Great Food , fine wines… even a bed for the night. Kilspindie offers the complete package

Kilspindie House is a well-known landmark in the picturesque village of Aberlady where it is home to not only one but three award-winning attractions - a restaurant with a long-standing reputation for fine dining, a bar/bistro, and 23 en suite bedrooms that cater for Bed & Breakfast accommodation.

Edinburgh, opened in 1991 when Malcolm left the Royal Marines. Having established an international reputation for food-driven menus and fine wines and made it into almost all the major wine lists and guide books – including the Michelin Guide - Malcolm took over a very tired Kilspindie House in 2004 and followed the same winning format when he opened Ducks restaurant in Aberlady and later, Donald’s bar/bistro (Donalds’s named after Malcolm’s father, Dr Donald Duck). Unsatisfied with having to divide his focus and energies between the two, the Edinburgh restaurant closed in 2009 – the same time Ducks in Aberlady moved into revamped premises within what had been a function area, enabling Donald’s bar/bistro to take its place.

The two eateries complement each other beautifully. Donald’s serves food all day, along with real ale, around 60 malt whiskies and Ducks’ wine list, which has a worldwide reputation. Perfect for a relaxed and informal meal or a pint and soup and a sandwich after a walk on the beach, the menu is full of hearty unpretentious food using the very best fresh produce, much of it from local suppliers. Being so close to the coast, it’s no surprise to find fish and seafood dominating the menu. Favourites include chowder, mussels, fish and chips, langoustine, lobster, monkfish, sardines, black back bream – but also beef, lamb, liver and bacon – even fillet steak matured for 40 days from Buccleuch Estates. There are three outside dining areas for sipping a pimms or a sparkling Italian pink prossecco, and Donald’s has a relaxed, friendly ambiance that welcomes children.

The menu at Ducks and Donalds are in the capable hands of local chef Johnny Dunbar who has an extensive knowledge of local suppliers and Scottish cooking. Johnny and Malcolm share a passion for simplicity and quality.

The dining room sets the scene for an intimate dinner a deux or larger celebration with crisp white linen, comfy leather chairs, and candles – there’s also a cocktail bar and attractive outside patio where pre-dinner drinks can be taken. The seasonal a la carte menu, uses local produce where possible and includes such mouth-watering delights as lamb rump served with dauphinoise potatoes, salsify, creamed primo cabbage, tomato and garlic confit and rosemary jus.

After a wonderful dinner what better than to extend the experience and spend the night? The rooms at Ducks are all en suite (most have a bath and shower) plus flat screen television and free wi-fi. Ducks at Kilspindie House won a three-star rating in 2006 from Visit Scotland in the "Restaurant with Rooms" category,

Last but not least, Ducks is also the perfect venue for a special occasion function or wedding and guests are offered special rates for overnight accommodation if attending a function. . The website www.ducks.co.uk has all the details. The winter party offer is a cracking deal.