Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire
  4. Alford
  5. Alford
The Forbes Arms Hotel, Alford, Aberdeenshire

The Forbes Arms Hotel

4.6
4.6
329 Reviews
£26 to £40
Scottish

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 1 time today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for scenic views
  • Charming
The Forbes Arms boasts a new dining experience, riverside restaurant and outdoor patio area overlooking the River Don and William Minto’s segmental granite arched bridge built in 1811. The original Public Bar retains the historic character while the Lounge Bar and the Snug offer a more relaxing place to eat and drink with luxurious furnishings throughout.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Scottish, Vegetarian / Vegan, Pub
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–1:15 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–7:15 pm
  • Phone number
    01975 562800
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Neighborhood
    Alford
  • Parking details
    Hotel Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 329 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Best Overall

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Best Food

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Best Service

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Best Ambiance

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Best Value

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Good for business meals

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Good for groups

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Healthy

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Neighborhood gem

  • Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire

    Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Forbes Arms Hotel delights with "fantastic service" and "delicious" food in a beautiful riverside setting. The newly refurbished decor adds charm, while the staff are "friendly" and attentive. Despite occasional noise and varying food experiences, many guests praise the "excellent" portions and value, making it a "highly recommended" destination.

329 Reviews
  1. deborah

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a Sunday lunch at the Forbes Arms Hotel in Alford, and it was an absolutely delightful experience. From the moment we walked in, the staff were warm, welcoming, and attentive, ensuring we felt right at home. The service was prompt and friendly, making the whole visit feel incredibly enjoyable. The food was simply beautiful—cooked to perfection, beautifully presented, and bursting with flavour. Every dish was a treat for the senses, and it was clear that only the best ingredients were used. It’s rare to find a place where both the service and the food come together so harmoniously. I highly recommend the Forbes Arms for anyone looking for a fantastic meal in a charming and friendly atmosphere. I can’t wait to return!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Jock and Cindi

    Aberdeen1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic meal once again. The steaks were sensational. Highly recommended.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Sue

    Aberdeen1 review

    3.0

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Starter and sweet good, lamb, fat, chewy and not hot enough. House red excellent. Staff lovely., whole place very comfortable.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Alison

    Inverness3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely atmosphere- welcoming and staff friendly - good selection on menu - nice presentation - will def be back

    Is this helpful?

  5. Lorna

    London1 review

    1.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 1
    Pleasant but inept service. Tough beef and tough, overcooked lamb. Very disappointing, will never go there again.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Audrey

    North Scotland2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A great place to eat staff all very friendly and food 1st class will definitely be back

    Is this helpful?

  7. Peter

    Aberdeen1 review

    4.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Really great food. The resteraunt was very busy with most tables occupied.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Graham

    Inverness2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    1st class service, with excellent food - keep it up as you met our high expectations again!! Plus it was another birthday meal that was served brilliantly by the staff - with a wee special birthday message. Thank you again.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Mark

    London1 review

    4.0

    Dined on February 2, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Went for Sunday lunch with friends. The whole experience was delightful. For me, tempura prawns to start with, followed by traditional roast beef. No room for pudding! Keep up the good work team Forbes.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Annette

    Aberdeen3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A warm welcome & attentive staff. Comfy & cheery dining room. Good choice of food & we enjoyed a tasty lunch.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Forbes Arms Hotel is rated 4.6 stars by 329 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 1 time today
Google Map for The Forbes Arms Hotel

Bridge of Alford, Alford, Aberdeenshire AB33 8QJ

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Alford
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–1:15 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–7:15 pm
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Scottish, Vegetarian / Vegan, Pub
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Hotel Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo