Live Sports — Pubs in Aberdeen

Archibald Simpson

5 Castle Street, Aberdeen AB11 5BQ

This Wetherspoon is in one of many monumental granite buildings in central Aberdeen designed by local architect Archibald Simpson and is the former local headquarters of Clydesdale Bank. It has a pillared entrance and retains many original architectural features, the main room being a high-ceilinged central hall with additional seating areas to the side of the main room. The long bar features up to 12 handpumps offering a variety of beers, frequently from Scottish breweries. There is a narrow outside drinking area on the pavement on Union Street corner. Beer festivals are held several times a year (Scottish and International). Alcohol from 10am. I scheduled for conversion of upstairs into hotel accommodation sometime in 2021.

Wig Bar & Kitchen

55-56 Castle Street, Aberdeen AB11 5BA

Located on the city's historic Castlegate, the name comes from the pub's proximity to the local Sheriff Court. This long, narrow venue was originally known as the Lang or Saloon bar, and in the 70s, the Welly Boot and was one of the first pubs in Aberdeen to stock ale, selling Belhaven 80/- in the late 70s. Unfortunately as of early March 2017 has ceased to stock any real ale. Also boasts 100 different rums.

Queen Vic

126 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen AB25 2YU

Locals, one roomed, cosy lounge bar slightly off the beaten track in a converted former opticians/ baker’s shop in the highly populated, tenement flatted area of Rosemount. Sporting events shown from time to time so may be extremely busy and noisy and a popular quiz is held on Monday nights at 8.30pm culminating in a 'Play Your Cards Right' jackpot session. As well as four cask ales, also sells an extensive range of bottled beers from Fierce, Burnside, Brewdog, Windswept and Innes & Gunn. Has in the past held 'Meet The Brewer' nights featuring Deeside, Windswept, Speyside and Fierce breweries plus matching cheeses from a local cheese shop. Occasional bands / solo singers may play at weekends. Now only selling a limited food menu of sandwiches and wraps supplied from So Cafe on Union Street, owned by the same company as the pub. Also has an arrangement with Big Manny's Pizza to get a delivery to your table (order via their App). CAMRA City Pub Of The Year 2020 and overall branch winner.

Grill

213 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6BA

The pub is now part of the McGintys Group since spring 2019 after 48 years in the ownership of the Watson family lately with Graham and previously his father Eddie. No major changes were planned to the bar of this Aberdeen institute, with existing staff being retained. In early 2020 during a spruce up of the paint-work, variable brightness roof lighting was installed, the shelves and cupboards behind the bar were illuminated, enhancing the ambience of this historic pub. Also all five handpumps are now located in the centre of the bar when they had previously been in three separate positions. With an exquisite interior redesigned in 1926 and remaining largely unchanged since, this is the only pub listed in CAMRA's National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors in the area. Check out the clear rectangles on the two main front windows. These were for Guinness advertising signs, which were hung by chains to be visible from outside via these clear pieces of glass. The pub was for men only until 1975 and several ladies invaded the pub prior to legislation being introduced to make this illegal, but police were called and the said 'ladies' were asked to leave! The event has been turned into a film: 'NO LADIES PLEASE'. A ladies toilet was eventually provided in 1998 when the Gent's urinal was relocated to a downstairs toilet and a new seat installed in the old Gent's cubicle. The gents downstairs toilet was refurbished and reopened early October 2019 and the ladies single toilet had a makeover soon after that. Situated across from the Music Hall, musicians often visit during concert breaks. The pub has a large selection of whiskies and has won numerous awards from lovers of the malt. Guest ales are frequently from breweries such as Fierce, Fyne Ales, Windswept, Orkney. Bar snacks such as pies, stovies etc. are available. CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year 2016.

Prince of Wales

7 St Nicholas Lane, Aberdeen AB10 1HF

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.

Aitchies Ale House

10 Trinity Street, Aberdeen AB11 5LY

Changed ownership in October 2018 and no changes are planned at the moment. Real ale will continue to be sold as well as Williams Joker IPA on keg. This small corner bar is the closest real ale outlet to the city rail/bus stations and the Union Square shopping complex. Family owned, it retains the flavour of an old-fashioned Scottish pub with service second to none with bar staff all wearing traditional white aprons. Bar food is best described as basic Scottish pub grub, including roast beef stovies. Now only selling one beer, Dark Island, which it has sold on a regular basis for many years.

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.

Old School House

Little Belmont Street, Aberdeen AB10 1JG

A former Academy converted to large pub with central, square, island bar. There is an additional entrance from the Academy Shopping Centre which is more suitable for disabled access than the ramp at the front door. Used to have unusual, upstairs ale cellar, viewable from the balcony, but beer is now in conventional cellar. Was originally an ale house having a large range of real ales but became gradually reduced to one and now hand-pumps have been removed following a recent refurbishment (mid July 2015). A victim, it would seem, of Belhaven's policy to install craft ales from Goose Island and BrewDog. Free wi-fi and a quiz each Tuesday night. Meals served all day from noon till 9pm.

Adams Lounge/Hawthorn Bar

145 Holburn Street, Aberdeen AB10 6BN

Smart lounge to the front adorned with multiple screens showing live sports. Now renamed Adams, was recently refurbished (mid 2016) and now specialises in Tex-Mex food. The shuttered windows give a cosy feel to the place in the winter. To the rear is the split-level Hawthorn Bar with the lower section devoted to pool and darts with some seating whilst the upper level is the classic street corner public bar. No longer selling real ale but now doing Drygate key-keg.

Dutch Mill Hotel

7 Queens Road, Aberdeen AB15 4NR

West end hotel approx. 15 minutes walk west from Holburn Junction end of Union Street sports a large lounge with lots of extensive, luxurious booths for eating the reasonably priced bar food which is served at both lunchtime and evenings. Sports TV is shown on several screens. There is also a large, airy conservatory at the rear.

Ferryhill House Hotel

169 Bon Accord Street, Aberdeen AB11 6UA

A small city centre hotel in a quiet residential area with tables and chairs in the extensive garden featuring a children's play area - very popular on a summers day, There is a large, modern, lounge bar with a selection of more than 60 malt whiskies and a large restaurant and conservatory. There is a disabled access ramp leading to the frond door. The Duthie Park with its famous Winter Gardens is close by. Now only 2 beers available although still has 4 pumps on bar.

McNastys

37 Summer Street, Aberdeen AB10 1SB

Formerly known as Filthy McNastys, this pub now stocks an ale from the Inveralmond Brewery. Festooned with TV screens, it is very popular with the sporting crowd. As of January 2019, handpump removed and no intention of sticking Real Ale again.

Howff

365 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6BT

A small, friendly basement bar situated in the heart of the city centre at the west end of Union Street and reopened on 1st October 2021 after a refurbishment following a long term closure during Covid pandemic. It is easy to find, look out for the bandsman clock above the now, sadly, closed Bruce Millers music store. Not currently selling ale but is hoping to stock some in the near future. The Howff now has the licence for the large, Draft Project at the rear.

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

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. **

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.

St Machar Bar

97 High Street, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3EN

Located in the photogenic and historic Old Aberdeen conservation area amid the university buildings and close by Kings College, this friendly and historic pub is frequented by academia and locals alike. On entering the pub, a splendid mirror from the long-gone Thomson Marshall Aulton Brewery which was located just down the street, adorns the wall while another from the original Devanha brewery may be spotted in the rear beside the toilets. Usually Ossian available supplemented with other beers from Stewarts alongside a comprehensive selection of whiskies and a collection of gins. CAMRA members, students and OAPs receive a discount. The bar is home to a darts team and University football and rugby team. Now doing its own pub grub from the tiny kitchen.

Bobbin

500 King Street, Seaton, Aberdeen AB24 5ST

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 **

Northern Hotel

1 Great Northern Road, Aberdeen AB24 3PS

This imposing A-listed Art Deco building dates from 1939, and is located at Kittybrewster just north of the city centre. The lounge Ellington Bar & Diner, accessed through the hotel lobby, is a quiet hotel lounge and restaurant. The public Clifton Bar has a separate entrance from Clifton Road itself and is a friendly neighbourhood local with darts teams and pool tables, as well as large screen televisions for sports. Both bars serve up to two ales, mainly from Scottish independent breweries, and the Clifton Bar has a seated area. Beer has now been withdrawn from both bars being re[laced with BrewDog Punk IPA keg.

Justice Mill

423 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6DA

Long, narrow, dark Wetherspoon outlet with some raised seating near the bar and booths at both the main entrance and at the rear entrance on Justice Mil Lane, hence the name of the pub. The quieter family friendly atmosphere changes to a louder one favoured by many of the younger clientele in the evenings, with DJs at weekends. The pub has two statement art pieces – a statue of an upside down man and a fire behind glass. Alcohol is served from 11am every day.

Molly Malones

224 Union Street, Aberdeen AB10 1TL

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.

Pittodrie Bar

339 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 5AP

A Belhaven owned pub with the only original island bar remaing in the Aberdeen area. A fantastic array of superb original mirrors are a wonder to behold. A pub that should have real ale, but doesn't!

Glentanar

39 Holburn Street, Aberdeen AB10 6BS

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.

Quarterdeck Bar & Diner

Salvesen Tower, Blaikies Quay, Aberdeen AB11 5PW

A modern Bar/Diner which is more of a restaurant than a pub. Catering for the many offices at Salvesen Tower and nearby, it is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Carry out meals are available and the pub is available for private functions on Friday and Saturday nights. May close earlier than stated hours if quiet. No Real Ale anymore.

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.

Mains of Scotstown

Jesmond Square, Aberdeen AB22 8WT

Real ale no longer available. Conversion of a large farm steading into two bars one of which is mainly the restaurant and the other with large projection screen and TVs with pool and darts at far end. Two handpumps are in both bars selling the same beers. Large selection of food available in both bars and home-made Skink Pie, a twist on Cullen Skink, is a speciality. A quiz is held every Sunday at 7.30pm and music occasionally.

Murdos Bar

Cairncry Road, Aberdeen AB16 5UR

White Cockade

2 Oscar Road, Aberdeen AB11 8ER

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.

Parkway

Balgownie Road, Aberdeen AB22 8LX

Four Mile Inn

Inverurie Road, Aberdeen AB21 9BB

Once a roadside pub on the main Aberdeen to Inverurie road opposite the Propellor Garage. Owned by the Howie family for a long time till Clara Howie, proprietor, sold the pub on her retirement in 1949. Several other private individuals (Donald Thain, Harry Nicoll and ex-Aberdeen footballer Ian Hare) have owned it until Belhaven bought the pub in the 90s. Several vintage photos of the pub are displayed, some of which were supplied by George Howie, a great nephew of Clara. Since 1994 there has been mysterious noises and footsteps heard at the Four Mile Inn in Bucksburn at Aberdeen. These are usually heard by the bar staff after closing hours. Barmen have heard the footsteps coming from a room above that they had previously locked. When they go back to check the room they have found nothing, but the footsteps start again when they relock the room and go downstairs. It is thought that this is the mischievous ghost of an owner in the 1950s (must have been Donald Thain) who loved to joke around.

Holburn Bar

225 Holburn Street, Aberdeen AB10 6BL

Butcher's Arms

443 George Street, Aberdeen AB25 3YB

A local, friendly pub with a spacious lounge, beer garden and pool room with 2 tables. So named as there used to be slaughter house next door. Now free from the Belhaven tie and keen to put in Real Ale in the future.