LOCAL wine retailer and bar, SugarBird Wines, has unveiled plans to open SugarBird in the Gardens, a new two-storey bar, outdoor terrace and event space in the heart of Aberdeen at The Burns Pavilion in Union Terrace Gardens (UTG).
As Aberdeen City Council’s preferred bidder for the unique tram-style unit, SugarBird in the Gardens is set to open in November 2023. With capacity for up to 125 people, the brand will occupy the pavilion’s two floors and include table seating and a bar on each level. The lower floor will be available to reserve for event bookings and the desirable outside terrace area enhances ‘cafe culture’ within the city, offering space for al fresco drinks.
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The new venue follows the huge success of SugarBird Wines, the brand’s first bar and retail space on Union Grove, as well as its growing online store. By opening SugarBird in the Gardens later this year, the team will be able to expand its customer base and cater for the increasing event enquiries that it has received since launching the first bar in 2021.
In addition to offering an impressive wine selection that boasts more than 60 still and sparkling options curated from all over the world, the new space will continue to offer in-demand wine tasting events, available both privately and as part of a public group, as well as cheese and charcuterie boards and a selection of nibbles to pair perfectly with the drinks on offer.
Following the existing West End premises proving to be a popular hotspot and building a loyal customer base, SugarBird Wines has launched a crowdfunding campaign with a target of £100,000 to help deliver the new location and ensure its supporters feel part of its growth.
Alex Grahame, co-founder of SugarBird Wines said: “This is an extremely exciting next step in the SugarBird story. We’d been looking around at various premises for a while, but The Burns Pavilion at UTG offered something different and felt special – we could truly picture our brand evolving at this beautiful city centre location.
“Our mission and ethos is to always put customers and their experience at the heart of what we do. The loyalty we have received since first opening in 2021 is a huge driving force behind launching our crowdfunding campaign, as it’s thanks to our customers that we can take this next step.”
SugarBird Wines’ crowdfunding initiative offers supporters a range of packages with the return being of higher value than the purchase price, and options range from £40 up to £4,000.
Packages include credit redeemable at all premises and via the online store, early access to tasting events, private tasting events, branded SugarBird Coravins and merchandise, and a private event at SugarBird in the Gardens for up to 40 people. Additionally, each person who purchases a package will be added to a draw for the chance to win a trip to South Africa*.
Designed by award winning interior designer and architect, Tibbatts Abel, the new wine bar will incorporate jewel tones that balance luxury, quality and comfort, creating a relaxing ambience where customers can explore the wine selection while being guided by a highly knowledgeable team.
Situated between His Majesty’s Theatre and Union Street, SugarBird in the Gardens is ideally placed to welcome both new and existing customers thanks to the area being a central spot for connecting transport links all over the city, as well as being near a number of businesses and residential areas.
Additionally, the new location coincides with the owners’ ambition to help with the regeneration of Aberdeen city centre.
Ruth Grahame, co-founder of SugarBird Wines added: “As someone born and bred in Aberdeen, I know what a fantastic city it is and I’m so proud to have a business based here. The recent redevelopment of Union Terrace Gardens enhances this central part of the city, and the views our new venue will have are not only striking from all levels, but will be even more special from our outside terrace where they can be enjoyed unobstructed.
“Both myself, Alex and the wider SugarBird Wines team are avid supporters of the Our Union Street project and hope we can contribute to the resurgence of this area and help boost footfall too.”
Bob Keiller, leader of Our Union Street project said: “This is an incredibly exciting time to welcome SugarBird to the Union Terrace Gardens’ tram pavilions! It is hugely encouraging to see local businesses growing in the city centre and the new outside terrace will provide the perfect spot for wine enthusiasts to enjoy a glass or two while taking in the views.
“The resurgence of the city centre needs ambitious and creative local businesses like SugarBird Wines to lead the way – congratulations to the team!”
The Burns Pavilion is one of three similar prestigious buildings looking over Union Terrace Gardens, which has reopened after Aberdeen City Council carried out a £28million refurbishment of the Victorian park.
Aberdeen City Council Finance and Resources Convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “It is positive news that SugarBird Wines will be expanding into the Burns Pavilion, adding to their extremely successful Union Grove premises, which will provide a boost to the local economy as well as attracting people to the rejuvenated Union Terrace Gardens.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader, Councillor Ian Yuill said “Sugarbird Wines already has significant experience in running popular and award-winning premises and restaurants. I am sure this new wine bar and event space will be a real boost for our city centre.”
For more information on SugarBird Wines’ crowdfunding campaign and competition, visit: https://www.sugarbirdwines.com/service/sugarbird-in-the-gardens/
*Terms and conditions apply and are available to view on the website.
