The Eatery in Aberdeen City

I visited the new Coterie restaurant at Ferryhill Hotel twice. I am not here to bash it as I want to support local businesses. BUT, I just read a press and journal review that sounds totally made up. So to set the record straight. The new restaurant is very much the same as it was. I think there are new windows in the granite wall which completely separates the upper entry/dining level from the lower dining area. The upper entry/dining area is further completely separated from the bar by the hallway. Other than 2 windows in the granite wall, a mirror and lots of plants, the place it essentially the same as of old. They seem to have copied another well known bar with the plants. But the real issues are that there is no bar in the restaurant, the restaurant is completely split in two, you can hardly hear the music and its dark... there's just no atmosphere. Its not chilled out or very special, which leaves in the awkward space. First night was busy as it was new. Second night people were walking in and leaving for the bar as the restaurant is empty. If I want to eat in total disconnect from all around me, I'll just eat at home. Then you go into the bar and its full, with a busy feel and everyone chatting. Can't get a seat at the bar. The food in the restaurant was OK. 3 scallops for £15. We had to wait over an hour for food but that was fine as were were no rushed. Bottom line is it's a place to sit if you can't get a seat at the bar. Or if you want total privacy and quite with no interaction. The bar is better. So is the bar menu. The restaurant doesn't work for me. Maybe a nice day time coffee shop would have done better. Sorry!!

The coffee here is good. I can't deny that. Small cups, good strength. Not your usual pint of black water. We have been here more than once, the menu is a bit niche, and quite expensive. I had the muesli with compote for £5.50. The compote turned out to be about a teaspoon full of pale yellow consistency (wasn't sure what it was) with one blueberry and one raspberry dropped on top for good measure. Half the bowl was yogurt and the other half was a quite sweet home made muesli of which there was little. In short the dish was mainly yogurt. I felt quite disappointed as I had wanted a healthy breakfast. Daughter had avocado on toast with scrambled egg (they don't seem to do poached), and t'other person a breakfast roll. Both were happy. The menu really stops us going back too often as I can't find enough of what I want to eat. It is also pretty expensive and I have quite a lot of avocados at home which I can smash at will. It is nice to have something in the area though. There are some pretty average cafes in Aberdeen that get 5 stars.

Came for dinner last night the food was lovely but the service wasn’t great this time round. We were seated by someone who didn’t say a word to us and as i asked for an Aberdeen Restaurant week menu he had already begun walking away. 5 mins later we were told by a very rude server we needed to leave our seats due to a mistake they made and my booking wasn’t correct. I showed my booking confirmation and we were told to move seats to the opposite end of the restaurant. A bit of a wait for our food but the waitress we got after we moved seats was lovely.

Lovely coffee Friendly staff Can recommend the lemon and coconut slice

Wonderful food served by really good staff. They are friendly and efficient. The menu is varied and there are also specials. The chef is really great and I've never been disappointed. Great atmosphere.