Aberdeen for Foodies

Whilst many travellers come to Aberdeen on business or to visit the Castle and Whisky trails in the region, the Granite City has become home to some real foodie gems in recent years. From all day breakfasts, to light lunches, champagne and afternoon teas through to sumptuous fine dining, sophisticated cocktails and late night bar snacks, this city has it covered. Classes provide the opportunity to brush up your skills, specialist shops offer foodie goodies to take home and farmers markets showcase the best local produce.

There’s plenty to do within walking distance of the city centre. Stay at Travelodge Aberdeen Central Hotel to be right in the middle of the action and only a couple of minutes’ walk from the bus and train station (with links to the Airport) and 5 minutes from the ferry terminal. You couldn’t be better placed for a bit of retail therapy as it’s also right next to the flagship Union Square shopping centre which is home to a huge selection of shops, a 10 screen cinema and a myriad of dining options from the big chains.

Celebrity chef Nick Nairn’s Cookshool is located in Back Wynd offering quick cook classes where you create your own lunch or evening meal. For the more adventurous opt for a 3 hour class or a whole day. If Chocolate is more your thing Cocoa Ooze offer Chocolate Making workshops at their Belmont Street store or head to The Breadmaker where you can learn how to bake the prefect loaf.

There are plenty of options for coffee, a light lunch or afternoon tea in the city centre. French Patisserie and Macarons at Almondine, Veggie, Gluten Free, Raw and Organic at Food Story. Books and Beans is the ideal spot for bookworms and coffee lovers and the quirky Rosie Thistles Tea Room does a fab afternoon tea. An amazing Chocolate afternoon tea is available at Cup or go boozy while the adults in the group might enjoy an intoxicating afternoon tea at Carmelite where the cocktails are served in teapots.

If you’re heading to the theatre there are lots of options to consider for pre or post curtain up dining. Rock & Oyster, Merchant Bistro and The Stage Door all offer great food and special deals within a stone’s throw of the limelight or check out 1906, His Majesty’s Theatre’s own restaurant.

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to evening meals. Go to Native by Nick Nairn, enjoy dirty steaks and seafood at Adelphi Kitchen, the best of fish and fantastic harbour views at Silver Darling, modern Scottish with art and live music in a converted church at Musa, traditional Italian at Rustico or the best Japanese outside of Japan at Yatai.

To start or finish off your night there are a host of hostelries. For craft beer head to Brewdog or CASC (Cigars, Ale, Scotch, Coffee). Whisky lovers must visit The Grill, a very traditional Union Street bar with a choice of over 500 whiskeys. Cocktail aficionados will love the selection of hand crafted drinks at Tippling House, Bar 99 and Orchid.

Why not see the city from a different perspective on a Fish & Ships Cruise. A tour round Aberdeen’s busy working harbour complete with a can of Irn Bru and Fish & Chips from the famous Ashvale Chip Shop to eat on board whilst you take in the sights.

The last Saturday of the month sees Aberdeen Country Fair take over Belmont Street with a variety of fish, meat, game, cheese and bakery. Well worth a wander with plenty of tasters to nibble whilst you browse.

With so much good food on offer you may very well have to loosen your belt a notch as you bid farewell to Aberdeen.