Great Wall

Set in the heart of Alford, a friendly market town tucked into rural Aberdeenshire's Donside, Great Wall is a long-standing Chinese restaurant and takeaway that locals turn to for a reliable midweek treat. It rates a solid 4 out of 5 on Google, with diners praising the generous portions and quick, cheerful service whether you eat in or carry your supper home.

The kitchen works through the familiar Cantonese repertoire, from crispy spring rolls and sizzling beef in black bean sauce to big bowls of egg fried rice, alongside crowd-pleasers such as Sweet and Sour Chicken that travel well on the short trip back through the village. It is an unfussy, good-value spot rather than a fancy night out, popular with families and anyone after a hot, filling Chinese fix without a drive into the city. Vegetarians will find plenty to pick from, and the staff are happy to tweak the heat or talk you through the menu if you are not sure what to order.