Brodie Countryfare — Restaurant in Scotland

Busy spot and a bit of a destination due to the variety of goods in the main retail part of the business. The foodhall is large and spacious with plenty of comfortable seating. If it's your first visit, as mine was, it can be a bit confusing to find a seat and work out how to order food. There are numerous counters and boards with menus and specials. To order food you have to go to 1 counter where there is some food on display and you receive a receipt. You then have to go to another counter to order any hot drinks or cake etc. You then have to go to another counter with your hot drinks, cake and food receipt to pay for it all. Easy when you how.

My wife ordered the special and when I finally discovered how to order food, they had run out of it. I suggest they wipe it off the specials board perhaps if they aren't selling it.

It was a bit of a queue for drinks but they were made quickly and by the time I got through that and paid, my food arrived at the table seconds before me. More chance than timing so it could go wrong and you arrive to food that's been sat whilst you queue to pay.

Food was nice. I had a Brodie burger and it was well made with quality ingredients and reasonably priced at £13.50. There is generally a large selection of hot meals and sandwiches available. I also seen that lots of their cakes and buns have a gluten free option....

Once again Brodie delivers! The sale is proving popular as always, and while you peruse your next 'must have' ....why not have a bite to eat!! We had the delicious salad main plate....the only thing to let it down on this particular occasion was the number of components left..(we were after the main rush). There are usually a great variety of salad bits and pieces, with a dizzying array of "plus two" (the main focus of the salad plate...ie..salmon, quiche, cold meats, meat pies etc)...but we still made the most of the items on offer and had a grand meal!! We washed it down with soft drinks from the cooler and an iced water, although hot drinks are also available. The staff are polite, well mannered and well trained - with super customer service skills (something sadly lacking in a lot of places these days). Replete from our meal, we headed via the ladieswear to the groceries floor...in particular the hand made sweets.....oooh decisions decisions! I always find it so difficult to choose...so just go along the selections - yes, no, yes, yes ...two of these - you know how it goes!! My bestie then stocked up with the pre-bagged liquorice...and after a quick scoot past the preserves to pick up some Rowan Jelly...off to the cash desk. A good afternoon enjoyed by best friends in nice surroundings. ....I'd post some pictures of the sweets.......

Brodie Country Fare is an excellent place to visit. The delicatessen alone is worth our regular trip from the Black Isle to stock up on hard to find food and drink items. Breakfast wouldn't be the same without porridge made from their fine oatmeal, their selection of local cheeses and meats is first class and a visit before Christmas is essential for the selection of chocolates, puddings and cakes.

The ladies clothes shop I am not biologically qualified to rate:-) but I am reliably informed that it has a good range of upmarket brands. The gents shop is similarly stocked with quality country clothing though I don't think they are looking to attract bargain hunters. There's a pretty good kitchen and household section with lots of good quality gift material including an interesting toys and games area.

As for the self service restaurant, I can't speak for the sandwiches or snacks, as we always have a full lunch, but in two decades of monthly visits, I've had a good wholesome meal every time. It is busy at times but if you can park your car there will be a table.

All in all, if you get your food at Marks and Spencers, and like John Lewis's gift section you'll probably enjoy...