THE BOAT INN, ABOYNE
A delightful riverside inn located in the heart of Royal Deeside offering 16 beautiful, individually styled ensuite rooms, real log fires, beer garden and great pub grub.
“Dogs, Kids and Muddy Boots Welcome!”
The Boat Inn has stood on the banks of The River Dee since 1720. It was once the watering hole of choice for drovers as they took their beasts to market via the river ferry and today we still offer refuge and sustenance to locals and visitors alike.
The Boat Inn is everything you want a village pub to be!
Freshly prepared, locally sourced dishes can be enjoyed overlooking the river, in front of a roaring log fire or outside on the terrace, all washed down with a fantastic selection of local ales, spirits and wines.
We are not just a watering hole – why not take a peek at our 16 beautifully appointed en-suite rooms, many of which overlook the river. The Pine Loft offers an informal and flexible space for private functions, weddings and conferences. The Shed Bar is a cosy meeting place for friends and family and often plays host to great local musicians.
A newly landscaped beer garden opened in June 2019.
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We live about 25 minutes away from Aboyne and have been to the Boat a number of times for Breakfast and Lunch. The food is always excellent and the staff are always friendly and helpful. Our dogs love the treat tin also! I wish we had somewhere like the Boat in our village.
Have been here a couple of times for dinner when staying in Aboyne. It's really wonderful with great food, drinks and staff. The drinks menu is a stand-out - cocktails that are a bit different from the norm and actually taste as they are described (the watermelon margarita is 10/10). The food is hearty and delicious and the staff are friendly and warm. Would deffo recommend. Make a reservation though! We've been on weekdays in October when almost all tables are full.
Glad we booked as even on a Monday night place was packed and locals were being asked if they would eat in bar as was fully booked. The restaurant area isn't large, but has a lovely cosy feeling to it and the train track with Thomas and friends along the top of the walls is cute! Food was very good, had a range of meals on our table - burgers, mac n cheese and a pork special which was amazing! Will definitely return its a gem of a place in Aboyne !
Visited for mid week lunch and had a friendly welcome and great food. We enjoyed the shed burger and the chicken burger and the vegetable curry. Dessert was a large sticky toffee pudding and the chocolate moose which was enough for 2 to share and very rich and creamy. Great choice of beer too. The waiters were all very jolly and friendly a the pub was very welcoming of dogs visiting, even having a blanket for them to lie on and a big tin of dog biscuits. Seating was comfortable and the scenery is just lovely with a nice river walk to walk off our lunch.
Had lunch here with my 2 kids and husband. We The food was great. The young lad that served us was very attentive and thorough with taking our order as I have a dairy allergy and he made sure it was all fine for me to have. Lovely pub area and the kids enjoyed the little train that went around the wall. Definitely will go back when we are in the area again.
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Tarves, Ellon, AB41 
