I think this must have been our 4th or 5th stay at the Anderson. I had booked by phone about 4 weeks prior to our stay but, on arrival, found that the booking hadn't been made. Not to worry, Jim soon sorted us out with a twin room. He was his usual friendly self and made us feel welcome and at home.
Room 10 was quite small but fine for the two of us - with a fantastice view of the cathedral. After a couple of Belgian beers, we had a lovely meal - so much choice, it makes it very difficult to decide what to have. Unfortunately, after an early start that day (we'd arrived straight from work), a few beers and food, we were so tired we ended up having an early night. The breakfast was excellent as usual and Jim as cheery as ever, despite what must have been a late night.
Can't wait for our next visit.

There was one thing wrong with our stay - that we had only booked one night! I can't praise The Anderson enough. What a special place.

We arrived to see a board outside congratulating Anne, the Chef, on her recent national award. On entering the hotel we were overwhelmed by the lovely smell of a large vase of lilies. Vases of flowers were liberally placed throughout the building. An eclectic mix of furniture, pictures and nick-nacks adorn every room. We were warmly welcomed and shown to our small but cosy room. On coming back downstairs we were welcomed by Jim, the proprietor as if were family members, which was really nice. As soon as possible we settled ourselves for the evening in the welcoming surroundings of the smaller of the two bars, in front of a log burning stove, and started making inroads into the selection of 100-ish Belgian beers, some of which I haven't seen outside Belgium itself. The evening was pleasantly spent chatting to the very friendly bar staff and other guests, trying to limit ourselves to a small selection of beers and realising why Anne had won her award, as we indulged in her wonderful food. Of particular note was her home made Chai Tea ice cream. As well as the Belgian beers, there were over 200 whiskies, a choice selection of wines and some real ales. This is not a place to ask for a pint of Stella or Carling!

After a peaceful night we had a great breakfast in the exquisite dining room, sad that we would be leaving so soon.

It may seem as if I am being over-generous about the hotel, but this really does reflect the lovely stay we had here. Talikng to Jim you soon realise that it is run by a man who is passionate about the place and doesn't compromise on what he thinks makes a good hotel or bar. You also only have to look at the menu to see what attention to detail there is in the kitchen - even to roasting their own coffee. In the public bar there was a notice saying "If we don't have what you drink, drink what we have" and I'd fully endorse that. If you aren't familiar with the drinks, ask for some advice and go for it!

Possibly my favourite holiday ever. It is a small and friendly hotel and pub in the picturesque Black Isle.

We ate dinner in the hotel four nights out of the five we stayed there, because it was so tempting. The menu featured restaurant quality dishes made with fresh local produce. We found the hotel through CAMRA's Good Beer Guide, so it was not surprising that they had a fine range of Scottish, English and Belgian beers; we also enjoyed some tasting trays of whiskies.

Breakfasts were also good, with a choice of 'Scottish', 'English' or 'American', or a la carte. (The proprietor Jim Anderson is an expatriate American).

To entertain ourselves while we were there, we took some walks along the beach to the next village, Rosemarkie, and on footpaths around the area. Other than that, we were glad we had rented a car because other attractions were further away. Inverness and Loch Ness were a short drive away - we took a cruise on the Loch. We also visited Glen Ord Distillery and the Black Isle Brewery which were both quite close.

Overall it was a relaxing visit, and we were well looked after by Jim and his staff.

We stayed at the Anderson for a few days at the beginning of September in room 1 with a four poster bed. At £85 per room per night (inc breakfast) the price was fair. The room was clean and the bathroom included a huge bath and nice double shower.

The whole is place furnished in an 'olde worlde' style and it is fair to say that this is keeping with what is a very old building.

The evening meals were splendid - the restaurant was very popular and this gave it a vibrancy which was complemented by some very fine food. We ate there for 4 consecutive evenings and I can tell you the food served here is as good as you will get anywhere.

Well done Jim & Anne !