The Flying Stag

Very nice looking place with cool decorations. Service was fast and friendly. We had the white fish and it was delicious. Do note it’s somewhat higher priced though.

After a day of Speyside tastings, Mom and I ducked into The Flying Stag, Fife Arms’ public bar that feels equal parts hunting lodge and art gallery. Antler chandeliers glow over tartan banquettes, but the welcome is pure Highlands hospitality. I started with a Swiss lager poured ice-cold; crisp malt washed away the peat and left room for the kitchen’s leaner fare. The venison burger arrived perfectly pink, smoked-maldon salt popping against horseradish slaw, while Mom kept it lighter with a pea-lovage risotto the chef happily tweaked around her no-feta rule.   Service made the night: staff anticipated refills, shared local hill-walking tips, and never batted an eye when we asked to swap chips for salad. Being resident upstairs meant an easy wobble back to our room, but the bar buzzes with hikers and locals alike, so you’ll feel at home whatever your postcode. Prices lean tourist-hotspot, yet quality and charm justify the tab, especially when that final sip of lager pairs with live fiddle music by the fire. If you’re roaming Royal Deeside, pencil in a pint here; it hits the spot

The food is superior in flavor, staff is delightful and the atmosphere is very well put together. Absolutely loved everything about this restaurant!

Such a warm and cozy setting, along with a beautiful stag-adorned bar. The food was delicious and service was outstanding, attentive, and cheerful. It was a great first night meal during our stay at the Fife Arms celebrating our anniversary. Despite being from the USA we felt right at home. I wish we lived close enough to make it a regular stop at any time. Looking forward to the day we can return.

I had a drink at lunchtime, and then in the evening, I returned with my wife and our dog for dinner. It was great that at the end of our week in Braemar that we finally got to see inside the Fife Arms and The Flying Stag. Staff are friendly, polite, but not pushy. Hope you have a good year.

Food, drinks and service all superb. Banoffee pie was 10/10. Our server Nick was friendly and spot on with the service provided. First time in for food (been in for drinks in the past). Nice touch with the birthday gesture. Will definitely be back for food in the not too distant future. Thanks again.

We’re visited the Flying Stag during the Braemar Gathering time. They were busy so a reservation was recommended. We were seated on your upper level in nice bog throne like chairs, very comfortable. The staff and manager were friendly and helpful. I am on the Keto diet and did not want to be a pain and wondered if they could accommodate me. They sure did. I had the steak sandwich without the bread… salad instead of fries and a lovely portion of spinach. It was may partners birthday so a piece of cake and candle magically appeared. Loved the wine and beer and everything. Thank you for a great experience.

Ate here last night, service was fab and the food was great. Partner got the fish and chips which looked decent and I had the rarebit to start and the beetroot. Both super tasty, beetroot salad isn’t huge if you’re really hungry though! 😁 None the less, lovely food, would happily come back. Staff were great too!

Such a great find. Fantastic food, friendly service in a bright and open space that oozes mountain lodge charm. Had the venison burger and it was so good. Hand formed patty with fresh tomato and lettuce, the smoke Gouda pulled it all together. Solid list of a dozen local and foreign brews made the experience complete.

We came in here for a late lunch today and it was absolutely delicious. The restaurant was very cosy and Christmassy so it was the perfect place to warm up and get some food. We both chose the haggis, neeps and tatties and although the presentation was questionable, the food definitely wasn't. It was so good and perfect for the freezing cold weather. We couldn't resist getting dessert too, and went for the bread and butter pudding which was delicious.

If you have found this restaurant you have found the best fish and chips on planet Earth. I kid you not. These guys serve a full length filet of a haddock with a pile of chips and a splash of the mushy peas. The dish can feed two for lunch easily. The breading has a hint of ale and is seasoned perfectly. More importantly it sticks to the fish. They know how to make it. The dining room is appointed with a plethora of antlers and a winged deer. It looks and feels a bit like the label of a Jagermeister bottle. The service was friendly for us which was a rarity in the UK.

What an incredible place. Wonderful employees, amazing alcohol selection, and the menu looks rad, though we didn't get anything. We hung out here for a few hours and I didn't even notice the time passing. LOVELOVELOVE

We made a booking at what we thought was one of the best hotels in town. We had been driving all day and needed to leave the booking until about 8.30pm to unpack and freshen up. The pub was full when we booked and the staff seemed friendly, particularly the supervisor Ross. When we returned to have dinner at 8.30pm the pub had cleared out a bit and it was a quieter which suited us. We waited and two staff members walked past us and looked through us as if we didn't exist. Another came over and in an exasperated voice said, 'somebody will be with you gents soon'. Ross eventually appeared and instead of greeting us, looked up our booking, grabbed two menus and showed us (2men) to the largest, filthiest table in the pub which could have sat 12 people. The table and many others hadn't been cleaned while other tables for two had been cleared and cleaned. We complained so in an exasperated voice he said you can have this one and took us to another table which was dirty too. He reluctantly wiped it over after we showed him. By this point we felt very unwelcome and left. However, we want to thank Ross and his staff because we walked across the road to Farquharson's Bar and Kitchen and they welcomed us warmly, served us delicious food and we had the best night. Best to avoid The Flying Stag altogether. Clearly they're too busy to give everyone good service.

Excellent pub at the beautiful Fife Arms Hotel. Lots of variety of whiskies. Menu includes fish & chips, lentil soup, burgers, and desserts like lemon posset & a Scottish cheese plate. If you want to eat, it's best to make a reservation because they fill up.