Kildrummy Inn, a four-bedroom hotel by Alford, has been crowned Best Hotel Experience at the 2025 Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards – the second consecutive year the family-run inn has taken the region’s top hospitality prize.
Already a triple finalist this year (for Climate Action, Best Eating Experience and Best Hotel Experience), the win cements Kildrummy Inn’s reputation as one of Scotland’s most outstanding destinations for both locals and visitors.
Owned and run by husband-and-wife team David and Sophie Littlewood, aided their children George and Evie in their time away from school and college, the family-run inn blends Aberdeenshire tradition with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy four individually styled bedrooms, a whisky snug, cosy bar, and private dining room, as well as an award-winning restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide.
David Littlewood says,
“We’re absolutely delighted to win Best Hotel Experience for the second year running. To receive this recognition once was incredible, but to achieve it again back-to-back is really special. It shows that our commitment to high standards and warm, personal service is consistent — and it’s a huge honour for our whole team, many of whom live within just a few miles of Kildrummy. This award recognises the passion, dedication and care that goes into every detail – from the food on the plate to the welcome at the door.”
Kildrummy Inn is more than a place to stay — it’s a showcase of Donside’s food, culture and hospitality. Venison is sourced directly from Kildrummy Estate, vegetables and herbs from a Huntly allotment and the inn’s own gardens, while local butchers, cheesemakers and dairies supply much of the menu. Even the bar itself was hand-crafted from upcycled church pews by a local carpenter, with wood panelling and fittings created by Aberdeenshire artisans.
The inn is committed to responsible tourism, with a 35% reduction in food waste in the past year, a switch to fully electric cooking, and a move away from single-use plastics. Heating is powered largely by wood-burning stoves fuelled with windblown logs from the estate.
The inn is also investing in the next generation of local hospitality talent. With both kitchen and front-of-house apprenticeships in place, young people from rural Donside are being given the opportunity to train and build rewarding careers without having to leave the area.
Looking ahead, planning permission has been secured to convert a traditional steading into five new suites, including fully accessible accommodation with adjoining carers’ facilities. A new farm shop and artisan courtyard market are also planned, creating jobs and offering new opportunities for local farmers, makers and artists.
Recent accolades include AA Scottish Inn of the Year 2024 and recognition in the Michelin Guide, where Kildrummy’s traditional haggis, neeps and tatties was awarded Inspectors’ Dish of the Month. The inn also holds a 5 Gold Star AA rating and consistently ranks among the top five restaurants in Aberdeenshire on TripAdvisor.
David Littlewood adds,
“Kildrummy Inn is very much part of the community. From sponsoring the Lonach Gathering to supporting local charities and working with neighbours on conservation of the River Don, we’re proud to play our part in Donside life. To receive this award again is wonderful recognition, and we can’t wait to keep building on this success.”
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Judges said the winning hotel shapes every element of the guest journey with intention and care. In the restaurant, local ingredients are championed and responsible tourism practices are woven into daily operations. During the incognito stay, our judge experienced the warmest of welcomes, a sumptuous room and bathroom, a delicious dinner, the best night’s sleep and a breakfast to remember.
More about Kildrummy Inn can be found at www.kildrummyinn.co.uk.
