Live Music — Pubs in Aberdeen

One of the oldest bars in Aberdeen, the Prince of Wales has possibly the longest bar counter in the city, a friendly atmosphere and a large following of regulars. It was refurbished in late 2016 and is listed in Scotland's True Heritage Pubs. It offers up to eight ales - a varied selection of ales from mostly Scottish breweries plus occasional English ales and usually at least two from the Greene King/Belhaven stable. It also has four 'craft' beer pumps for BrewDog, Belhaven, Amstel and Aspall's Cider. Tasters are offered if you are not sure what to chose. A good pub, only noisy with conversations, but has an unnecessary TV screen which, thankfully, is seldom used. Good value food is served daily till 9pm with filled rolls also available. Folk music plays every Sunday evening.

Blue Lamp

121 Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BU

Disabled Access

Close to Railway Station

Time has virtually stood still in the public bar here, where not a lot has changed since the 60s! This bar was usually staffed single-handedly by the owner, Sandy Brown. It is with great regret that we announced that Sandy had died, aged 74, on Tuesday 21st April, leaving the future of this popular pub and music venue unknown. However, Sandy's Grandson, Lewis, has taken over the reins and the pub did re-open (lounge only) when allowed on a limited basis on Friday to Sunday. Occasional live concerts (socially distanced) have been recorded for broadcast on YouTube. The small upstairs lounge is dimly lit and is available for private functions and occasional music performances. Next door, the cavernous, converted warehouse is a popular music venue and hosts the Aberdeen Jazz Festival each March and several other jazz Thursdays in the Autumn. The local folk club meet here on a Wednesday night and there are usually bands (rock, blues, folk-rock) playing on Friday & Saturday nights at which there may be a charge for admission. One beer (same one) is available in both public bar and large lounge and the single handpump in the lounge is in occasional use. Beer is usually from the Cromarty Brewery but occasional beers are sometimes seen from Orkney and Swannay. Opening times may vary with earlier opening from Friday to Sunday and the big lounge is open till 2am Friday and Saturday nights.

Ma Cameron's

6 - 8 Little Belmont Street, Aberdeen AB10 1JG

Known simply as Ma's, this is one of Aberdeen's oldest pubs. It has a re-furbished snug bar (October 2015) with serving hatch which does not seem to be listed. There is a modern, expansive lounge where meals are served until 9pm every day. Children are permitted, if dining, until 8pm. There are four handpumps in the back lounge and three in the snug offering an Inveralmond beer plus others usually from the Greene King/Belhaven range. A quiz is held on Monday, live music one Friday a month, and sport is screened on the TV in the lounge. Roof terrace beer garden open in the summer months. Re-opened after refurbishment on 29th October 2015. The snug was going to have some structural alterations done which it was felt would destroy a historic part of the pub. However, after several complaints about this, the structural changes were cancelled and the structure remains intact. The snug bar has been painted grey whilst the snug itself has been re-varnished, new tables installed and a new flame effect stove replacing the soulless convector heater. It is proposed to improve the range of real ales and increase the variety of whiskies. The snug bar (now called the Whisky Bar) has limited opening hours although you can still sit in the snug itself when the bar part is closed and you will need to go through to the main back bar to get drinks. Snug bar is open 3 - 10pm Friday, 12 to midnight Saturday and 12 to 5pm Sunday and is closed Monday to Thursday inclusive.

Globe Inn

13 - 15 North Silver Street, Aberdeen AB10 1RJ

Accommodation

This convivial open plan reverted to private ownership in November 2018 after being run by Belhaven for several years. Three new Angram pumps were installed and now serve beers from a variety of Scottish breweries. Possibly the nicest gents toilets in the city (allegedly) features a prominent fireplace. Convenient for both the nearby entertainment venues, HM Theatre and Music Hall. Meals are served all day. The reasonably priced en-suite rooms offer a high standard of accommodation from £40 per night. A variety of musical events are usually featured on Friday & Saturday from 9.30pm with pop/rock covers to acoustic blues. A quiz is featured every Monday evening. Alcohol served from 11am.

Krakatoa

2 Trinity Quay, Aberdeen AB11 5AA

Real Cider Available

*** NB - Pub has decided to close during the current Coronavirus situation. See https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/aberdeen-bar-close-for-duration-of-coronavirus-pandemic/ Please also check Facebook and Twitter *** Historic harbour-side bar, in recent years re-branded as Krakatoa, but will always be the Moorings to its many regulars. It changes character from friendly laid-back local to raucous rock bar on weekend evenings, when there may be a cover charge after 8.45. The eclectic jukebox is in regular use by the varied clientele. A wide selection of Scottish ales are served on 12 American style fonts (not all used simultaneously) situated to the far left of the bar. There are also two other similar banks dispensing various craft/keg and Belgian beers and one of the largest draught cider selections in the city. Each of the three banks of pumps has an electronic display clearly showing what type of tipple they serve. Canned Craft and German/Belgian bottles are also available Multiple local CAMRA City Pub of the Year winner, overall branch winner in 2015 & 2018 and current City Pub of the Year 2019. A discount of 10% is offered on pints of real ale on production of a CAMRA membership card and a regulars discount scheme is also in place. Live music every Friday and Saturday evenings, often hosting local band competitions, and there may be a cover charge. A rock karaoke session is held on Wednesday evenings alternating with Jam sessions.

Old Blackfriars

52 Castle Street, Aberdeen AB11 5BB

On the cobbled Castlegate, in the historic centre of the city, this historic pub is situated in a pedestrian area which used to hold public executions. Opposite the Tollbooth, Old Blackfriars is an atmospheric pub having old pews and stained glass and was refurbished in Autumn 2012. From the split-level upper area food and ales may be ordered from the lower section bar. Three rotating guest beers, often include Cairngorm Trade Winds and Inveralmond Ossian supplement the Belhaven/Greene King range and a house ale at 3.9% (believed to be Hardy & Hansons Bitter). Serves third pints as well as usual half and full pints. The pub has a reputation for good pub food with an extensive menu served all day until 9pm. Quiz night is Tuesday, with acoustic music on Thursdays and Saturdays. Unobtrusive background music plays throughout. Opened after latest refurbishment on 17th May 2018. The 5 handpumps are now in the centre of the bar as opposed to split up. New seating has been installed (see photos) and the door on Marischal Street can also be used as entrance/exit.

Slains Castle

14 - 18 Belmont Street, Aberdeen AB10 1JE

Large, gothic conversion of a former church. Named after the ruins in the north east which is rumoured to have influenced Bram Stoker to write Dracula. The pub is on various levels and has a gothic feel to it. Still 3 pumps on the bar but only one beer available. It is planned to convert this pub to a Slug & Lettuce so may be the end of ale in the premises.

Number 10 Bar & Restaurant

10 Queens Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1XL

Evening Meals

Ten minutes walk from the West End, this cellar bar was re-opened in October 2015 after refurbishment including opening up into Number 9 next door as a smart restaurant - mow part of the McGintys group. There are two seated areas on the right and left as you come in with several TV screens showing sports when appropriate. There is a bar along the back wall with the four handpumps the first you will see on entry. On the opposite wall there is a large blackboard showing Board of Trade Market Prices for meat, corn, oats, fish, barley, lard, wheat and oil. A wide choice of meals are available in both the bar and restaurant with an additional separate bar menu. Mon-Fri Breakfast 9am-11.30am, Lunch 12 noon -2pm, Dinner 5.30pm – 9.30pm, Sat 10am–9.30pm, Sun 11am–8pm.

Foundry Bar

41-43 Holburn Street, Aberdeen AB10 6BR

A large pub popular with sport fans run by the Stonegate Pubco who make it policy to stock real ale but did stop selling it mid 2014 due to poor sales in this particular pub. However, after a recent refurbishment, they are again selling ale at from £2.50 to £2.75 a pint - very cheap for Aberdeen city. Once the showroom of the Harper Motor Company, one of Aberdeen's two main Ford dealers. ** Stop Press - Has again as of end of November 2016 ceased selling ale and handpumps have been removed. Again, lack of sales is being blamed. **

BrewDog (Castlegate)

5-9 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 5BU

Dog Friendly

A spacious ground level bar located in the old Athenaeum building with plenty of bench seating and tables with 22 lines focusing on Scottish craft beer, worldwide guest beers and two live beer lines. It has a bottle shop attached for off sales and a kitchen serving a beer inspired menu. Stripped back industrial style interior with seating facing the large windows, Now selling 'live' ales but availability is not reliable. A club, Underdog, is located in the basement, now accessible from main bar, and is open till 2am and 3am Fri & Sat. It has a separate entrance also and it may or may not serve 'live' ales. Occasional DJs supply te music.

Triple Kirks

Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1JT

Large, recently refurbished pub (July 2015) set in part of the historic, listed Triple Kirks. A 'Scream' pub and part of the Stonegate Pubco. No longer selling any real ale, being a victim of the so-called 'craft' revolution. Occasional live music and multiple TVs show sport. Tends to cater for the younger, studenty clientele. An outside drinking area overlooks the Cowdray Hall and recently re-opened Art Gallery. There is a nightclub, Exodus, upstairs which is open from 10.30pm - 2am (3am Fri & Sat). Pub quiz every Sunday from 9pm.

Bobbin

500 King Street, Seaton, Aberdeen AB24 5ST

Quiz Night

A large, single-roomed wood-beamed pub, close to Kings College and therefore. very popular with students. It has with 2 pool tables, events and an eclectic food menu. One of the 5 pubs in Aberdeen owned by Stonegate Pubco. Note that ale is not served in July and August probably due to being outwith term time for students. ** No longer selling ale as from January 2018 **

Molly Malones

224 Union Street, Aberdeen AB10 1TL

Traditional Pub Games

WiFi

Previously the Abercrombie and named after the architect who designed the building, this pub was re-opened after refurbishment on 8th November 2019 as a pseudo Irish pub. No Real Ale stocked and nearest would be the keg Chieftain IPA from the Franciscan Well brewery in Cork, The pub is unique in that it is the only property in the entire length of Union Street that has steps leading into the ground floor! It is in three levels with the top level having a pool table and leading to the outside drinking area.

McGintys Meal an` Ale

504 Union Street, Aberdeen AB10 1TT

Large, cavernous pub with a distinctly Scottish theme. Named after the Bothy Ballad, McGintys Meal 'n' Ale whaur the pig went on the spree! A plaque with the words used to adorn a wall at the top of the stairs leading to the toilet - it is hoped that this may again be displayed in the future. There is a balcony area which can provide an element of peacefulness whilst games are shown on the many TV screens. Also between the main entrance and the main bar area there are a number of booths along the corridor and many cosy seating areas are also at the back of the pub, beyond the bar. Serves excellent pub food all day. No longer has a house ale.. Underwent a refurbishment in the middle of January 2017 with changes to the entry corridor and lots of new shelves of bottles behind the bar. As of the end of March 2017, is allowed to open till 2am Friday and Saturday nights.

Stag

6 Crown Street, Aberdeen AB11 6HB

Originally the Star & Garter and for a few years, MacAndrews, a Scottish themed pub, it reopened in late November 2012 after a complete refurbishment, this historic pub is now run by the same company as McGintys and Number 10. Many screens for sports lovers and a large projection screen can be viewed just on the left hand side as you come in the door. Serving four beers with one pump varying from time to time. Good quality meals served all day.

Six Degrees North

6 Littlejohn Street, Aberdeen AB10 1FF

Disabled Access

WiFi

Close to Railway Station

Conversion of part of former college premises featuring exposed granite, stone floors with basic wooden benches and lots of exposed steelwork and a balcony forming an upper drinking area. The six hand-pumps are located behind the bar, but usually two to three ales are available at any one time. All types of draught beers are listed on a huge blackboard, high above the entrance arch. Unusual beers are common and there is usually at least one Scottish micro available and often one of the brewery’s own cask beers. The pub opened in June 2013 and carries a changing range of about 24 Belgian craft ales. Also stocks a vast range of Belgian bottles. Beers, including cask, are mostly served in two-third pint glasses, however some may be in pint glasses depending on strength, while some stronger ones are only served in half pints. Music sessions in the afternoon of the last Sunday of the month. Hearty bar snacks are available up till closing time. Due to poor sales, stopped selling REal Ale in spring 2017.

Glentanar

39 Holburn Street, Aberdeen AB10 6BS

WiFi

Recently re-furbished bar and lounge close to city centre which used to be very popular with cinema goers when the Odeon cinema on Justice Mill Lane, now a health club, was still showing films. Also close to the Uptown Baths, currently closed, but there is a group campaigning to revitalise and put them back into community use. There is a long narrow lounge on the corner with entrances on Justice Mill lane and the public bar, Bobs Dram, has its entrance on Holburn Street, and is now a whisky bar with 120 varieties with the addition of 15 gins and 15 rums. Real ale is no longer available since being sold recently.

BrewDog

17 Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1EB

Dog Friendly

Previously the Marischal Bar, Brewdog's original bar has a stripped back industrial style interior with graffiti style artwork adorning some of the walls. Bench seating is prevalent with two couches provided either side of the glass front wall. Specialising in craft Scottish beers with world-wide guests on rotation. Cheese boards and handmade pies provide sustenance and it is dog friendly. Live music is provided most weekends. Now selling 'live' ales although availability can be unreliable.

Grays Inn

1 Greenfern Road, Aberdeen AB16 5PY

Large, open-plan lounge with two areas either side of the central bar. Branded as a Flaming Grill pub (part of the Greene King empire), it is an estate bar near the Mastrick shops. A welcome addition to the ale scene in a virtual ale desert amongst the Aberdeen housing estates. Only one ale has been seen on at any one time on recent visits. Reported early January 2020 as no longer having an ale pump.

Murdos Bar

Cairncry Road, Aberdeen AB16 5UR

Karaoke

White Cockade

2 Oscar Road, Aberdeen AB11 8ER

Karaoke

Close to Railway Station

Apparently has not had any beer on yet despite having had 2 pumps installed. Information came from Punch Taverns that the pub was selling a variety of ales. Still handy for a pint when getting your butteries from nearby Aitkens bakery, if they ever get any on sale! Seems that they had ale prior to April 2017 when the management changed and they decided not to stock ale any more as nobody seemed to know how to handle it! Shame we never knew about it at the time.

Four Mile Inn

Inverurie Road, Aberdeen AB21 9BB

Parking