The Feughside Inn: South Deeside Road, Strachan

IT’S OFFICIAL ... I’m getting old. At the tender age of just 19 (okay, 26), I’m all set for the pipe and slippers.

The end is nigh, and I’ll tell you for why – my fiancee and I went on a Sunday drive out Deeside way. And it was my idea.

Terrible I know, but some comfort can be gained from the little gem we stumbled across on the road.

We needed some food, so we stopped at this heaving pub with a cracking view on to a shimmering river in the sun. After eventually getting a seat, we opted to just skip the starters and head for the main courses. Not wanting to change my ways (another sign of old age), I went for the good old steak pie (£8.90).

What. A. Portion. The plate – which was about the size of one of my dad’s old LPs – was just filled to brim with pie, and what lovely pie it was. Tender meat with a flaky pastry and a nice, boozy Guinness gravy. Lush.

The future wife’s plate was just laden with scampi and chips (£9.20), and there was no room for the fresh, fruity salad.

The chunky pieces had a nice fishy taste and were encased in a lovely crispy batter. The meal certainly drew mumbles of approval from across the table, anyway!

Along with a couple of drinks (not the old person’s favourite sherry I hasten to add), the total bill was £21.10.