Even though I’ve only been here for 2 years to study, I’ve been to my fair share of food and drink places. So here is a run down on the favourite places I like to frequent whilst in Aberdeen. Grape & Grain This bar boasts an extensive list of gins which I normally order from (Edinburgh Rhubarb and Ginger Gin). Which is infused with champagne, is the ultimate summer drink in this cosy bar in the west end of Aberdeen. Make sure you also try a cocktail here! Very creative and delicious. Flippin’ Cheese This was only a few days old when I first visited and I think they were still finding their feet, due to not being able to serve some items on the menu. However, the setting was relaxing and the amount of cheese stocked by this restaurant was endless. The cheese raclette (half a wheel of cheese) heated up turns into a melty, gooey cheese lovers’ dream, that is scraped off and dropped onto your food. Definitely recommend if you love cheese. Malmaison Hotel I stayed here for 3 nights when I was up for my graduation ceremony and ball. I loved the Scottish theme throughout the hotel. The rooms are a good size and stunning, they felt homely with added luxury. Getting cocktails straight to your room was an added bonus, the breakfast was fresh and offered a good selection and just what I needed after a few heavy nights. The outdoor seating terrace was a nice feature, especially since it was so warm in Aberdeen the few days we were staying. Marcliffe I chose the Marcliffe Hotel to have my graduation dinner at. We were seated at the bar before our meal, where a piano played and small snacks were given with drinks before we were taken through to the main dining hall. A classic, fine dining restaurant, I recommend the Lobster Thermidor and cheese selection, personally introduced by our waiter. It was an excellent experience and great way to celebrate graduating. Chop Bar & Grill at Sandman Hotel Sipping champagne after the graduation ceremony was enjoyed at the Chop Bar & Grill. The reception and photography for the graduation was in this hotel, just around the corner from the theatre where the graduation was held. This bar also had a great cocktail selection and homemade, tasty snacks. Soul Bar
I’ve been here numerous times, to enjoy a cocktail or two with friends and family. It’s great for during the day or late at night, this versatile bar is good to frequent at any time of the day. It does food, drinks and turns into a club at night, and later a casino. Vovem/ 21 Crimes Vovem opened whilst I was studying in Aberdeen, I went first with my dad, then boyfriend for Valentine’s Day. This place is renowned for serving the best steaks and cuts of meat as well as oysters on ice. My boyfriend and I shared a Tomahawk steak which was a fantastic treat, with sides to accompany it. There is a bar at the front of the restaurant, however it seemed quiet when I was first there. However, later we found out from others that there is a secret bar downstairs, and secret door behind the reception called 21 Crimes (named after crimes committed and laws made in Britain) in the 1920’s, essentially this bar is a speakeasy. The passkey to get into the bar is released each weekend on their social media for a limited time, then deleted. Then, you must state to a member of staff in Vovem, ‘I have a confession to make….and say the passkey.’ After eventually making it in because it is quite small yet so busy, the atmosphere and interior is a vintage theme from seating to the glasses used to serve drinks in, it was definitely a different experience. Although this is a novelty, it screams exclusivity. The Spiritualist Going to familiar places in Aberdeen, reminded me of home because there is a spiritualist in Glasgow. I was here for a spontaneous night out with friends that led to a lot of food and Pornstar Martini trees. The next time, I booked for celebrating the hand in of our dissertations. Both times I enjoyed thoroughly. Cup I went here to catch up with friends in a a cute café that features Alice in Wonderland as the theme. The café offers Afternoon Tea, homemade cakes and an array of different teas and hot drinks. They off a Breakfast Nutella overload, for the lovers of the chocolatey spread. I particularly like the red velvet cake and iced tea, served in a jar with ice, is the most refreshing drink. It’s usually really busy however the staff always manage to squeeze you in. Even though you could probably find one of these in most cities, I also love Topolabamba for a taco and margarita, as well as YO! Sushi for some raw fish and mochi.