Gordon Castle Estate — Attraction in Scotland

Beautiful place and the food looked lovely - however we had a terrible experience with service. We visited with 2 young kids after a walk and planning to have coffee & cake (it was 11.45am).

We sat at a table outside and ordered but there were so many wasps there. We asked the server how bad the wasps were to which she responded “I’d say considerably.” Rain also came on.

Despite there being lots of tables still available, they were quite reluctant to let us sit inside because we weren’t eating lunch and it would be getting busier. However with 2 little children we didn’t want to be out with the wasps, so they did give us a seat. All good, and we wouldn’t be too long anyway.

However this is the worst bit!! As we were leaving I took my daughter to the toilet. I didn’t have a nappy on me but we were just leaving so I did her vest up but left her dungarees unbuttoned since I was literally heading out, about to put a nappy on her in the car (and if you have toddlers - you know those poppers are a nightmare to do up). Hardly running about naked. As we walked out I went to say thank you to the server at the bar, but she was pointing to my daughter, looking grumpy and speaking to the other server. So unwelcoming!!!

THEN as we were leaving a group of people, some of which had disabilities, went to go in for coffee and cake. We overheard them being told they couldn’t come in if they weren’t having lunch.

All felt so unwelcoming and actually rude. Shame as it’s such a beautiful...

Had Afternoon Tea vouchers. Excellent savoury food. I had forgotten to ask for brown bread for our sandwiches when booking but wasn't asked by the person who took the booking, as she worked in the office I had rung in desperation as the booking system isn't working. I rang on two days, leaving a message, but no one got back. Spoke with another couple who had the same problem. Sandwiches not very good at all. Fillings very poor and too big. The cheese one was just grated cheese. Could do better myself!

Scones a bit on the large and tough side and not enough cream and jam to share with three people. Little strawberry cakes not very good and could be improved with a different pastry and deeper filling.

Service was excellent. Given doggy bags to take away uneaten food. We sat in an outside covered area as we had dogs with us, who were made very welcome.

Nice shop but some items extremely expensive. Clean toilets.

Inside of cafe looked great and a sunny outside sitting space was very busy.

Bonus is that they are open all year it seems, so we will be back hoping that the Afternoon Tea items have improved. If not I will be reviewing again! Some Quality Control needs to take place. This was definitely not as good as other Afternoon Teas we have had in Moray and Aberdeenshire, which was...

Having worked in the kitchen there, until my first ever visit as a customer. I'm rather shocked at how this place seems to have gone downhill. Angus and Zara are at the top of their game and really do mean well. However after constantly urging my partner to join me for lunch at a place I considered to be the best place to eat in moray. She carefully explained, that it wasn't that great. I had to agree with her, The service, the attentive staff and such a beautiful place is what has given this review it's 3 star rating, if it wasn't for their hospitality or the walled gardens grandeur I had left a review of just 1 star. The food was appalling for such a place. Lukewarm and soggy while most dishes should be crisp and delightful. Even the website looks awful. I haven't lost faith in this place though and I'll be back again for potentially my last visit. Even the website looked horrible. Reminiscent of websites 10 year's ago, Come on Gordon Castle you can do...