Latest reviews from Aberdeen
| 48 /100 Blue Lamp (Bar) 121 GALLOWGATE “Blue Lamp is renowned for it's live music. They have a wee downstairs bar that opens fairly late in the day. Post COVID they once again offer a cask ale (contrary to previous reviews). On my visit it was Orkney Raven. Great condition, especially tasty when paired with a very cheap dram of Glendronach 18. Feels like a hotel bar... Sleeping and laid back most of the time until the pre-gig crowd turn up. Band practice can be commonly heard in the background. Not bad.“ |
| 78 /100 OGV Taproom (Bar) 10 BRIDGE PLACE “Visited August 2023.
Very friendly service, fair prices and good ambiance.
Next one please!“ |
| 82 /100 Craftsman Company (Bar) 2 GUILD STREET “What a popular place. The only seats left were stools by the roast coffee shelves. A good choice of draught beer. Fridge selection could have been a little better, but what they had suited us. Once food service finished it queitened down a bit. We tried almost every beer on the bar and had a pizza in there too, which was very nice. Friendly service.“ |
| 82 /100 Fierce Bar Aberdeen (Bar) 4-6 EXCHEQUER ROW “Located round the back of Brewdog Castlegate. Another not to be missed Aberdeen venue. Yes it was quiet when we were in. Possibly because they didn't serve food, possibly because there was a big sporting event on and they didn't have any TVs. This made it all the better for us though. A reasonable choice of draught beers with various styles and guests too. The fridge selection was good too. We finished Friday night off in there with several rounds both draught & cans.“ |
| 86 /100 8 LITTLEJOHN STREET “It was Saturday afternoon and we hadn't booked. The only tables available were in the front area. The wooden seats were not very comfortable. It was also cold due to the number of delivery drivers turning up to collect take-aways. On the plus side there was a good choice of beer, both on draught and in the fridge. We had several rounds in there. Service was very efficient. A visit is recommended, but make sure you book. (We were told later that the uncomfy seating was going to be rectified soon) Actually our favourite place in Aberdeen.“ |
| 48 /100 CASC (Bar) 7 STIRLING STREET “Visited Sep-23. Yes, they have 28 beers on tap. Great if you like sours/fruit beers as that's what 12 of them were. And only 1 black beer that could be purchased in many other places. And the fridge, well the lack of black beer was apparent there too. We were told it's not the season for black beers. I'm sorry but black beers are not just for Christmas.
This place was also a cigar shop, which were purchased and then smoked on the front patio. The stench of the smoke wafted through the open door and filled the cellar bar. Not pleasant. We had 1 round and left.“ |
| 80 /100 8 LITTLEJOHN STREET “Nice open plan and modern place. Super tap list (24 taps) mostly comprised of unique guest beers. Lots of standard and a few interesting Belgians in bottles and several unique and local guest beers in cans. Plus a few house beers as well. Definitely worth a visit.“ |
| 62 /100 Ma Camerons (Belhaven) (Bar) 6 LITTLE BELMONT STREET “Allegedly the oldest pub in Aberdeen, the snug is certainly worth sitting in. Two cask ales available, one of which was the ever reliable Dark Island. The second best pub I visited in Aberdeen after the Grill Inn.“ |
| 50 /100 6 CROWN STREET “Bog standard boozer, went in as it was on the same street as my hotel. Ales available, my half of a dark mild was fairly unremarkable. Another of these establishments with multiple screens showing sport. Very average.“ |
| 20 /100 Aitchies Ale House (Bar) 10 TRINITY STREET “Avoid if you're coming from the station. Rude barman, no cask ale available and a pair of knuckleheads propping up the bar. No thanks!“ |
| 56 /100 52 CASTLE STREET “A generic foodie type boozer with tourists much in evidence, the high drink prices reflect this. A bit sterile and dull to be honest, the ale I had was fine but I had no desire to linger for any length of time.“ |
| 78 /100 213 UNION STREET “My kind of ale house, totally non descript from the outside, but a proper lived in drinking den when you enter. Three casks on, I had a red ale by Cromarty and a fine beer it was. I would have spent far longer in here but only had the one day in Aberdeen. Definitely recommended.“ |
| 58 /100 7 ST. NICHOLAS LANE “Trad pub that was pleasant enough, although the ale selection was mediocre to say the least. My pint of a ruby ale seemed a bit tired, drinkable but far from exciting. Down a lane off Union Street, ok for a quick stop if you're nearby.“ |
| 36 /100 College Bar (PBDevco) (Bar) 9 ALFORD PLACE “Another venue, which I'm not sure belongs on RB, but hey ho. An evening type bar located at the very top of Union St. Has gone through a refurb since COVID times. Only real thing of note is 3 permanent Beavertown keg lines (Bones, Gamma Ray & Neck Oil). Service and decor are absolutely fine, loads of football on the screens during my visit. Absolutely not a place to go ticking new beer, but there are worse places out there.“ |
| 52 /100 504 UNION STREET “Located up the very top end of Union Street. Important to note that this doesn't open during the day, but only from 4pm during the week. Actually quite a big place once you get through to the back. Owned by McGintys group, which owne several years establishments in town. They offer a few craft kegs from Fierce and the like. Importantly they have up to 3 cask ales on offer (unfortunately not a common sight in Aberdeen). The cask selection is far from exciting tbh, but usually has Orkney, Stewart and the like. Service and food is pretty average. Fair.“ |
| 20 /100 Pittodrie Bar (Belhaven) (Bar) 337-339 KING STREET “I wouldn't have personally added this place as it has no beer worth drinking. Affectionately known as "the Pit". As previous reviewers have said this bar is classified as a heritage bar by CAMRA mostly due to the collection of mirrors of several now-defunct Scottish breweries. The central bar island is kinda unique also. Beer-wise it's a hot mess. Not sure there was anything vaguely considered craft or even one ale. Opted for what has to be the fizziest half pint in Aberdeen - Heineken silver. Football blaring from every orifice of this place. I see no need to return.“ |
| 70 /100 OGV Taproom (Bar) 10 BRIDGE PLACE “A random concept for sure. It's a taproom for the ogv brewery, which is actually an oil & gas news site who expanded into beer. Pretty sure it is (mostly) brewed at Burnside brewing. It's located just off bridge Street, next to a discotheque (previously the
Infamous Liquid). No expense spared. This is a large venue with pretty cool oily industry themed decor. Beer list has varied quite a bit on my visits, but usually on tap around 6 of their beers and 3ish guests. Bottle / can selection is actually quite extensive and eclectic. Good prices and service each time I've visited. Only thing I would say is they are a bit lax on their opening hours and I have turned up a few times to find it not open yet. I would say a worthy stop if you are interested in ticking off some of their beers.“ |
| 68 /100 Authentic Romanian Shop (Grocery Store) 427 GEORGE STREET “Located up George as one might expect for an Eastern European emporium. This place is a cut above your standard shop of its type. They go out of their way to source Romanian food and drink. First heard about it though their Facebook page in which they photograph all their new products when they arrive. Beer is located in the fridge on the left as you enter and behind the country. They have about 30 Romanian offerings, pretty much all new to me, as well as a few ciders, radlers and Romanian wine and spirits (available in growlers!). Super nice proprietor. If ticking off niche Eastern European lagers and radlers is your thang, this is for you. I will return.“ |
| 72 /100 Rosemount Market (Grocery Store) 217-219 ROSEMOUNT PLACE “A lovely little refillery up in Rosemount. I have been coming for a while, but mostly for baked goods from Bandit & sourcloud and coffee beans. They have a very well curated double fridge of beer, cider, tinned cocktails & fruit wine at the back left corner. Focus is on local stuff (Fierce, 6DN & Brewtoon) as well as new offerings from vault city and verdant. Picked up a can of some hype juice (Puttty) on my last visit. Check out their Instagram for new beer drops. Not a beer store, but worth a visit if you are in this part of town.“ |
| 82 /100 OGV Taproom (Bar) 10 BRIDGE PLACE “A new taproom in Aberdeen since my last visit back in 2018! This place is like two in one; The Podium, the main events room with a standing capacity for an audience of 450, and The Taproom, the craft beer and cocktail bar. I visited The Taproom but had a brief look in the Podium were an art and handicraft sales fare was held. Rather large taproom with a covered patio in front, a nice bar and varied seating. Shuffle board, pool table and arcade games available. Beer themed interior in the restrooms, you will understand when you visit. Extremely friendly and knowledgeable service provided by the young man at work this afternoon. Free taster of all their own beers and he recommended some limited edition OGV bottles from the fridge for takeaway. Nice! Beer flights available and a beer wall were you can pour beers yourself. Read "How to use the beer wall" to find out how it works. I enjoyed my stay. (Visited November 5th 2022)“ |
| 74 /100 Brewdog Union Square (Restaurant) UNION SQUARE “Not bad to find a craft beer bar in a big mall! Pizza and beer for me. This BrewDog is like a decent fast food restaurant but with a large bar and a sitting area or tribune with seat cushions on the right side. Also a more comfy sofa near the entrance. See beer menu on Untappd. (Visited November 5th and 6th 2022 with my wife)“ |
| 66 /100 Rosemount Market (Grocery Store) 217-219 ROSEMOUNT PLACE “A strange store, it's like a grocery, refill & lifestyle store with local beers and ciders. I was surprised to see two bootles from both Easterton Cider and Wee Scottish Cider Company in the fridge. Another Scottish cheddar was added to my bill. (Visited November 5th 2022)“ |
| 66 /100 Fountainhall Wines (Aberdeen) (Beer Store) 29 FOUNTAINHALL RD “Decent beer selection but the local ciders was what I was looking for. I found two from Easterton Cider. Nice! Very friendly service. (Visited November 5th 2022)“ |
| 52 /100 Wine Raks (Swithin Street) (Beer Store) 8 SAINT SWITHIN STREET “Not really worth a long trek from the city center, but a nice neighbourhood bottle shop. Decent selection Belgian beers, but rather standard and easy to find beers. (Visited November 5th 2022)“ |
| 66 /100 JK Fine Foods (Grocery Store) 16 CHATTAN PLACE “After breakfast I went for a long walk in the western parts of Aberdeen. JK Fine Foods was my first stop. A really nice and classy deli store. I was looking for a bottle local cider and was happy to find "Wee Scottish Cider Company Seidear Flask" Decent beer selection too but nothing I had to put in my backpack. Well, I just had to purchase an exclusive Scottish Cheddar. (Visited November 5th 2022)“ |
| 80 /100 Fierce Bar Aberdeen (Bar) 4-6 EXCHEQUER ROW “I was looking forward to finally visit Fierce taproom in Aberdeen. Unfortunately for me as a Norwegian, there was an Amundsen tap takeover! I guess this was exciting for the local crowd, but not for me. But, there were still nine draught beers from Fierce available. All beers from the tap list is served as 1/3 pint. Rather crowded a late Friday evening but very efficient and friendly service. Simple interior and modern craft beer vibes. The movie "Face Off" shown on the big screen. A nice stop after visiting BrewDog nearby. (Visited November 4th 2022 with my wife)“ |
| 78 /100 8 LITTLEJOHN STREET “Good place with a good selection of beers, both local and Belgian.“ |
| 54 /100 BrewDog Castlegate (Bar) 5-9 UNION STREET “The taplist wasn't very inspiring, with mostly core range Brewdog which I can get at home as well. Didn't notice the beers in the fridge until later, since they are not on the menu and staff didn't point this out. Too bad, because that's where the fun's at, but we noticed too late :(“ |
| 46 /100 213 UNION STREET “They have a few beers on tap, but that's it. Won't recommend this for the beer. They do sport an amazing whisky selection though, with over 200 single malts if I remember correctly. In general a nice pub and good service. So, worth a visit, just not for the beer.“ |
| 30 /100 504 UNION STREET “Not really a ratebeer-worthy spot, but they did have a couple of "interesting" beers. Food wasn't very inspiring. There are a lot of better places in Aberdeen to have a beer / whisky / dinner / whatever.“ |
| 84 /100 CASC (Bar) 7 STIRLING STREET “This was the place we've been looking for on our trip through Scotland: 28 beers on tap, all from Scottish brewers, an extensive bottle list as well, with some rare finds as BA Struisse. On top of that they have over 300 whisky's, also sporting some rarer bottlings. Staff is very knowledgable and kind, helping where needed to pick something out of the huge selection. If I would have to name some downsides it would be the kind of generic (but still nice and cozy) interior and the prices are a little on the higher end of the spectrum. But overall, great place, not to miss while in Aberdeen.“ |
| 78 /100 7 ST. NICHOLAS LANE “Great pub atmosphere, food and super attentive friendly service gets high marks from me independent of the beer selection. Pretty typical old style pub keg and cask beers but a couple of modern craft IPA on the keg list.“ |
| 72 /100 Brewdog Union Square (Restaurant) UNION SQUARE “Bigger and busier Brewdog location in Union Square mall. On top floor. Pretty much same as other locations though busier and therefore service is not as good. Mostly Brewdog beers on tap with a couple more guest beers than other locations. Guest beers all seem to be collabs though… Smaller take away bottle/can selection than other locations.“ |
| 66 /100 CASC (Bar) 7 STIRLING STREET “A cellar type bar hidden off the street with a small street level patio. Tap list is worldwide include Belgian Trappist and German weizens plus several UK breweries currently a small bottle selection of cellared beers (big and sours). Bread cheese and meat plates.“ |
| 74 /100 BrewDog Aberdeen (Bar) 17 GALLOWGATE “Small for a Brewdog. Booths and tables. Pretty standard taps with a few guests taps and a small bottle/can selection. Just snacks and charcuterie. Good, but Brewdog Castlegate may be a better choice“ |
| 76 /100 BrewDog Castlegate (Bar) 5-9 UNION STREET “Nice place a short walk from Union Square. Wood and stone but still very Brewdog. Mostly Brewdog on tap with four guests. A couple of nice stout on tap this visit“ |
| 78 /100 Fierce Bar Aberdeen (Bar) 4-6 EXCHEQUER ROW “Nice cozy modern bar located a short walk from train station. Good selection of Fierce beers plus a couple of guest taps. Definitely worth a stop“ |
| 72 /100 213 UNION STREET “Visited years ago, but as the latest reviews say ,I think the Grill its still similar ... single room pub with dark wood and small selection of 5/6 hand pumps with not big fantasy ... the selection of whisky is absolutely fantastic.. I hope for the ladies they changed their toilet ;)“ |
| 76 /100 Brewdog Union Square (Restaurant) UNION SQUARE “april 19“ |
| 80 /100 BrewDog Castlegate (Bar) 5-9 UNION STREET “april 19“ |
| 100 /100 BrewDog Aberdeen (Bar) 17 GALLOWGATE “Great location“ |
| 80 /100 Bobbin (Stonegate) (Bar) 500 KING STREET “do keep in mind this is a student bar, staff and customers are really friendly, nice place to have a couple of pints after class or work. food is good, nothing special but does the job nicely. 25p pancakes on tuesdays and 25p chicken wings on wendsdays are amazing.“ |
| 68 /100 Aitchies Ale House (Bar) 10 TRINITY STREET “Aitchie's Ale House is a bit of an Aberdeen institution. It is located right by the train station and offers refreshment for weary travellers from early morning though eve. Feels like it should be rougher around the edges given the harbourside location and the fact that it is a favourite with proper boozers and stag dos, but it just isn't. Traditional and well-kept. Very good service and a well maintained bar. Winner of the best pint of Tennents in Scotland in the 90s apparently. Anyhow I digress.... they offer a very well kept permanent cask tap of Dark Island and Beer Story on Keg, as well as a couple of their offerings in cans / bottles. Food is scampy fries and pies/bridies. Not really a beer scoopers go-to, but a worthwhile visit nonetheless.“ |
| 76 /100 Brewdog Union Square (Restaurant) UNION SQUARE “Brewdog's first foray into the shopping centre market! Sounds odd, but it is in a great location. Upstairs in Union Square shopping centre, which is perfect for the train or bus station. It is set up more like a restaurant with staff welcoming you at the door and finding you a table, although there is some "casual" seating on the right near the bar. Typical identikit BD interior. Manager here is super friendly and always has a chat. Good service. There are 20ish taps with a 50:50 mix of BD to guests. Has good rotation due to busy central location. Fridges to drink in or to go are located right at the back near the kitchen. Offers something a bit different to the other BD bars in town in a very hand location. Decent.“ |
| 84 /100 Brewdog Union Square (Restaurant) UNION SQUARE “Food led Brewdog bar in the Union Square shopping centre. Handy for the main railway station. It's a big space with a mixture of booths & tables, with table service for both food and drinks. 20+ keg lines, the usual mix of Brewdog's own beers plus guests. Super friendly staff, if anyone ever thought that a bar in a shopping centre wouldn't work this is proof that it does“ |
