The Chatterbox in Aberdeenshire

Excellent, tasty food, well priced and very friendly staff. Toilets were very clean which is an indication of how well they look after their premises. Don't miss out on this fantastic cafe.

Great food and lovely friendly staff. Also the wonderful thing about this cafe is it's very dog friendly, our dog was given a bowl of water and treats which was much appreciated and we'll certainly be back.

Traditional cafe is the claim. Traditional in the worst possible way in that their service to us is set in the 1950s when the customer was never right. A good maxim for a modern business is to give the customer what they want and when they want it. OK so we entered the cafe at 12.05 and the breakfast menu was no longer available. Surely though, asking for three rashers of fried bacon inserted into a breakfast roll was not asking too much. But… here it was! A bacon roll is on the breakfast menu and we were five minutes too late! I’m afraid we left never to return. It wasn’t a case of, “we don’t have any rolls left,” or “sorry our lunch chef can’t fry bacon” or any lame excuse. It was because we were five minutes later than the posted menu allowed. As the waitress said, sorry, I only work here… Outrageous. What does it take to fry three rashers of bacon and stick them in a roll and earn £4.20 - twice, plus a pot of tea? Someone out there might like to try them on at 11.55am and see if a bacon roll is forthcoming. Just try them. See if they’ve learnt anything.

Knowing this cafe well I am disappointed to be treated in the following manner after suggesting to one of my colleagues to meet here for a meeting and a coffee. My colleague's understanding is limited and just needs a moment for explaination as they originate from a different country with English not as their first language. Imagine my surprise and which turned to disgust at the way we, as customers were treated when my colleague's understanding was a little different and I was in the process of trying to explain. Due to my colleague having English as an additional language and for the purpose of the meeting they like to sit closer when I'm explaining areas of the meeting - to help their understanding. They moved a seat closer which unfortunately blocked a walk way and also where other chairs could not be used on a different table. (At this point this was not directly affected any other customer). I'd like to state at this point I was aware and was in the process of encouraging an alternative and trying to help my colleague understand why we would have to rethink this. I also am very mindful that with English as an additional language this would take a little longer. Within minutes of my colleague sitting and before I could get a chance to rearrange or explain the difficulty of sitting where she needed too - what I can only describe as an irate looking lady came storming out of the kitchen - her words were not polite - we were publically humiliated and "told off" with the following "we can't have the seat there and we'd have to move it back as we were blocking the walkway". This lady's mannerism's were nothing but rude, passive agressive and quite frankly embarassing. This was in front of other customers. If you think that it's clever to humiliate your customers in that manner when a mere quiet and polite request in a calm manner would have had the same result - you are sadly mistaken. Your customers need to feel respected, warmly welcomed and accomodated. You made us feel unwelcome and unrespected. Your lovely waitress ensured we were able to be reseated. I'd have a good look at how this was handled and regardless or whether this review is directed to the Owner or an Employee you need to ensure that this type of behaviour doesn't happen to anyone else - regardless of their background. Unlucky for you that I experienced this and lucky for you that my colleague doesn't appear to have been phased by your clear disrespect. I am local. I will be sharing my experience with anyone who will listen. This is sad as I would like to praise the young lady who served us and accomodated us by assisting us to move to a larger table - it was very apparent that our previous encounter had been noticed and this poor young lady was embarassed. This review is not directed at her whatsoever. I have always promoted what I thought was this lovely little cafe - the food has always been lovely and I have never encoutered such rudeness. If you can't work with people perhaps you shouldn't work in hospitality. I will return again and do not expect to receive such an antiquated attitude and intolerance to other people and customers. Think before you act I'd say - read the situation and observe a little - I appreciate that where the chair had been placed was not suitable - I don't appreciate being angrily spoken too and then publically humiliated unecessarily.

My wife and I popped in for a quick lunch & found The Chatterbox to have fast/ friendly service and delicious food. Recommended.

Really nice coffee served up, and a fine piece (as a cake treat up here is known). Dog-friendly too.

We come here every year when we visit Banchory and the food is always delicious. The soup is always top notch and the toasted ciabatta is lovely too.

went in just before bonfire night and ordered a hot chocolate and a brownie. Hot chocolate and brownie were super and tasted great, would recommend 100%. This paired with excellent service by the waitresses left me pleased. However we were asked to leave 30 minutes before the advertised closing time and in a rather rude way by the owner. Overall i recommend this cafe to anyone in the area.

Takeaway coffee and hot chocolate with 2 lovely rock cakes. Efficient and friendly service and the cafe seemed to be well-patronised. Great little place.

They are dog friendly and immediately after sitting down they gave us water and treats for our two dogs. We had ciabattas and soft drinks. Very good quality and good value. Staff were very friendly and attentive. We'd happily go there again.

Small but well designed cafe with charming, helpful, pleasant staff. Emely made sure I was comfortable and was very efficient.

Tasty menu. The homemade tomato soup, although not our first choice, was amazing. The other soup of the day was already sold out when we arrived quite late for lunch (around 13.30). My husband enjoyed a toastie with bacon, Brie and cranberry whilst I had a very filled tuna mayo sandwich. The Caber coffee served is one of our favourites. Although full we couldn’t resist a takeaway of cake for eating later at home. Our toy poodle was welcomed with water and a bowl of treats on arrival from a lovely young waitress. We enjoyed our experience and will definitely return on our next visit.

This cafe has a great atmosphere of friendliness and cheerfulness. We only wanted a light snack so shared a toasted sandwich which was perfect and then had 2 cups of delicious coffee and millionaires shortbread. Would really recommend,

Popped in here for a coffee yesterday with our young cocker spaniel who was given water and treats on arrival ! We had been staying in a nearby "dog friendly " hotel where no member of staff acknowledged her let alone give her a treat ! Staff in the Chatter Box were friendly and there are lots of lovely cakes . !Now we know where to go next time we visit Banchory .

Hyggelig lille cafe med søde prikkede duge på bordene. Fantastisk venlig personale. Velsmagende toast med lækker fyld.

My husband and I visited the cafe for an afternoon snack. The staff were really friendly and brought over a bowl of water and treats for our pup. We shared a toastie and brownie and both had cups of coffee. Cannot fault the service or...

We went here for a coffee after a day out in deeside. First impressions were great, very friendly staff and attentive. Unfortunately the coffee, tea and shortbread were disgusting. Shortbread tasted stale and it was like eating a lump of lard. Coffee tasted off and...

Attended with friends and family for brunch. We ordered breakfasts which had missing items from what was stated I the menu. The food was EXTREMELY AVERAGE and kids meals were very basic!! We had 8 eating and this was clearly overwhelming although the cafe has...

I had the best oat milk latte ever in this cafe today! Tasted so good and a generous size of mug too. This was closely followed by delicious date slices. So tasty we bought more to take home with us! The selection of cakes on...

Nice wee cafe. Food fresh and tasty. . Good choice of yummy cakes. Staff all nice and friendly. Very dog friendly - staff brought our dog out water and a wee bowl of treats as soon as we arrived. Defo reccomemd.

As things are opening up, I went along to meet friends for a long-awaited chat! The order was taken by a very pleasant you lady & then delivered efficiently and cheerily. Some of us had a bacon butty, very tasty, and fresh. The cakes were...

Lovely staff and very well organised for covid. Felt very safe and best strawberry tart l have had for a while.

Had lunch and then decided to take cakes and coffees away. Queried prices for sitting in and takeaway, to be told that they both are the same price. Then was told that I didn’t have to buy it or come back, from what I presume...

Great find! Lots of great options to choose from. Good potion sizes and great value for money. Will visit again.

Misleading we went in for a hot cup of tea and something to eat. I opted for a sausage bun, which on the menu says three sausages. The sausage bun came very quickly which I didn’t expect, I think the sausages are pre cooked and...

Felt very safe in these covid times. Extremely well set out and clean. Had an excellent cooked breakfast. Super service and very friendly

Lovely little cafe. The food was excellent, good selection of items. We had toasties, mine was bacon, Brie and cranberry. It was very tasty, good quality bacon. We finished off with some cakes including a delicious gooey brownie and a fruit square that was the...

Firstly we were stopped at door and asked to put our masks on to walk to our table.. Bizarre! Ordered latte, tea, Americano..all were awful, sent coffee back as just tasted like warm milk! My mum said her Scone tasted a week old. Had to...

Lovely place and safe during these covid times. Burger was fab. Cakes also very tasty. Staff very friendly.

Had a lovely lunch at The Chatterbox! We had the venison burger and haggis ciabatta, couldn’t fault it. A millionaire slice as a sweet treat. Felt very comfortable with the protocols they had in place due to Covid-19. The staff we’re attentive and friendly, creating...

We popped in today for tea and cake, opted for the millionaires shortbread. A lovely cafe with a great selection of sweet treats and dog friendly too.

An excellent place for coffee and cake - totally recommended. It was very friendly, warm and cosy and the staff were attentive, pleasant and friendly.

I visited ‘The Chatterbox’ today (12/01/20) with my mother I ordered a baked potato with tuna which was tiny and had clearly been reheated as it was dry and not very warm. I sent it back to the kitchen and got a tuna toast instead which was average and very overpriced. My mother ordered a steak and mushroom pie with chips and beans, the gravy in the pie was like water and the pastry was horrible and the chips were inedible. She barely ate any of it and just felt sick All the food is very overpriced especially if it’s not even remotely nice. Only good thing about the visit was the staff were very nice. However we definitely won’t be returning, very disappointed!

It was a wet and windy day and so I took my disabled son out on a bus trip which he loves. We were looking for a meal and opted for the macaroni and cheese with chips. He has a J2o and I had a pot of tea - the cup was warm so didn't chill the tea - if only other places did this. There were a few other folks in the restaurant and yet I was served immediately by a young man. The food was really good - simple yet wholesome and definately filling. As a treat, I got my son the mars bar slice which he loved as well. All in all a very pleasant experience and we will be back - all for under £21.

We recently stopped off here whilst doing the Deeside cycle route to Ballater and had a very nice and friendly welcome. Enjoyed the homemade fruit scones and tea in a nice cafe. the menus looked extensive and the place was busy but the service was excellent. Facilities to the rear were nice and clean and would certainly recommend. We felt it was very reasonable and would have paid more for wwhat we had and have done so at many establishments when we have been out cycling.

Wee day trip to Banchory started with a visit to the ever popular Dog Friendly The Chatterbox the place is amazing lovely food we had the full breakfast as we never bothered with anything before we left Aberdeen and wee Scamp got a bowl of water and some dog biscuits the place was warm and inviting and the Staff were very Friendly toilets very clean we will be back 10/10

We stopped for soup and burgers - generous portions and good food. Great service - I left my jumper which they kindly posted back to me.

We had intended to have a pub lunch but it was 2.30pm & all the pubs in Banchory stop serving food at 2 or 2.30. All the tearooms were busy but we found a table at Chatterbox cafe. Very fresh sandwiches & a refreshing cup of tea. Maybe some of the pubs in Banchory should consider opening in the afternoon in summer. After a big cooked breakfast a lot of folk want a later lunch. However their loss meant we found Chatterbox cafe!

Excellent wee restaurant with lovely fresh food and generous servings. Polite and well mannered staff polished off a great visit! Thank you

Popped in here for a spot of lunch on a rainy day on holiday after seeing the ‘we love dogs’ sign in the window. Lovely clean cafe, ordered soup and a coffee which were both delicious. The staff brought a bowl of water and biscuits for our dog who was very happy to be in the warm and dry!

Visited Chatterbox for a cuppa and a scone or roll, accompanied by friends. The snacks, coffee & tea are very tasty, decent helpings & served by friendly staff. Soup & sandwiches are served at lunchtime, great fillings & piping hot soup.

Lovely little cafe and thoroughly enjoyed lunch here with a lady I was supporting. The chef was more than happy to cater to her needs and the waitresses were lovely and couldn’t have been more helpful. Staff also handled a very rude and loud customer exceptionally well, and even apologised to us which as I had heard the whole conversation play out - was definitely not them that needed to apologise. Professional and very well mannered girls. Well done.

Had coffee/tea scone/cake here on two occasions but felt the place sadly lacked something. Food was nice. Scones/cakes very fresh and coffee was good. Certainly couldn’t say we experienced a warm welcome - or any welcome really- nor was the service friendly. Just a real lack of something. Can’t quite put my finger on it though other than just no atmosphere at all. Sorry!

Lovely little cafe in the heart of Banchory. Took my mum for lunch and we both enjoyed it very much. Very good selection of soup and sandwiches, amongst other things. Very friendly atmosphere and staff. Also very reasonably priced. Will definitely visit again when passing through Banchory.

Visited for a late lunch with the family and grandparents, a party of 6. Friendly staff and other customers jiggled around to fit us in, and we had great tomato and chili soup and toasties to warm us up after a freezing hike up Scolty. We left our dog in the car this time, but she was welcome last time we visited, and the randy cockapoo she met up Scolty was in there! Happy to recommend this place.

Went there with my daughter for some afternoon eats, we had lovely home made soup followed by a selection of cakes. The soup was really lovely. My daughter is a very fussy eater and she demolished an entire bowl of vegetable broth soup, so that is testimony to how good this soup was. The service was good, warm and friendly and very quick. The food was well priced. And the Chatterbox itself is a very clean a quirky little place. The owner of the Chatterbox is a lovely lady and gave my daughter some sweets when we left, such kindness and warmth goes a long way and I would definitely go back.

Came in here after a great walk with Archie up to the top of the hill. Really nice soup and food. Service pleasant and good

Visited for the first time today.

Great food, really friendly service and very dog friendly. A lovely relaxing visit and would highly recommend to dog owners.

Disabled friendly, plenty of parking accross the road, great staff, lovely food, and dog friendly. Been three times now.

a grand wee cafe... we used to go there years ago... now new owners very friendly and lovely wee cafe with good food... lovely wee visit

We spent the afternoon visiting the falls of Feugh and Scolty Hill and on the way back to the bus stop we took a break to relax and regain strength at The Chatterbox. The staff is very kind and everything was so tasty!! Highly recommendable.

We went here for a breakfast after a walk up Scolty the breakfast was pretty good quality, size and very good value. The place is dog friendly and our dog was bought a fresh bowl of water and some treats also great that the place was open on a Sunday as we are always looking for new places for Sunday brunch we will definitely go back !!!!!!

Stopped here for Breakfast while in Banchory. Scrambled eggs and beans on toast were nice with a good pot of tea. Staff nice in a good atmosphere.

Today I had the worst sandwich I have had for years from The Chatterbox. My tuna sandwich was well below par. The tuna was sloppy horrible mush and tasted only of cheap mayo. Both slices of bread was covered in butter and being lactose intolerant this was not good for me, I realise I should have stated no butter when ordering but I didn't expect it to be included. The bread was okay with the crust being the only part of the sandwich with a nice flavour to it. If it had not been take away I would have put this back. Overall the food I received was well overpriced for the quality that was received and having to ask for your change back is not good customer service.

Nipped in on Sunday for a quick lunch whilst in Banchory.

Four adults and four noisy children were all warmly welcomed (thankfully). Good coffee, lovely home baking and the children enjoyed their ice creams. Sorted.

Friendly place which serves lovely coffee and "fine pieces". Cheese scones were very nice. Ambience good.

We were in Banchory and fancied something quick and not too heavy. Home made tomato & basil and home made potato and leek. Wholesome, made on the premises and delicious. Followed by Cajun chicken, mozzarella & tomato sandwich and ham, cheese and pickle sandwiches, fillings oozing out. Very tasty.

We regularly visit for coffee, a piece & a blether. Always friendly staff and the pieces & drinks are fine.

Visited 09/01/2018. Was doing the touristy thing with my Australian friend. There was a choice of soups, Carrot and Coriander and Spicy Parsnip. I had the spicy parsnip and it was delicious, the other two in my group, said the same about the carrot and coriander. There was a deal on for a sandwich with the soup. The sandwich was a generous size and was very filling along with the soup, however, we had to have a cake too.

Happy camper here. Popped in for a quick coffee and a “fine piece” and wasn’t disappointed. Flying visit but cheerful staff and reasonably priced. 7 out of 10

Went here for breakfast with my friend.

Dropped in for a coffee and fruit scone today Friendly quick service. Lunch menu looked appetising too.

When on holiday in the Deeside area having a walk around Banchory noticed the sign in the window saying dog...

Teníamos la sopa de lentejas, mi hijo tenía una losa y el otro tenía patatas fritas. Todos se entusiasmaron y lo tenían en términos cafe. Sopa fue sin duda excelente, aunque el pan era delgada rebanada en contraposición a tope, que actualmente es lo que...

Un grupo de 5 de nosotros paramos en este pequeño restaurante para el almuerzo y la comida maravillosa y un gran servicio. El personal era muy amable y la comida era preparada y servida muy rápidamente. Recomiendo encarecidamente este lugar si estás en Banchory!

Estaban aquí para almorzar, que era muy sabroso, amplio y limpio, con un servicio rápido. No es realmente un lugar budín pero tiene un mostrador que ofrece una amplia gama de pasteles.

Went for quick lunch today. Never again far to long to wait 40 minutes and people that came in after us x 2 got theirs, when we complained they told us that the order ticket was not in the kitchen, when we asked how much longer we had to wait the said 6 minutes, when our food arrived it was not worth waiting for very disappointed the buns were stale burgers were small not worth the money and salad was brown chips were under cooked and greasy. We asked to see the manager she was too busy and offered us 10% off our bill which we refused, manager eventually came to see us and she was very rude, we offered to pay for our drinks,

Empezaron bien, 3 comidas almuerzo con bebidas, camarero pidió amable. Bebidas llegamos pero 30 minutos más tarde sin ningún signo de la comida.

We had a quick tea and scone for lunch and were served by a very friendly bunch of staff. The place was quite small and it was a bit of a squeeze for the 5 of us, but we managed!And the scones were delicious!

Service speed was good. That was not the problem. We had different coffees. Both were tasteless and watery. The coffee quality used may have been the issue. Bacon was covered in yellow oil, so was the egg. Tough sausages. Jam (?) on the teaspoon. Jam not served with the large breakfast. There were two other people in the shop and three staff at the counter. Not exactly run off their feet and not enough time to pay attention? The Bancory "coffee culture" has set the bar way beyond the standard we experienced at the Chatterbox. Wake up and smell the coffee, people. We are very easy going, but this is one of very, very few negative reviews I have written. We will not be back.

Stopped in after walking from Drumoak, it was the closest cafe from the Deeside Way. We had the soup and sandwich meal. It was very good value, enjoyed the soup and the sandwiches were generously filled. We had cake and coffee too and we were very full for our 7 mile walk back. The staff were also friendly and welcoming.

Great service, delicious soups, sandwiches and sweets. Friendly staff. My husband loves the mac and cheese.

Good service and choice, Generous portions and very good value. Relaxing atmosphere and not crowded. Interesting menu with more choices than usual snack meals. Also good for tea and cake !

Had lunch here, lots of burger and sandwich options, most mains around £8. The Mac and cheese was pretty average and the fried chicken fillets were decent. Staff was friendly. Nothing fancy but easy for a lunch stop.

This is a cafe type place with not much atmosphere, maybe some music in the background would have been nice. I had a BLT sandwich which wasn't at all tasty, all I could taste was the bread and margarine. Felt like they had been stingy with the sandwich fillings and for that reason we wouldn't go back. Shame really as it was a nice enough cafe.

We went to the chatterbox for lunch today. We opted for the venison burger and the soup and sandwhich deal. The soup it amazing as are the sandwiches.My husband had the burger and said it was nice. The burgers are fairly small but u get a decent size portion of chips and salad with it.The prices were decent for what you get. I am will go back to taste what looks like amazing cakes.

Called in here for lunch with my partner. I had a lovely gluten free panini with ham and cheese. I spoke to the cook with regards to my dietary needs and she was well informed about a gluten free diet which put my mind at rest. Also I was not charged a premium for my panini which was nice as I realise gluten free food costs a lot more. It came with a lovely side salad and some tortilla chips. My partner tried the venison burger with chips and side salad and was more than happy with his choice. The staff all seemed friendly and welcoming which made the whole experience a good one.

Been to this place a few times. It was normally really busy. The sign outside read under new management,mthir place was practically empty! However, we sat down and spoke to the chef regarding gluten free panini. We ordered, then they said no gluten free panini left! Ok we had gluten free ham toastie. Very dry bread nothing other than the ham inside. Quite a nice side salad though. Went to pay, it was very expensive, I questioned the bill to be told they charged us extra for the toasting of a toastie!!! The owner said its what to expect ! What an attitude. We won't be back.

We called in for coffee and cake and were not disappointed. Carrot cake was delicious so much choice for cakes. Kids had a kids meal Staff were lovely they put two tables together to accommodate our party. We would return

Went here for coffee and cake ... Order two milkshakes also - 'made with icecream' - NOT, it was either the cheap syrup and milk or the cheap milkshake powder and milk ... £2.50 a pop!

Visited several times now, soup n sandwich at lunch, cakes and coffee... Always been delicious. Proper home bakes and good quality coffee, variety of teas and soft drinks. Service always prompt but not intrusive, and very friendly. Clean and well loved this is a gem!

Busy at lunch time. Breakfast not so busy. Interior a bit dull. Didnt like the poached egg I ordered

Some unusual things on the specials menu but the cakes we had were delicious. Staff were very blunt, made no conversation and did not make you feel welcome. This would put me off going back.

I called in looking for a cup of tea and a nice cake. There was a good selection of scones and traybakes, but on the top of the counter were three sponge cakes - lemon drizzle, chocolate orange and rhubarb and yoghurt. They all looked tempting, but I wasn't hugely hungry and the waitress said the lemon drizzle was lighter than the other two, so that was my choice. It was exceptionally good. There was a layer of icing on the top, and two layers of lemon cream filling in the sponge, which had a nice strong lemon taste, and the sponge was indeed very light, almost melt in the mouth. I was very impressed and will definitely return. They also do light meals of course. There were three soups listed on the specials board and three main courses. This is a really nice place.

Visiting the area from Hampshire. After a walk around Banchory popped in for lunch, good food, good service.......no complaints!

Nice place, friemdly staff. Been there a couple of times now, breakfast, lunch and tea... Any time is good.Great scones and the chai tea lovely.

My friend and I, a group of university students, came there after a 20-mile bike ride from Aberdeen. it was the perfect place to fuel up and warm up. serving hot chocolate, soup and burgers everyone was highly satisfied. The staff was very friendly and all in all a place I will come back to visit.

I was passing through Banchory and decided to visit the Birdhouse coffee shop since I have been there a few times and think its great. Unfortunately it was closed today and I decided to try the Chatterbox cafe based on reviews. I ordered a special (the grilled chicken) which, on the specials blackboard stated contained chicken with goats cheese and caramelised red onion. To my surprise after eating a third of the meal, there was a piece of bacon hidden underneath the cheese. Due to my religous beliefs, I do not eat pork products and had the menu given accurate information as to the contents I would never have ordered it! I was left feeling physically sick (having eaten some of it) and extremely angry and upset at the lack of awareness and understanding of the establishment. When it was brought to the attention of staff they nominally apologised and did not offer to replace my meal. I pointed out that in the future it may be of benefit to clearly highlight this glaring omission. I paid the full amount and left without making a fuss as it was a busy time. I then proceeded to call later on to ask speak to the manager who apparently was too busy to speak to me. I left my number so lets see what happens. Not only is it culturally insensitive, its pretty dangerous if one does not know what ingredients go into making up a dish. Heres hoping they dont make the same mistake with nuts and somebody who has a nut allergy.

..............Excellent food! Cullen skink, and Chili Burger the best!! nice and friendly staff! We back again !! ...............................

This rather strange, unfriendly sign is prominently displayed in the cafe. Perhaps it should be better placed in the kitchen where the owners work. This is a gloomy, poorly lit cafe with sticky tables, heavy old chairs, dated decor and toilet facilities which need a facelift. Their coffee knowledge is sadly lacking and misinformed. There are many places in Banchory to eat and drink and this would be at the bottom of my list. My advice to the owners would be to wake up and smell the coffee (but hopefully not in the chai latte!). Speculate to accumulate and splash the cash to update a very tired,mediocre cafe if you want a quick sale.

I've given this place the benefit of the doubt several times, but won't be returning EVER. This is a small, hot, claustrophobic, poorly lit restaurant, with sticky tables, sticky seats, worn-out poorly washed cutlery, and often with odd cakes, cutlery, chips, used napkins etc on the floor, that nobody seems to bother to pick up, even when pointed out. The decibel level here at peak times is deafening, and it's impossible to have a normal conversation with someone opposite you without leaning forward and shouting. Not at all relaxing. Portion size and value for money are good, but this is about the only positive thing I can say about this restaurant. My real beef with this place is the food. The Chef has a total fixation with cream, which is voluminously glugged into everything imaginable. I ordered cream of mushroom soup once, .... ok this is a cream soup, and I like cream but there was so much cream in it, it was basically a plate of boiled cream with essence of mushroom, and made me feel ill, the very look of it. God knows what this would do to your waistline, arteries and cholesterol levels! Had their steak pie once, but could hardly eat any of it, there was so much cream in it, made it taste really sickly. Ordered fish and chips on another lunch occasion. They totally messed up the order and served me a creamy omelette instead. They did replace it after a 15 minute wait though, but this was really greasy and served with enormous tasteless chips. On my last visit I phoned and booked a windows table for two, about a week in advance. The booking was duly and politely taken, but when I arrived the booking apparently hadn't been recorded, and they were really busy. I got no apology, just a bland look, and to add insult to injury watched as a window table was vacated then given to a couple who just walked in off the street with no booking. Appalling service, coronary artery disease menu, ear defenders recommended.

have used this little gem in the past, the cullen skink was very good and filling i then had the chicken fillets,partner decided on the meaty macaroni no complaints what so ever.prices average staff attentive will use again.menu as expected good choice.

Popped in for a coffee, was lovely and an enjoyable cinnamon scone. Staff very helpful and the takeout coffee was good too

My wife took for lunch to Chatterbox, I hadn't been in for quite a while, reasonably nice decor and quite welcoming. The food was nice and the coffee was good. Now for the issues; The waitresses were chatting behind the counter quite loudly and talking about things that we didn't want to hear (talking about going to the toilet). The tables were sticky. The toilet in the Gents had a metal skewer as a pull handle to flush & there was no toilet paper in the ladies. A nice lunch but with a few let downs.

We came upon this cafe by accident and are glad we did! It is very small but very friendly and the food amazing. We tried the local "Cullen Skink" soup and Butternut lentil and coconut soup. It was a rainy day and the hot soup hit the spot. They also had gluten free bread and delicious desserts - some of those gluten free also. Very reasonably priced.

We had a nice lunch here today. The Cullen Skink was very tasty and the panini on the specials board was also flavoursome and made a change from the usual panini combinations you get elsewhere. Although the restaurant was busy the service was very efficient. If I had to make one small criticism it would be that the staff - although very professional and polite - were not particularly welcoming or friendly but this might have been due to it being a busy lunchtime.

Used The Chatterbox a lot when I lived in Auchattie, always found it cosy, good food, good portions, good staff & a warm welcome. Would recommend . Parking is plentiful in Banchory.

I've given this place the benefit of the doubt several times, but won't be returning EVER.This is a small, hot, claustrophobic, poorly lit restaurant, with sticky tables, sticky seats and sticky poorly washed cutlery, and often with odd cakes, cutlery, chips, used napkins etc on the floor, that nobody seems to bother to pick up, even when pointed out. The decibel level here at peak times is deafening, and it's impossible to have a normal conversation with someone opposite you without leaning forward and shouting. Not at all relaxing.My real beef with this place though is the food. The Chef has a total fixation with cream, which is voluminously glugged into everything imaginable. I ordered cream of mushroom soup once, .... ok this is a cream soup, but there was so much cream in it, it was basically a plate of boiled cream with essence of mushroom, and made me feel ill, the very look of it. God knows what this would do to your waistline, arteries and cholesterol levels!Had their steak pie once, but could hardly eat any of it, there was so much cream in it, made it taste really sickly. Ordered fish and chips on another lunch occasion. They totally messed up the order and served me a creamy omelette instead. They did replace it after a 15 minute wait though, but this was really greasy and served with enormous tasteless chips.On my last visit I phoned and booked a windows table for two, about a week in advance. The booking was duly and politely taken, but when I arrived the booking apparently hadn't been recorded, and they were really busy. I got no apology, just a bland look, and to add insult to injury watched as a window table was vacated then given to a couple who just walked in off the street with no booking.Appalling service, coronary artery disease menu, ear defenders recommended.