Lockdown is easing and that means that some of my favourite city eats have opened up to feed my dining out fix.
It’s been impressive to see the innovative changes businesses have put in place in order to allow re-openeing, from dining bubbles at The Chester to Soul’s take over of Bon Accord Street to bring The Garden at Soul to Aberdeen and a much needed measure of cafe culture on Belmont Street. It’s safe to say that our local food and drinks scene is resilient indeed.
While it’s not the time for some of my go to spots to open, there’s plenty to still venture to and here’s my run through.
The teacher part: Please remember to follow Government guidelines when dining out and please respect the procedures in place by each eatery.
Apertitivo
Tables offered on a first come first served basis.
Bringing authentic Italian cuisine to Bon Accord street on Wednesdays to Sundays, Aperitivo is a must for Italian lovers. In my books you can never have too much pasta and Aperitivo provide the perfect portion that fills you to the brim for a steal of a price. Keep an eye on its Instagram page for the menu which will be posted in the coming weeks.
Books n Beans
Book your table by messaging on Facebook.
Taking to the street to launch cafe culture on Belmont Street, Books n Beans is bringing the best fair trade coffee and comforting food to its pop-up dining space. If you don’t manage to bag a table, you can still order take-away for collection and preparations are under way for the indoor cafe to open the week commencing 15 July.
Cafe Ahoy
Call 01224 594488 or email hello@cafeahoy.co.uk to book your table.
Many have been lapping up the afternoon tea at home packages sent out by many eateries, but if the at home set up doesn’t have the same appeal, Cafe Ahoy is the spot for you. Book in your alfresco afternoon under canape complete with gingham and fine china on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July.
Cafe Boheme
Book your table online.
It felt like a lottery win when I heard Cafe Boheme was reopening its doors to romance guests again. Incredible French food with plenty of flair, a mammoth wine selection and cosy surroundings is all promised when the restaurant opens from Thursday 16 July.
The Chester Hotel
Book your table online.
Taking its acclaimed restaurant outside, The Chester Hotel has set up marquees to create a distanced dining space for guests to revel in food heaven. Dressed to the nines with ivy, lighting and indoor plants, The Chester Hotel brings a summer escape blended with stellar service adored by many.
The Dutch Mill
Book your table by phoning 01224 322555.
Reopening with a beer garden which takes over its whole car park, The Dutch Mill has went all out to welcome regulars and new guests back for a bev. If you’re in search of a dog friendly spot, your fury companion will be allowed to join you here for a few.
The Esslemont & Mac’s Pizzeria
Tables can be booked through The Esslemont and Mac’s Pizzeria websites.
Aberdeen’s double decker of food delights (otherwise known as The Esslemont and Mac’s Pizzeria) is set to open on Friday 17 July. If you’re craving authentic Neapolitan pizza, Mac’s Pizzeria is your spot and there will be some new pizzas featuring on its menu. And down below is the fashionably sophisticated dining space of The Esslemont giving you that essential dose of glitz and glam blended new menu items and delicious new cocktails.
Moonfish
Tables can be booked online.
My excitement was uncontrollable when I heard that Moonfish launched its Moonfish @ Home delivery service bringing its eclectic and stylish menu to our doors (in a beaut package I might add). But hold your horses, Moonfish has announced its reopening on Thursday 16 July and you can book your table for (in my opinion) the best casual dining spot in Aberdeen.
No. 10 on the Terrace
Book your table through its website.
Taking over Rubislaw Gardens, No. 10 Bar & Restaurant has created a bookable sheltered outdoor dining space along with uncovered tables which are available for walk ins. A summer menu of burgers, loaded subs and wraps are on offer and not forgetting its epic Sunday roast is available on Sunday’s. If you can’t get booked in at No.10, you can book to dine alfresco at its sister eatery Ferryhill House Hotel.
Mackie’s 19.2
Tables offered on a first come first served basis.
I’ve been lucky to get my Mackie’s ice cream fix from the cafes open on Aberdeen Beach but nothing quite compares to going to its parlour and taking in what seems like hundreds of flavour combinations. You can visit Mackie’s 19.2 everyday of the week from 2pm – 9pm for a take-away treat or sit under the eyes of Marischal Square’s glistening leopard with the parlour’s extended seating area in operation.
Siberia
Tables offered on a first come first served basis.
I for one have been missing the taste of a Bucky Bomb from Siberia so definitely have it on my list now it has reopened. Utilising all of its outdoor spaces (including the car park) you’ve got a good chance of getting a table for hearty pub grub, frosty beers and delicious cocktails (see that beauty below).
The Garden at Soul
Tables offered on first come and first served basis in accordance to these rules.
I’ve been missing my espresso martini fix since the start of lockdown, so you can imagine my excitement that my go to bar for my coffee cocktail is back open. Launching its new outdoor concept, Soul has extended its courtyard to allow for more people to safely visit and order from its bespoke menu. I’ll definitely be scranning the chicken and leek pie with hassle back potatoes – that pairs with an espresso martini right?
So…
After your visit to Soul, make a trip across the road to its neighbour So… who is flying the support local flag high with a whole host of products from across the North-east. Stock up on delicious From Bakery Lane cake packages and chutneys, stunning houseplants from Rooted in Scotland, beer from Brew Toon and Crafty Pickle Co fermented food jars. If you’re feeling peckish take-away food and coffees are up for grabs here too.
The Tippling House
Tables can be booked from Saturday 1 August online.
My go to for an extra special cocktail that’s a treat on the eye and the taste buds has to be The Tippling House where mixology is taken to the next level. You’ll have to wait a few more weeks to delve into the cocktails as it is set to reopen on Saturday 1 August however get your table (for max four people) booked in now and have something to look forward to.
Vovem
Tables can be booked online.
If steak night hasn’t had the same appeal at home, one of Aberdeen’s headline steakhouse Vovem reopens its doors on Thursday 16 July ready to serve up flavours of the North-east. Taste the best cuts of meat rich with flavour provided by local butchers like Bannerman Butcher, John Davidsons and Aberdeenshire Highland Beef or opt for seafood and vegetarian options if you fancy something lighter.
I’m so glad to see eateries opening up again and working with the new normal for the time being. If you’re still not up for venturing to public spaces, check out my blogs for take-away in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Stay safe and eat well!
The Food Hoover 