Broadstraik Inn: Elrick, Aberdeenshire

AFTER a chilly afternoon watching the Christmas lights switch-on, a good feed and a warm-up by a roaring fire were just what we needed.

The Broadstraik is a simple, unfussy pub/restaurant, offering good quality, locally-sourced food at reasonable prices.

To stave the young ones’ hunger pangs, they chose garlic bread (£2.35) and carrot and coriander soup (£2.35) from the children’s menu – which offers some miniature adult meals rather than the standard chicken nugget-style fare.

I plumped for crispy chilli chicken with crispy wontons, wok fried vegetables and rice (£9.95) – generous and tender chicken portions, peppers and baby corn, in a pleasingly sweet sauce with a good chilli kick. The other half quickly demolished eggs Benedict with smoked salmon (£8.95) – a toasted muffin with poached egg, hollandaise sauce and the fish. He reported a nicely-done egg, creamy sauce and lovely salmon, but a portion size probably more suited to a brunch rather than supper for the famished.

The youngsters made short work of a tasty battered haddock and chips (£5.95), and a cheese and tomato French bread pizza and chips (£5.75).