The Barrel in Aberdeenshire

Popped in to afternoons running, the log burner was a blaze, good beer, friendly bar staff, nice relaxing atmosphere and comfortable surroundings, very dog friendly

Great selection of beers and staff are great.

Very friendly staff- great service and really good quality food. Decent sized portions- definitely recommend.

The football was on the tv and there was a good atmosphere. We went into The Barrel as I’d been there before with no complaints. We had fish and chips which is a great British dish. Fish was white and tasty and the batter was nice and crispy. The chips were such a let down. They were literally rotten and inedible. Such a small thing but it meant that my experience wasn’t 100%

Excellent food and service. It is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area

Good place, considering the very small town. Average dishes, good quality IPA beer, very kind waiter!

Excellent food cooked with pure ingredients. I had pork chops with mashed potatoes, veg and pepper sauve, which was the today’s special.

The value for money at The Barrel was good. The service was friendly and nice. The atmosphere was fine, although some background music would be welcome. You have four places to sit: the pub, a neat dining room, a large canteen and outside in the beer garden. We had a nice meal and drinks. Conclusion: The Barrel offers a good dining experience with friendly service and several seating options, although the atmosphere would improve with some background music. The value for money makes it highly recommended for a meal or drink.

super friendly staff, good food, fair prices

Impromptu stop for a drink in the beer garden. We were made to feel very welcome in the lovely beer garden. We didn't have food, but what passed us to other patrons looked and smelt lovely.

Looking for lunch today we stopped in Ballater and went to the dog friendly "The Barrel" quality burger from the local butcher. Ihad beef burger topped with a slice of Haggis and my wife had a chicken burger. Was really tasty.

We ate here on a Saturday having tried two other places that were full, I'd didnt have high hopes but looks can be deceiving. You do sit in an area to the rear of the lounge bar if you want to eat which was bright and spacious. We had the haggis and terrine for starters which were generous and tasty. We then had steak pie, which I suppose isn't a pie because its meat in a dish with pastry but has the components of a pie and my partner had the chicken Balmoral. We both enjoyed our mains which we thought were generous and tasty. My partner had the warm waffle for his pudding and I had a G & T. We both had a pint of IPA and the bill was circa. £60. It is simple pub grub but its done well, service was swift and friendly. Couldn't fault it.

Great food and welcoming, friendly atmosphere.

Very good and not too expensive

Simply a wonderful pub with pleasant guests, very friendly service and delicious food. Also important: cold beer and an attentive bartender who can see from a distance that you want another beer. All this for a more than reasonable price. Kudos.

Great restaurant! The food is really good and the price is more than affordable. It’s typical cuisine, the beer is local too. The waiter recommended the Icebreaker IPA to us, it was delicious!! The only downside is that the light is too strong and white, at least in the place where we were installed, it ruins the atmosphere a little... Everyone in this little town is adorable, I wish I could stay there longer!

Traditional bar/inn where you can have a drink or eat at a reasonable price.

Typical, very warm welcome, everything you need for simple, good and quick food with local beer!

Our daughters treated us to a 3 day trip to Scotland to visit Balmoral Castle. We visited Ballater earlier in the day and liked their menu. We were not disappointed. Two of our party had the pie, another had the Hunters Chicken and I had Balmoral chicken stuffed with haggis, with Haggis Fritters as a starter. We all loved our meals, and as we were in Scotland I was determined to have haggis. Wish it was our local, but we come from the South Coast of England.

Friendly bar with good service. Good choice of beers

Very basic pub grub, very small portions. The “pie “ a dish of steak and ale with puff pastry lid, very dry. Three slices of carrot and four green beans and very few chips. No gravy very, very dry to eat. Balmoral chicken served with sauce and the same vegetables. Lack of sauce made this very dry too. Would not return. It was very poor for the price.

Terrible bright and harsh lighting, but the food was good!

Good friendly pub. Dogs allowed.

Very good food, had fish in beer batter because this dish was available as a gluten-free version

Went in last minute waitress was freindly and quick wirh service .3 of us had haddock it was delicious and a big plateful other 1 had steak pie it was piping hot and delicious

This is such a wonderful restaurant. Great wholesome food. Great service, staff so polite and catered for our requirements. We came to Ballater for a nice meal out as a family, and straight away the menu caught our eye. I can recommend the steak and ale pie ! Haggis fritters you have to try !

Called while on tour to Balmoral Castle,had sandwiches and drinks served by pleasant staff. Can recommend if visiting the area

Lovely place for food. Good service and food.

Often up Ballater way, and this is our favourite eating spot. Good food, good prices, good ale, friendly staff and locals. Whats not to like ?

Nice local pub with friendly staff and the food was great. Plenty of options. We ordered the fish and chips. Have to say this was amazing, huge portion and tasted so good. Was also priced very well. Would recommend if in the area.

Excellent staff amazing company

I enjoyed the soup of the day and the fish and ships.

Fun authentic pub that’s a local favorite with a pretty beer garden, large alcohol selection, and fun, authentic atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Popped in for a drink before we got back on the coach. Lovely lady behind the bar, service with a smile. Saw it was dog friendly which always get my money and when we back in Ballater to do many of the walks they have on offer will certainly be back in this bar. Didn't have food but it looked and smelt amazing. Locals seemed friendly enough as well.

Popped in for a cheeky Chardonnay after walking from Dinnet to Ballater. Very reasonably priced and didn't miss the bus back.

Local pub very "Scottish". Standard fare great beers

Popped in for a drink first night of our holiday, been back several times. Dogs welcome, great beer with a roaring fire to welcome you in. Its a must..

Lovely friendly place great food and fantastic staff 5 star

Very welcoming and accommodating wee place. The food was delicious.

Lovely pub,excellent food,friendly staff.

Ballater isn't a real touristy town, and it's a nice place to mingle with the locals. We came here for an afternoon/early evening drink all three days we were in Ballater. The locals are friendly to the town visitors and if we had been in Ballater longer I think we would have ended up being treated like regulars! We never had a chance to try the food.

Great pub with great staff and welcoming locals, tv for sports, good food, nice beer garden at the rear. Lots of whiskey choice. Frankly the best pub in the town

This was one of the few places we could find around the area so the competition was none really. It is dog friendly which is always a good thing but other than that there is nothing impressive about this place. The food was not tasty and the place seemed a bit run down. Service was pleasant. It's good for a quick stop and if you are not expecting anything much.

Excellent place, we were eating in the bar and must admit I wasn't expecting so good food. Service was absolutely excellent, food delicious. Definitely recommend 👌

Nice village pub very friendly to all who come inside we were made to feel very welcome

Excellent little restaurant and bar. Had a woodburning stove going which was delightful. Food was delicious and beer selection was enjoyable.

Had a great fish tea, very fresh crisp fish served with chips salad and peas, couldn't fault it, followed by the best Irish coffee, staff very friendly and helpful, needed a taxi and they were there to help, ps we managed to get a bus, ( the staff member who helped will understand). Big thanks great night.

Nice decor, good food, excellent choice of drinks. Friendly staff