Aberdeen Nightlife

Estaminet is probably the most relaxed and hip pub in the city. It's clientle is largely composed of students, however, I would suggest of the more bohemian, artistic and relaxed type than your usual bleezing drunk student who has just vomited on his shoes (and yours).

The decor is of a deep dark maghogany, with large comfy sofas and walls covered with pop art and photograhpy making it feel like you've just arrived at someone's loft party in Manhattan rather than down a grey sidestreet in Aberdeen.

During the day, the place is pretty quite and is actually a very good tapas restaurant which serves until 10pm. However, around 7ish the students and a few other creative souls start to sprawl out on the sofas in front of the fire and things usually really start to kick off about 11ish when the place can get packed (especially on a wednesday nite).

The music is brought to you by one of several resident dj's who start spining when the place opens at midday until after last orders at 2am (3am on weekends). Depending on which Dj is there, expect an eclectic mix of soul, hip hop, rock, funk, 80s, electro and the kitchen sink thrown in for good measure.

For a student pub, drinks prices aren't too cheap, however, I wouldn't say they were expensive either, and my word do they have a good collection. Wednesday and Sunday nites tend to be packed due to their 1.50 all drinks promotion. As it's a pub/niteclub, it's free entry 7 nites a week and was probably my favourite haunt as a student, albeit, a slightly biased opinion since i did work there, but trust me, worth a visit.

Dress Code: Anything goes, but think relaxed and casual.

Kef comprises of two separate levels. The frist being a turkish influenced bar and booth area. Individual rooms with low coloured lighting invite you and your friends to get comfortable on the cushions and enjoy the music. A low set brass tableis in the middle of each booth. The staff provide table service so your comfort need not be disturbed.

Downstairs opens for the weekends. There is a stage and a dance floor that bounces. The music varies from drum and bass to jungle and jazz. Some big names have appeared in Kef such as Jazzy Jeff and the Scratch Perverts.

Dress Code: Be nice to the bouncers and don't wear burberry.

Retro Rooms And Vogue

Old skool reunion
live sets from ………….

QFX
DJ Joe Deacon (fantasia)

Retro rooms brings back hardcore to Aberdeen
with qfx performing hits “freedom” “every time you touch me”
” you got the power” & many more old skool favourites.

Friday the 6th February 2009
3 rooms of pure hardcore all night long
from Scotland’s best legendary hardcore djs
@ retro rooms 46-56 justice mill lane Aberdeen.
Admission £5 with ticket £6 without.

………….and don’t forget your glow sticks !!!!!!!!!

This is a small bar compared to other bars in Aberdeen . In the 1960s we found this had a more intimate feel to it, and as females alone we felt quite safe. Because it is hidden away it does not have a vast clientele, and from what others have said, mainly older patrons.

The bar is on the ground floor, and there is a dart board in the corner . Upstairs is a small lounge bar, and toilets..
We used to go by day too, and have a few rum and cokes before retiring to the Students' Union.

I googled the bar and found it still exists, and the Sci-Fi Society holds meetings on the third Sunday of each month.
.

Thanks Joan [scottishvisitor for going and taking the photo for me.]

Dress Code: casual

The priory used to be a nice place to go to but now it should be avoided. The first problem is that it is full of "neds" which is never a good thing, as nine out of ten nights you will see a fight. Then there is the fact it feels like it has never been cleaned and you end up sticking to the floor.

One of the few good things I can say about it is that it is one of the few bars in aberdeen that serve "Purple Rain" cocktails so if you wanna get drunk try one of these.

Overall I'd say give it a miss and try somewhere else as there is enough options in aberdeen

Dress Code: They let you in wearing pretty much anything

Well belmont street is an area rather than one bar. It is a lively area which incorporates many different bars ranging from a traditional bar like drummonds to the themed bar which is slaines castle!!

The prices on belmont street are much the same being about £2.30-£2.70 a pint which is not bad when in Aberdeen town centre. But you can get cheaper such as triple kirks which is a typical student hang out, beware of revolution even though it is very nice it is overpriced and expensive. Most bars are open til around 1am with most opening at 11am

Dress Code: Casual dress is perfectly fine for belmont street and trainers are allowed in nearly all bars but on friday saturday some can be picky and demand shoes are worn

Slains castle is a bar whichis designed to be a spooky old castle. It is part of the eerie pub company chain. It is a really good place to hang out and to get drunk in. They sell lots of different shots and they are famous for there seven deadly sins cocktails. If you drink all seven cocktails you get a free tshirt saying I've done it have you? and also a free cocktail of your choice.

Another favourite is the trays of test tubes which are sold nightly. They come in various flavours ranging from cheeky vimto to tequila sunrise

Although this isn't a place to finish your night it is definitely worth spending some of your night

Dress Code: Casual dress code and of course fancy dress is welcome

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The concert venue is easy to find from the city travel north over the Bridge of Don and it is signposted to the right a few roundabouts on.

Don't make the mistake of expecting eateries or pubs in the immediate area. The estate seems to be industrial and the only place within walking distance was a Holiday Inn where we had a drink and a very stale cheese and pickle sandwich.

The concert venue was surprisingly dated and cheap looking (given the prosperity of the town). Seating was cramped and uncomfortable. Needless to say, the concert we saw was brilliant, Lionel Richie was amazing and we were all in stitches when he invited a couple of guys, who had dressed as Lionel lookalikes, to join him on stage.

Leaving the area was pretty much a nightmare, little or no thought had been given to thousands of cars all trying to get through the small car park entrance we were in. Everyone was jostling for position and I think we were fortunate to have got back to the hotel .with no scratches or dents on our hire car. I wouldn't advise booking a taxi either - it would have had no chance of getting through! Buses into the City night have been the best solution.

Dress Code: Anything goes