The Grouse & Claret - old school cooking and country comfort done properly

Between Kinross and Balado, tucked just off the M90 along a potholed private road, sits The Grouse & Claret. Opened in 1992 by Vicky and David FuTong, it’s a restaurant that has held its ground for more than three decades by serving classic dishes with the occasional Asian flourish.

Set among meadows and lochans, the place feels almost suspended in time. We arrive on the first crisp, sunny day after what feels like weeks of relentless rain; snow still clings to the distant hills. The dining room — a conservatory flooded with light — is bright with vases of daffodils on linen‑clothed tables. Spring feels imminent, and so does good food.

We’re here to celebrate the birthday of our good friend, ‘The Dowager’, joined by her daughter. Bread, butter and water arrive promptly from our host Vicky and assistants. Vicky chats to every table, and throughout the meal it’s clear that everyone is being properly looked after.

Three of our party order the restaurant’s signature Cheese Soufflé. It’s exactly what a cheese soufflé should be: unapologetically cheesy, deeply comforting, and perfect with a chilled bottle of Whispering Angel.

Portions at The Grouse & Claret are generous. My fillet of Sea Bass is far larger than the flimsy supermarket cuts we’ve all become used to — this is a proper slab of fish, skin crisped beautifully, served with roast onion, potatoes, tenderstem and a bright salsa verde. Louise chooses Minute Steak; Mr Bite goes for a Fish Pie packed with haddock, coley and prawns. Vicky and David's sone Daniel is the Executive Chef.

I absolutely do not need dessert, but greed wins and I order the Cranachan. It arrives in a portion that would defeat most people. I finish it without hesitation.

A meal at The Grouse & Claret is always good. It isn’t modern or chasing trends. It’s slightly old‑fashioned, a little country‑French, and entirely generous — the kind of place that knows exactly what it does well and keeps doing it.

The Grouse & Claret: Heatheryford. Kinross, KT13 0NL - 01577 8642112

Open: Lunch: Wed-Sun noon - 2pm.Dinner: Fri & Sat 6.45pm - 9pm.