THOUSANDS of diners have been flocking to restaurants, cafes and bars across Aberdeen to enjoy Aberdeen Restaurant Week, which entered its final week yesterday (Jan 23).
Many restaurants have seen a significant increase in bookings at a traditionally quiet time, post-Christmas, while social media channels have been buzzing with reviews and photos of plates of delicious food.
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More than 50 eateries are taking part in the foodie fortnight event, including the latest additions to the line-up – Thai restaurant Chaopraya, the infamous burgers and pizzas at Big Mannys’ x The Adam Lounge and Resident X, the new concept food venue at Marischal Square.
Until Sunday (January 29), diners can continue to enjoy a huge variety of exclusive food and drinks offers.
Each venue has curated a special offering for Aberdeen Restaurant Week, from delicious tasting menus to sharing platters with a glass of wine, starting at £10 per person.
This week’s special events include Burns Suppers at Siberia on Belmont Street from January 25-27, and a one-night celebration at The Esslemont on Union Street onJanuary 25.
Cuisines range from traditional Scottish fare to sweet treats, street food, tapas, vegan, Thai, Indian, modern British and Italian dishes.
Among the venues taking part for the first time is The Terrace at His Majesty’s Theatre, which opened its doors in December.
Aberdeen Performing Arts hospitality manager Lynn Hackett said customers had been enjoying its small plates.
“Aberdeen Restaurant Week has created a fantastic atmosphere in The Terrace,” she said. “The initiative has allowed us to showcase our menu and surroundings to a new audience and has been a great opportunity.
“Combined with packed houses at Scottish Ballet’s Snow Queen, there has been a real buzz in The Terrace and at His Majesty’s Theatre and we have enjoyed giving our customers a great experience.”
Among the other first-time venues are Olive Alexanders in Golden Square, Six by Nico, PadThai Hot Pot and Grill on Union Street and Common Sense Cafe on Union Terrace.
Aberdeen Restaurant Week is being organised by city centre BID Aberdeen Inspired, which first brought the concept to the city in 2018.
Chief executive Adrian Watson said: “We have been blown away by the response to Aberdeen Restaurant Week this year, with a fantastic amount of positive reviews, photos and recommendations being shared online and on social media.
“We have 50 different restaurants, cafes and bars taking part so there’s something for absolutely everyone, whether that’s an old favourite or a chance to try something completely new.
“With just a week to go, we’d encourage everyone to book a table before Sunday, and also enjoy the city centre while they are in Aberdeen.”
All Aberdeen Restaurant Week bookings should be made with the restaurants directly.
Aberdeen Inspired was established to attract, sustain and boost investment in Aberdeen’s city centre for the benefit of its levy payers and all those who live, work, shop and visit there.
In addition to levy payments, which go to support city centre improvements and initiatives, the BID brings in additional funding which that for every £1 of levy collected, at least £2 is invested in the city centre.
The BID footprint covers Union Street and the surrounding streets, including Broad Street, Market Street, Bridge Street, Huntly Street and Holburn Junction.
- Further information on participating restaurants is available on the Aberdeen Inspired website at https://www.aberdeeninspired.com/festival/restaurant-week/restaurants
