Stacey Socials

17/11/2025

As darker evenings creep in let’s throwback to brighter days, summer flavours and dreamy brunch plates.

A great café which encompasses all three is . Located a short drive from Banchory it combines rural landscape with riverside scenery. The seasonal menu rotates fresh ingredients while the outdoor decking provides the views.

Despite reminiscing back to warmer weather there is something to be said of crisp days and I very much look forward to re-visiting Potarch as cosy retreat and wintery backdrop.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

📸 Brioche French toast with honey mascarpone, pistachio crumb & strawberries (with added bacon)

📍

06/11/2025

Sourdough & Spiders (on a Bicycle)

From friendly staff to wholesome food is a welcoming space for all. With rustic decor adding to its charm the popular café brings warmth, comfort and cosiness to Aboyne. Located in the heart of the community it serves as a great spot to rest and refuel. As well as visiting for the first time, I also found a new favourite drink combo - the dark mocha (which I am yet to find anywhere else!)

⭐️⭐️⭐️

📸 Dark Chocolate Mocha | Sourdough Toastie

📍 Spider on a Bicycle

27/10/2025

23/10/2025

Right place, right time! *phew*

Finding in a nearby village on a recent overnight trip to the ‘shire was a welcome relief and ended my frantic search for local cuisine. Popular amongst the local community, evident by its queue, I managed to order a last-minute pizza before they sold out. The wait time was my only issue but easily outweighed by the food itself and to be honest overhearing all the positive customers (even repeat visitors!) made the wait a pleasant experience.

⭐️⭐️

📍

19/10/2025

Piccolo Pick-Me-Up!

It’s been a hot minute since I last visited but on the rare occasion I do pass Udny it is an absolute must. With a variety of guest roasters offering alternative flavour notes and coffee profiles there is always something new to try. If you are feeling extra adventurous it’s worth experimenting with different serves. The piccolo is the perfect ratio of espresso to foam and gives an instant pick-me-up. It’s also just super cute!

📸 Piccolo

📍 The Coffee Apothecary

08/10/2025

Maharajahs Murgh at Mangrove!

This exotic special of slow tandoori cooked marinated chicken with onions, peppers and tomatoes is one of the many flavoursome dishes at . A contemporary Indian restaurant in the heart of the highlands offering a BYOB dining experience. With no alcoholic drinks options available diners can pay corkage and take advantage of bringing their favourite tipple or enjoy a non-alcoholic mocktail. I’d highly recommend The Chill & Thrill as a fun twist on a Spicy Margarita!

⭐️⭐️

📸 Maharajahs Murgh | Chill & Thrill Mocktail

📍Mangrove

28/09/2025

The perfect scoop doesn’t exi..

I may be slightly biased but just look at them stripes. Award-winning is a real feast for the senses. With flavours to match their aesthetic servings it’s clear to see why they are a firm favourite. From stores in Inverness and Aviemore to their delicious gelato can be enjoyed across the Highlands - in any weather and season!

⭐️⭐️⭐️

📸 Tiramisu Gelato

📍 Miele's Gelateria Inverness

21/09/2025

has flown under my radar for too long.

As an extension of its roots are clearly complimentary and blends seamlessly into The Residence. Small yet perfectly formed it offers a much needed alternative to the otherwise limited eateries in Kintore. With seasonal, daily and weekly specials including Friday pizza nights it’s a great spot to enjoy all things food and drink.

⭐️⭐️

📸 Pumpkin Spice Latte

📍 The Hummingbird Cafe