sunny day we would take a trip down to it.Not disappointed friendly service. Food was very good, really wide menu not just fish but being an old fishing village it is the main theme.