Eat My Words: We try Findhorn pub and restaurant Kimberley Inn
Findhorn is a place that many associate with tourism, long sunny walks on the beach and eating outside on warm summer nights.
However, as summer 2024 comes to an end (did it even start?), the village’s Kimberley Inn continues to offer its fantastic food - often enjoyed by guests ‘al fresco’ - with a cosy seat by the fireplace.
The area was picture-perfect as I arrived, with the sun dipping behind the trees across the bay, and The Kimberley’s aesthetic perfectly matches that of the village.
I knew of the plentiful seating options outside the restaurant, which allow guests to enjoy the sun, or watch the sunset, beside the bay. However, I was pleasantly surprised with what I encountered inside the bar on this cold evening.
I visited on a Tuesday night and all three rooms - the Kimberley has a large bar area and two smaller rooms for dining - were filled with guests, including a table of French tourists who were enjoying some of the Inn’s traditional seafood.
The fireplace, located to the left of the front door, is the first thing you notice when walking in. It provides a cosy, comfortable vibe and warms the room.
The dimmed, but warm, lighting creates a relaxed atmosphere around the bar, which is dog-friendly - as I learned from the ladies next to me who were visiting with their lovely corgi.
The bar itself is traditional, with beams stretching up to the ceiling, and the staff were instantly welcoming every time another customer came through the door.
Given the cold weather, I opted for a hotter starter and main course. Yes, apologies, I didn’t have the traditional fish and chips - but my guest (my mum!) did. More on that later.
I ordered the Thai fish cakes for a starter and went with the Thai red curry off the specials menu. I know, ordering a special for a review isn’t much use, but I was tempted by the curry and I wasn’t disappointed.
First of all, though, the starter. The fish cakes (£8.50) were lovely and had enough spice without being too hot. The sauce and salad provided were a great side.
The speed of service was first-class, too, considering the busy nature of the pub.
The Thai red curry (£18) was next. The rice was beautiful and fluffy, the chicken tender and the curry itself the perfect antidote to the rapidly declining temperatures outside.
Now, I hear you, why have you gone to a traditional seaside pub and ordered a curry?
It’s a good question - and one which I have a simple answer to. I eat gluten and milk-free, and that unfortunately rules out the locally sourced fish and chips.
However, my curry didn’t leave me feeling any food envy - even as I gazed over at my mum trying the haddock, which is sourced from Buckie.
She gave the battered haddock a rave review - and I stole a few chips from her plate, which I would have to give a 10/10.
I have heard from many friends that the haddock is their absolute go-to when visiting the Kimberley - so if you fancy a more traditional seaside option, perhaps that, the mussels or the fish platter are what you are after.
The final word of my review will go to the staff. As previously mentioned, I eat gluten and milk free.
This often makes eating out slightly more tricky, and can leave people feeling like a bit of a nuisance, with having to constantly ask questions about food. Not at the Kimberley, though.
The menu was marked with gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options - and the two barmaids on duty were quick to check if any further questions needed to be asked.
Food: The food was excellent with a huge variety of options on the menu for all tastes. *****
Decor: The aesthetic within the Kimberley is cosy, with nice lighting, a beautiful fireplace and lovely photos of the village on the walls. *****
Staff: The staff were superb. Not only was the service quick, but they were very helpful with questions regarding food intolerances. *****
Price: In total, I paid £49 for a plate of Thai fish cakes, a haddock supper, a Thai red curry, a pint of lemonade and a pint of soda water and lime. ****
