The Dowans Hotel

Did you know we have loyalty cards? Anytime you spend £25* or more on food or drinks, you receive one stamp. With 6 stamps, you then receive a £15 discount on your bill.
Make sure to ask for one when paying your bill so that you don’t miss out!
*one stamp per bill only

Sweet Dreams are made of cheese, who am I to dis-a-brie? This week for Thursday Night Dinner Club is Mac ‘n’ Cheese night. Who says Mac ‘n’ Cheese is a kid’s meal? We’ll have a couple of different options (Smoked Bacon & Black Pudding anyone?) and it's looking to be a busy night so make sure to book a table so you don’t miss out (01340 871488). *Regular menu still available

#MeetTheFamilyMonday Next up is our Chef, Paul. Having worked in managerial roles in a number of high end venues in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, both in front of house and kitchen roles, Paul came to us three years ago with a wealth of experience. If you fancy a bit of banter, then Paul's the man to come to. Rugby? Check. Football? Check. Politics? Check. Long days turn into long months, especially over the very height of the season, and without that very willingness to keep smiling and chatting to the very last minute, our ability to work as a team would be harder to maintain. With Paul on our side, team work and long hours feel less painful and we thank him for it!

Wow the quiz on Friday was lots of fun! Everyone did so well and it was very close at the top with second place being shared between 3 teams. The Rhubarb & Custard team came out as winners so a big congrats to them. The next quiz is on Friday 23rd November with a Scottish theme to go along with St Andrews Day (yes a week early but our fortnightly quiz doesn't fit in perfectly with St Andrews Day). Get revising all things Scotland and we'll see you there!

Tomorrow is Family Sunday here at The Dowans with board games like Pictionary, Monopoly and Cluedo all available. To help with those appetite pangs over a hard fought match of any of the aforementioned games, we'll be serving food all day from 12pm until 8.30pm with the set menu below available on Sundays only. Don't forget there will also be hot chocolate for the kiddiewinks (and big kids!) and Espresso Martinis galore.

Don't forget tonight is quiz night! 'Pre-quiz' food served from 6-7.30pm (regular menu available until 9pm). The quiz starts at 9pm with a Continents theme tonight so get revising every corner of the world and we'll see you in MBar.

Now that we are passed Bonfire Night and as we get closer to Christmas time, we know that everyone is trying to save their pennies for presents etc. We thought we would offer some purse-friendly cocktails for £5. Gin, vodka, rum, & whisky cocktails, there is one to suit all tastes. Pop by anytime for a drink.

This Friday (9th) we have our second quiz night. Last time, Quizteama Aguilera won the quiz putting them at the top of our league table. Reckon you could beat them? Come along and test your knowledge, the quiz kicks off at 9pm. 'Pre-quiz' set menu served from 6-7.30pm (alongside regular menu until 9pm): feed your brain and be prepared. Book a table in advance on 01340 871488.

It’s nearly time for Thursday Night Dinner Club. This week it is ‘Two For Thursday’ (because Thursdays are closer to the weekend and better than Tuesdays). Whether you’re a standard cheese & tomato person or fancy something different like a haggis and whisky soaked cheddar pizza, Two for Thursday means you can have both! We are also offering the chance for takeaway pizza for Thursday night only. Call us on 01340 871488 to reserve a table or to order and give us a half an hour’s notice before picking up your pizza. *Regular menu still available

#MeetTheFamilyMonday Despite not being blood relatives, we see our team as part of our extended family, so meet the man behind our lovely dishes, our Head Chef Scott. Quietly spoken but with a wicked sense of humour, Scott is a devoted family man whose second greatest passion is food; on the one hand, capable of producing dishes that are simple yet flavoursome and, on the other, dishes that are equally resplendent with fantastic flavours but catered to those who like the finer things in life. Coming to us by way of the Craigellachie Hotel and, most recently, the Highlander Inn, Scott understands the wealth of produce available to us in Scotland, in general, and, more specifically, Speyside.

Good Morning! Just a little reminder that as of today we are having family Sundays. Come join us by the fire in MBar for some board games, hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream and enjoy some quality time together!

We attended the Scottish Licensed Trade News Awards last night in Glasgow as we were nominated for The Whisky Bar of The Year. We had a great night catching up with friends who work in the hospitality industry and meeting lots of others. We would like to pass on the best of congratulations to David & Ewan from the Ballygrant Inn in Islay who deservedly won the Whisky Bar of The Year and also congratulate the team from Usquabae in Edinburgh for their nomination. We are very gr...ateful to have been put forward for the award and be recognised amongst the greats of our industry in Scotland. Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way, and to our staff for all of their hard work – which will only continue as we focus more hard work on The Still and the rest of the hotel. Lastly, thank you to Glenfiddich for all of their support and for, once again, giving us a great night! #SLTNAwards
See More

When we were growing up, we always made sure Sundays were Family days. In Summer, it was going out & about and exploring. In Winter, it meant playing board games (monopoly always got out of hand!), drinking hot chocolate and sitting by the log fire. That’s why we’ve decided to start Family Sundays at the hotel. Hot chocolate for the kids, espresso martinis for the older ‘kids’, board games, and most importantly lots of fun! Starting this Sunday, bring the family and enjoy some quality time together.

For the month of November, we are hosting a Thursday Night Dinner Club. Each Thursday will have a theme – starting with a burger night this coming Thursday (1st). The 8th and 22nd November will be ‘Two For Thursday’ with deals on Pizza, and 15th November is Mac ‘n’ Cheese night. Burger night will have lots of choices from an everyday beef burger to our popular Ballindalloch venison burger, plus chicken, fish or veggie – something to suit all! There is also the option to make your burger that extra bit special adding cheese, bacon or black pudding. Booking is advisable so call us on 01340 871488 to reserve a table. *Regular menu still available

The last official member of the Murray family on #MeetTheFamilyMonday is another daughter, Lauren (there is another sibling, Sean, but he jets off around the world and isn’t involved in the day-to-day running of the hotel). Lauren looks after all things cocktail. You’ll often find her in the bar mixing up various concoctions and putting together lovely cocktails. Summer cocktails? Fruity ones? In her words, she is the ‘bar supreme leader’, she’s very good at making herself look busy but not actually doing any work!

This group of lovely ladies were in yesterday for a cocktail masterclass, learning how to make cocktails and then coming up with creations of their own to compete against each other. Although it was a hard decision to make as they were all tasty, Roz created the winning cocktail. This will now feature on our cocktail menu for the next month – one of the perks of the masterclass! It’s called Hudson’s Caramel Coffee so keep an eye out for it next time you’re in!

Thanks to everyone who attended our first quiz last night, we had fun so hope you did too! Well done to our winning team Quizteama Aguilera who are now at the top of our league table. Think you could beat them? Come along to our next quiz on November 9th to give it a go.

Don’t forget we have our first quiz TONIGHT! Get in the mood for Halloween and have your witch-y knowledge up to scratch. It’s looking to be fangtastic! See you there. 🎃👻 *Over 18s only

We had a grand day with you to celebrate the royal wedding. Thanks to you all, for your outstanding hospitality.

Thank you to the manager and staff for the lovely meal we had for my son’s 21st. The cake made by the in house chef was a masterpiece, and was delivered by the owner who is a credit to the hotel. She made us feel so welcome and valued. The food was lovely and very well presented. We will definitely be back.

Superb rooms, excellent food and fantastic service from all management and staff. I love it �

My wife, daughter and I had dinner here yesterday, and like all other posts saw, was really really lovely food, view and blessed with great evening, will be back for sure

Thanks

My husband and I had lunch here today. This was our first visit and absolutely won't be our last!! From the moment we arrived until we left we were made so welcome from lovely happy helpful staff. Our lunch was simply scrumptious as were the cocktails. Will be back soon.

I cannot speak more highly of this absolute gem of a hotel. A historic house with stories of whisky, war tales and playing its part in supporting the community; great great food which was truly fantastic; a warm and welcoming bar and whisky room; modern and snug bedrooms with stunning views; and a staff team who are knowledgeable, helpful and attentive.



What more could you want? Whether it is for whisky tours; hunting, shooting and fishing; or just a wee relaxing break- Dowans Hotel must be on your list. No better Scottish hotel in magnificent Moray.

Great hotel, great roooms....warm and friendly environment. The food is great and there is a great variety of single malts from all around the world. The highlight of this hotel though is the family that owns and runs it which made all my visits an unforgettable experince!

From the moment we arrived we felt welcomed and at a quaint country home visiting friends. The hotel is owned and operated by a charismatic family.

The room was spacious and decorated with great taste and appointments. Breakfast and dinner were delicious and served promptly, properly prepared and at the correct temperature. I highly recommend The Dowan’s Hotel when visiting Scotland’s Highlands and the World Class Whisky Distilleries of the area..

First visit to The Dowans today on Emily Ellis’ recommendation-it won’t be our last- just had a cocktail which was beautifully presented,tasted gorgeous-wish we could have stayed for lunch-but had other plans ,so cannot wait to go back.

Fantastic food sitting on the Terrace service excellent staff friendly and knowledgeable highly recommended be back soon

Excellent place, very nice with food to match!! Highly recommend!!

Excellent meal,great service and staff were polite and helpful,especially when our son was a fussy eater!! Beautiful hotel.

Change isnt always a good thing, but it sure is here! What a transformation since my last visit.

Looked after from arrival until departure in this brilliantly run family hotel, which is a place very close to my heart. Service, atmosphere, food all superb.

We cant wait to come back "home" to The Dowans". See you all soon, keep up the great work. Without a doubt THE best hotel on the Spey. ��

Can't say enough about how much I LOVE this hotel!! It's incredible. The food is spectacular and the family who runs is are amazing and so is the rest of the staff.

Beautiful hotel with lovely views. Recommend their cocktail bar which had lots to choose from. Food at dinner and breakfast was great. We’ll definitely stay here again in the future.

Back for a flying visit for the first time in 6 years.

Wow what a transformation, well done everyone and thanks for you're hospitality 👍

An absolutely stunning hotel to stay at when you visit the Speyside Whisky Distilleries. Family owned and run hotel that they refurbished with a real attention to detail, I will tell all my friends and colleagues to stay there when they next visit. Congratulations the Murray family your hotel is � ����



Mike & Kriss Douglas ���

The staff was very nice. Place is clean and the bed was very comfortable. Only complaint is the no tub in room, but I made it work.

Our daughter Laura took us out for an evening meal, never been before. Staff were all friendly and attentive on arriving. Took our drink order and food order and within 15-20 mins took us through to the restaurant. Meal was well presented and tasty couldn't find any fault. Overall really nice Hotel.

We had a grand day with you to celebrate the royal wedding. Thanks to you all, for your outstanding hospitality.

Thank you to the manager and staff for the lovely meal we had for my son’s 21st. The cake made by the in house chef was a masterpiece, and was delivered by the owner who is a credit to the hotel. She made us feel so welcome and valued. The food was lovely and very well presented. We will definitely be back.

Superb rooms, excellent food and fantastic service from all management and staff. I love it �

My wife, daughter and I had dinner here yesterday, and like all other posts saw, was really really lovely food, view and blessed with great evening, will be back for sure

Thanks

My husband and I had lunch here today. This was our first visit and absolutely won't be our last!! From the moment we arrived until we left we were made so welcome from lovely happy helpful staff. Our lunch was simply scrumptious as were the cocktails. Will be back soon.

I cannot speak more highly of this absolute gem of a hotel. A historic house with stories of whisky, war tales and playing its part in supporting the community; great great food which was truly fantastic; a warm and welcoming bar and whisky room; modern and snug bedrooms with stunning views; and a staff team who are knowledgeable, helpful and attentive.



What more could you want? Whether it is for whisky tours; hunting, shooting and fishing; or just a wee relaxing break- Dowans Hotel must be on your list. No better Scottish hotel in magnificent Moray.

Great hotel, great roooms....warm and friendly environment. The food is great and there is a great variety of single malts from all around the world. The highlight of this hotel though is the family that owns and runs it which made all my visits an unforgettable experince!

From the moment we arrived we felt welcomed and at a quaint country home visiting friends. The hotel is owned and operated by a charismatic family.

The room was spacious and decorated with great taste and appointments. Breakfast and dinner were delicious and served promptly, properly prepared and at the correct temperature. I highly recommend The Dowan’s Hotel when visiting Scotland’s Highlands and the World Class Whisky Distilleries of the area..

First visit to The Dowans today on Emily Ellis’ recommendation-it won’t be our last- just had a cocktail which was beautifully presented,tasted gorgeous-wish we could have stayed for lunch-but had other plans ,so cannot wait to go back.

Fantastic food sitting on the Terrace service excellent staff friendly and knowledgeable highly recommended be back soon

Excellent place, very nice with food to match!! Highly recommend!!

Excellent meal,great service and staff were polite and helpful,especially when our son was a fussy eater!! Beautiful hotel.

Change isnt always a good thing, but it sure is here! What a transformation since my last visit.

Looked after from arrival until departure in this brilliantly run family hotel, which is a place very close to my heart. Service, atmosphere, food all superb.

We cant wait to come back "home" to The Dowans". See you all soon, keep up the great work. Without a doubt THE best hotel on the Spey. ��

Can't say enough about how much I LOVE this hotel!! It's incredible. The food is spectacular and the family who runs is are amazing and so is the rest of the staff.

Beautiful hotel with lovely views. Recommend their cocktail bar which had lots to choose from. Food at dinner and breakfast was great. We’ll definitely stay here again in the future.

Back for a flying visit for the first time in 6 years.

Wow what a transformation, well done everyone and thanks for you're hospitality 👍

An absolutely stunning hotel to stay at when you visit the Speyside Whisky Distilleries. Family owned and run hotel that they refurbished with a real attention to detail, I will tell all my friends and colleagues to stay there when they next visit. Congratulations the Murray family your hotel is � ����



Mike & Kriss Douglas ���

The staff was very nice. Place is clean and the bed was very comfortable. Only complaint is the no tub in room, but I made it work.

Our daughter Laura took us out for an evening meal, never been before. Staff were all friendly and attentive on arriving. Took our drink order and food order and within 15-20 mins took us through to the restaurant. Meal was well presented and tasty couldn't find any fault. Overall really nice Hotel.