The Winking Owl, Craft Ale Pub & Bar Reviews Summary

Food Quality

Pros:

• "They were awesome. We had the steak and maybe the best ever. They staff were fantastic."
• "Opted for haggis pakora as a starter and wasn't disappointed, the portion was a good size considering the cost."
• "Food quality and table service staff were both excellent and genuinely couldn't have been better."
• "The pie in particular was brilliant. It looked small at first, but it was packed full of beef and left you full at the end."
• "Fantastic food. Had two starters as it was lunchtime. Cullen Skink - beware the HUGE plateful of delicious soup."
• "The food was just lovely; the staff were so good to us all; nothing was a bother."
• "The food its self was excellent (even chicken that tasted like chicken used to do) and ample."

Cons:

• "I ordered the veggie burger which was really dry for my taste."
• "The food tastes like it was reheated after taking out of a Tesco/ASDA packed food section."
• "The food we had last night was appalling, I had 'steak pie' and it was like a tin of mush, I didn’t eat any of it."
• "The food came in good time but there wasn't a great deal off it for what we paid."
• "The steak was so tough i couldn't eat it, there was barely any mash."
• "The calamari was chewy, the steak pie tasteless."
• "Food was poor and prices way to high."

Service

Pros:

• "Staff are always so friendly and down to earth."
• "The service is good with friendly and helpful staff, especially with a man and his young daughter close to us."
• "Very nice service and friendly staff."
• "Visited twice over a 3 day visit. Great atmosphere.. really friendly staff and locals."
• "The staff are incredibly friendly."
• "The staff were really friendly and helpful."
• "Very friendly and accommodating staff."

Cons:

• "Felt unwelcome here. Went for a couple of pints and to see the live band, but staff rudely ordered us to move to allow the band in."
• "Won't be returning here anytime soon, very poor customer service."
• "Poor communication and organisation. We made a reservation for 10 people at a time negotiated to suit The Winking Owl due it being a busy period and to us being a large party. Unfortunately when we arrived, we were told we hadn't actually reserved and that food service had ended."
• "We tried to eat here but chose to leave after experiencing the rather rude waiter."
• "Waiting staff were useless and not helpful."
• "The waitress who served us did not inform us in advance of the dishes which were not available."
• "The service was slow and the waitresses were inattentive to our needs."

Atmosphere

Pros:

• "The place was very busy and noisy (Nice change Post covid) smashing view across the cairngorn mts."
• "A good night out for both Drink & Food. The 'owl' is where you will find a lively atmosphere and music to suit everyone from live bands to disco and a thriving 'nightclub' downstairs you can dance the night away."
• "Fast forward to a superb restaurant and great bar with superb local live music at the weekends."
• "GREAT place to stop along our road trip and loved the town."
• "Such a great place. The bothy bar downstairs has live music on Fridays and Saturdays and has a real bothy vibe."
• "This is everything a pub should be. Roaring fire, great selection of beers and whiskey, cosy and characterful."
• "Cracking atmosphere."

Cons:

• "If it's a refined quiet drink you're looking for then this isn't the place for you."
• "The decorations are tired."
• "Atmosphere is a bit average but it looks like some renovation work is ongoing/planned."
• "Most unfriendly pub in Aviemore!"
• "Not a nice experience at all the staff were very unhelpful made us feel awkward we will not be back."
• "The decor was rather outdated and the whole place is decorated with paintings of slightly creepy sheep."
• "The Bothy bar downstairs is lacking in atmosphere too."

Dog-Friendly

Pros:

• "Amazing doggie roast! Our dog was in heaven and licked the bowl clean!!"
• "Very dog friendly. Great food & drinks."
• "Booked a table for my partner and I and was told it was ok to bring our dog."
• "The dog was spoilt with a doggie roast."
• "Doesn't get more dog friendly than this!"
• "Super dog friendly making for an inclusive experience."
• "All dog friendly which is a big bonus when you're up for a walking holiday with your furry friend."

Cons:

• "4 stars because they said dogs weren't welcome, then a couple walked in with a dog and it was all fine."
• "Went in for lunch an told area that accepts dogs is downstairs... Basically we were made to feel very unwelcome but downstairs only. Would not return."
• "Let down by getting verbally abused by the restaurant staff on our night out in aviemore."
• "Served ale in plastic glasses because we decided to sit outside, won't be going back."
• "Happy firstly to see that this place was dog friendly."
• "Went there for an afternoon in the sun and a drink and packet of crisps, was told had to scan a square thingy on the table outside to order. Was far too complicated and we were only able to order drinks even though staff member told us we could order crisps too. Gave up and went elsewhere."
• "Service absolutely shocking so ended up leaving, wasn’t even that busy."