Written by Colin Fraser
Spring is here and bringing with it not only sproutings of daffodils but plenty for food developments springing onto the local food scene.
In this article I compile some of the latest additions to the food scene and some new arrivals that have graced us in the past few months.
The new home of Olive Alexanders and Barbelow is now open. I’ve been teased by glimpses of Barbelow’s bohemian and rustic interior over the past few months and can’t wait to see it in person.
On the first floor of its new home on Golden Square, the delicatessen of Olive Alexanders resides where plenty of cheese, cured meats, organic wines and breads wait to be consumed. If you need to put your feet up after a good rummage in the deli, go downstairs to Barbelow to refuel with cocktails, organic wine and small plates. Already becoming a prized spot, I’m putting my money on the neon sign of Barbelow being the most photographed item in Aberdeen.
It’s no surprise that the small plates menu has a visionary selection including its iconic lobster roll. I’ll be quite at home here with a hearty glass of red and a pear and blue cheese tartlet.
Photography by @barbelowaberdeen
Photography by @barbelowaberdeen
The distillery doors are open and House of Elrick invites you to discover the magic behind Aberdeenshire’s artisan gin rich in Scottish heritage.
The 18th century Elrick House has been no stranger to influential people – Bonnie Prince Charlie being one of them, who gifted a Jacobite rose to the estate. The rose still grows in its Walled Garden today and its petals play a key role in its gin recipe.
Join head distiller Stuart Ingram as he walks guests through the history of the House of Elrick estate and how the gin came to be. Get up close to the small batch distilling process in the distillery and see the craft that goes into each bottle. To end in high spirits, the experience comes to a close with a tasting of three of its premium gins.
Photography by @houseofelrick
Westhill’s latest addition is still holding fort as the must eat spot in the town since opening in December. Bringing plenty of glam to the old Key West pub, the former ‘old manny’s pub’ has been transformed into a sleek and trendy bar and bistro.
Setting out to create a space for its customers to savour the moment, dine for lunch and dinner through the week with the added bonus of a brimming weekend brunch menu. Espresso Martini with brunch? Sign me up!
Latest addition to the Duncano’s offering is its Sunday Roast boards which leave no inch of board uncovered. Go chicken or beef with all the trimmings on a sharing board for two or one if you want to keep the goods all to yourself. Add sides of mac and cheese, honey glazed chipolatas and truffle to the mix and you will be well and truly stuffed.
Photography by @duncanosbistro
I’ve recently covered Shiprow Village in a previous article and the venues popularity has by no means slowed down.
Deep in one of Shiprow’s historic tunnels, The Workshop invites punters in for drinks by candlelight. Following a well deserved break after a busy festive period, the cosy cave bar is back serving up delicious cocktails and an extensive back catalogue of gin and whisky.
Milo Smith, general manager shared: “From finding the space to designing and building a new bar from scratch, it has been a lot of hard work. The great team of people behind the Douglas Hotel and the new Shiprow Village are wonderful to work with and have supported us and a whole host of new businesses.
“Last week we hosted Glenfiddich’s ambassador for Scotland Mark Thomson for a fantastic whisky tasting and we’ve hosted a couple of cocktail events too. Bartenders across Scotland came to showcase their creativity at The Great Enchanted Tiki-off which was a great night. We hope to host many more events in the coming months and years.”
Photography by @theworkshop.aberdeen
Aberdeen’s much-loved bar and restaurant, The Albyn, has reopened after a few years off the scene. Returning with a new look and menu, the venue has been completely reimagined. With stylish interior and classy plates to match, no inch of this place has been left unturned. Its window roofed dining area is stunning.
Offering brunch, lunch and dinner, its extensive menu will most certainly not leave you struggling for choice. I’ll be making a beeline for the Sesame & Soy Seabass Fillet when I finally visit and not to mention the charcuterie platter rammed with Scottish produce.
Photography by @thealbynaberdeen
Photography by @thealbynaberdeen
Excitement spread across the city in 2020 when prized patisserie Almondine moved from its intimate cafe to a bigger premises on Chapel Street. With its customer base growing by the day, it was no surprise that it soon opened its second location in Inverurie.
Almondine has made its name for itself as the home of decadent treats, macarons and the most instagrammable setting. With Mother’s Day looming, an Almondine afternoon tea is a must and will truly spoil guests with its miniature patisserie selection.
Photography by @almondinemacarons
The home of Scottish tapas has flitted to a new location on Belmont Street. Taking up a new residency in the old Pizza Express, Kirk View now works across two floors with its restaurant on the ground and Caberstone Lounge cocktail bar above.
For food, the goat cheese filo parcels and signature bruschetta are a must and the Hibiscus Martini (made with homemade hibiscus syrup I should mention) never misses the mark. I’ll let the picture of its chicken, parma ham and sundried tomato risotto do the talking on how delicious it is!
Photography by @nikkieatstheworld
There’s a new menu afoot at Ferryhill House Hotel. A long-standing favourite on the food scene has embarks on a new chapter as it steps away from its well-known pub grub classics by adding bold and fragrant dishes to the menu.
I caught a glimpse of some of the new additions during Aberdeen Restaurant Week and you can read all about it in my review. Spoiler, I may have found a sticky toffee that could indeed be the best in Aberdeen…
Photography by @thefoodhooveruk
Photography by @thefoodhooveruk
With more developments on the horizon, keep your eyes peeled next month for what’s new to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
To keep up with my food escapades, follow on Instagram, read the blog and listen to the Dishin’ It podcast.
