The But n Ben Auchmithie; Smokie Pancakes & Coastal Charm on the Arbroath Smokie Trail
Tucked at the end of a winding cliffside trail in the sleepy village of Auchmithie, The But n Ben is the kind of place that feels like a reward for making the journey. With its whitewashed walls, hearty plates, and local banter, this wee restaurant is a hidden gem on the Arbroath Smokie Trail. Whether you’re craving a legendary Smokie Pancake or just a moment to pause and soak in the seaside calm, The But n Ben delivers comfort, character, and cracking good food.
The Arbroath Smokie Trail is a deliciously scenic wander through Angus’s coastal heritage, where the scent of smoked haddock clings to the sea air like a well-loved jumper. Starting at the Signal Tower Museum and winding past working harbours, cliffside paths, and the charming village of Auchmithie, this self-guided route celebrates the iconic Arbroath Smokie, a PGI-protected delicacy born from salt, smoke, and seaside grit. With benches for breathers, podcasts for storytelling, and plenty of places to grab a Smokie Pancake or fish supper, it’s not just a walk, it’s a feast for the senses and a love letter to local tradition. Read more about the Arbroath Smokie Trail here
Auchmithie might be the end of the road on the Arbroath Smokie Trail and it genuinely is the end of the road as it’s a one road kinda town, with the same road used to head on in as you do out; but believe me, if there is one road you should travel down whilst in Angus, this is it; for this is home to one of the best wee restaurants in Angus, the But n Ben.
Why Auchmithie Is Worth the Detour: End of the Road, Start of the Feast
Quietly sitting amongst the row of white washed houses, this inconspicuous eatery, houses a delightful cheery restaurant used by locals and visitors alike. There’s no airs and graces here, just warm friendly banter from the servers and owner and some decent plates of food.
Auchmithie is the last stop on the Arbroath Smokie Trail - a five stop walking trail from Arbroath along the Cliffs to Auchmithie with great places to eat and drink on the way. Read all about it here.
After a few hours of walking, I knew the food reward had to be something where the smokie took centre stage and so there was only one thing I could order - the Arbroath Smokie Pancake!
The Famous Smokie Pancake: A Creamy, Smoky Showstopper
If you’ve never had a Smokie Pancake, let me introduce you to the dish that made me pause mid-bite and whisper, “Oh my days.” The Famous But n Ben Smokie Pancake (£14.95) is legendary for good reason. Imagine a pillowy, savoury pancake, light as a cloud but sturdy enough to cradle generous flakes of Arbroath smoked haddock. It’s then drenched in a double cream sauce so smoky and indulgent it should come with a warning: do not leave a single drop behind.
And here’s a pro tip from me to you, order a side of chips. Not for snacking. Not for sharing. But for the sacred task of mopping up every last smidgen of that sauce. The dish also comes with a trio of sides: buttery potatoes, sweet carrots, and broccoli that’s been cooked just right, not a soggy stem in sight.
Mr Tartanspoon went classic with the Fish n Chips (£13.95) - sizeable haddock fillet in batter. The batter was a touch underdone, but honestly, we were so mesmerised by the pancake that it barely registered. The table was groaning with food, and we left full, happy, and already plotting our return.
Traditional Dishes & Local Favourites: From Mince & Tatties to Lobster
The menu reads like a love letter to Scottish comfort food. Think Mince, Tatties and Skirlie; Lamb’s Liver in a tomato and garlic sauce; and retro delights like Melon Balls with Port or Ginger Wine. Fancy something fancier? They’ve got Lobster and Steak too, plus plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options that don’t feel like an afterthought.
But it’s not just the food that makes The But n Ben special, it’s the atmosphere. I spent my Wednesday afternoon nestled in a cosy corner, eavesdropping on local gossip and chuckling at tales of speckled blue egg deliveries. The vibe was relaxed, welcoming, and full of gentle chatter as diners debated dessert or settled for a post-lunch coffee.
At around 2pm, the world outside seemed to pause. No emails. No deadlines. Just me, my Smokie Pancake, and the comforting hum of a village that knows how to do lunch right.
If you’re planning a coastal ramble or simply seeking a soulful spot for lunch, make sure The But n Ben is on your Angus itinerary. From the famous Smokie Pancake to the gossip over speckled blue eggs, it’s a place that feeds your belly and your spirit. Book ahead, bring your appetite, and let the world slow down for a while. You can find more details on The But n Ben’s official website.
The But n Ben Restaurant, No 1, Auchmithie, DD11 5SQ. Tel : 01241 877223 www.thebutnben.com
My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10
I was invited by Visit Angus to review the But n Ben Restaurant. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.
But n Ben Auchmithie, Arbroath Smokie Pancake, Angus coastal restaurants, Arbroath Smokie Trail, Scottish food in Angus, Smokie Trail restaurants, Arbroath food and drink, Angus seafood, Scottish coastal dining, Auchmithie village restaurant, Visit Angus eateries
