The Gordon Highlander: West High Street, Inverurie

TIME to start with a confession. In 15 years either working or living in and around Inverurie, I’d never set foot inside the art-deco style, 1930s building that’s now home to The Gordon Highlander.

Not in its original guise as the Victoria Cinema. Not when it was reincarnated as Oscars, a bar and nightclub. So, in a selfless act of community-minded generosity it was time to visit.

Value for money is what The Gordon Highlander is all about and it delivered on that front without question.

That’s not to say quality was sacrificed – with my juicy rump steak (£7.35), complete with a flavoursome red wine and mushroom sauce and crunchy onion rings, wonderfully tender and cooked to perfection.

It was part of the Tuesday night Steak Club deal, saving more than £4.

My wife went for the chicken skewers (£5.49), served on a fresh and crisp salad bed and with a spicy piri-piri sauce.

The chicken was well-seasoned and the sauce had a nice kick.

With two kids meals (£3.99 each) – the obligatory chicken bites, as well as the old favourite of sausage and mash – and soft drinks all round, the bill came in at less than £25.

We left with a promise we’ll be back ... but maybe not leaving it so long next time.