The Curing Yard Restaurant

I recently had the absolute pleasure of dining at The Curing Yard at the Royal Marine Hotel, and I can honestly say it was an experience that far exceeded my expectations. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the tone for a truly delightful evening. The staff were exceptional—friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about ensuring every guest felt welcomed. A special mention must go to Hugher, whose service was nothing short of extraordinary. His professionalism and charm made it feel as though we were dining in a Michelin-starred establishment. He anticipated our needs with ease, offered thoughtful recommendations, and elevated the entire experience with his warm demeanor. The food was equally impressive, with every dish showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients and impeccable presentation. The menu offered a wonderful balance of creativity and comfort, and each bite was a testament to the chef’s skill and dedication. The attention to detail, from the flavors to the plating, was remarkable. The ambiance of The Curing Yard perfectly complemented the meal, with its stylish yet cozy setting creating the ideal backdrop for a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re a local or a guest at the Royal Marine Hotel, this restaurant is a must-visit. I left feeling not only satisfied but genuinely uplifted by the entire experience. I can’t wait to return and would highly recommend The Curing Yard to anyone seeking exceptional food and outstanding service. Thank you, Hugher and the entire team, for making my evening so special!

Average food but poorly planned staffing. Pros: - Good selection of veggie and pescatarian meals - The food wasn't bad - salt and chili fries were delicious - Staff were friendly (when they had time) Cons: - Food wasn't great - for price point, I expected better. For example husband ordered pork but it was served fat side down so if there was crackling, it was just a chewy, soggy mess. My salad was swimming in olives (which I like) but too many threw off the flavour profile. - When we arrived and ordered drinks, the glasses already laid on the table were dirty/lipstick marks. - After our drinks were brought over, we then had to ask for the spare four glasses to be removed when the food was brought out as there just wasn't room (maybe we were expected to eat on our laps and admire their dirty glassware?) - We ordered nibbling bread 'while you wait' which was brought out at the same time as our starters. - The bread itself was dry and tasted like it had been sat out all day (also heard another customer complain to the waiter about her bread). - Once we'd finished, we had to wait 22 minutes for our plates to be cleared and ask for the bill. There was no staff to be seen for the first 15 mins after finishing. - Once the bill arrived, a 10% service charge had been added to our table of two. I asked for this to be removed which I very rarely do but just found it too presumptuous given the quality and service. When the waiter was around, he was friendly enough. Then another waitress appeared on the floor later on. It was a Fri evening, we were one of 7 tables eating. It just felt more like poor management planning than a problem with the staff themselves. But too many little niggly things and rather average food left us with a bad taste in our mouths.

Staff were extremely friendly and welcoming. It was fairly empty inside and very quiet. Food was excellent and reasonably priced for its quality!

My fiance and I had pre-booked dinner at The Curing Yard a couple of months ago, based on the images and menu and I’m so glad we did. We travelled in from 7 minutes out of town and were 20 minutes early. We advised we were there for dinner and the gentleman that greeted us knew who we were, that was a really nice personable touch. We were directed to the bar after asking if we could get a drink and offered the drinks menu. The cocktail menu had a few classics but some exciting new options (highly recommend the Bramble and the Green Highlander). We sat by the fire in a welcoming lounge and then went in to dinner. We ordered the 3 courses (at £42 its great value for money). I had the salmon gravlax, fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding. My partner had smoked haddock chowder, braised beef and sticky toffee as well. The food came out with great timing and great presentation and the taste was beautiful. Service was attentive and friendly and nothing felt like too much trouble. Really happy to have dined here and would come back any time we are in Brora.

I just wanted to feedback privately and did but as nobody replied i thought as you sent me a request would leave a public review of our disappointment last night for an anniversary meal. To begin the online wine list is different to the restaurant which we were notified but only because I left in the reservation comments we would like a chilled Crement on the table for arrival. When we did arrive we were oddly sat in a room alone next to a very noisy and battered kitchen door which was the only source of atmosphere. The other 2 rooms we saw not quite full but clearly not for non residents or regulars. The starter of pigeon and pork belly were slightly over cooked. On mains only fault would be when something is worded as pomme puree on the duck I would not recieve crushed potatoes that had seen no attempt to be mashed, broccoli cold and raw. Dessert was ok. Drinks Clearly a new team as it took out server 10 minutes to find the bottle we ordered but was a good wine, however I would just like to say as a General Manager of 35 years in hotels and restaurants as well as Sommelier to be told outright that the Tawny port I'd ordered was the correct drink we where served was slightly insulting as it was a white port that I am not really a fan of but who could they ask if they were not sure? No manager in our room present. We did have to ask the food runner if we could order the drink and she had no clue as to what port was and passed a menu stating if we do its in there. We paid service charge as we didn't think George our server who was very polite should loose out. I would expect better for a bill of £190

From the moment my wife and myself arrived we were made to feel welcome and looked after. The quality of the food was excellent, beaten only by the value for money. The only thing that I am upset about is how long it took us to find this restaurant.

The staff is very friendly and very good. The meals were excellent. I had the turkey dinner which was very tasty. I like lots of gravy so had to get more. The vegetables we not over cooked and the stuffing ball unique and tasty. It was my wife’s birthday and this was a surprise. I had asked for a chocolate cake as a surprise and they had made an excellent cake and kept it all hush hush taking our dessert order and then bringing the cake really excellent job. Congratulations team.

Food was ok but not good enough to justify the price. Vegetables in starter were somewhat dried out, while lamb main was ok, but not a royal portion. Staff is friendly, but has to work hastily.