The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
See inside new bistro With bit of everything
Olive Alexanders is the latest bistro to open its doors to Aberdeen’s sandwich enthusiasts, writes
Aberdeen’s new bistro and delicatessen opened its doors on Wednesday as owners Emily Hailstones and Hayley Fisher geared up to welcome their first customers. The duo, who successfully launched late night cocktail venue Barbelow in the basement of their Golden Square building in March, opened Olive Alexanders on the ground floor.
It has taken around six weeks to renovate, although Emily’s dad jokes that it feels like it has taken “forever”. He was also responsible for the renovation of Barbelow.
“We’re nervous but excited. It has been a year in the making and the public reaction to the bar has been fantastic. We couldn’t ask for anything more,” said Emily.
WHAT IS ON OFFER?
Olive Alexanders is a 22-cover bistro and delicatessen. As well as serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8am to 10pm, there’s a deli area where customers can purchase fresh local produce and imported items from Italy, too.
The duo are well known for their deli sandwiches, so there’s no surprise a range features on the lunch menu.
Emily is certain Aberdonians will love the pastrami sandwich but she’s also betting the breakfast rolls will prove popular with those on the go in the morning, as breakfast and lunch options are available to take away.
She said: “Aberdeen really loves their sandwiches, but they also like it a bit different.
“For dinner I think the cheeses will be really popular. I think Aberdeen has a big cheese obsession.”
Lobster rolls, salads, a variety of big buns and bagels, plus soup and other items will features for lunch. For breakfast customers will find bacon rolls, frittata, packed bagels, pork carnitas hash and more.
The evening menu is focused on small plates and boasts a wine bar feel. Emily says the offering is something you’d find in Edinburgh or London.
Dishes include burrata, crispy chicken thighs, pear and goat’s cheese, potato hash, gorgonzola and figs plus a range of other sharing dishes.
For those arriving later, food is served until 8.45pm, however, the venue will remain open until 10pm.
“It is really about showcasing the products in the deli. When you go abroad you’ll enjoy a range of ingredients in different dishes and in delis you’ll be able to purchase the products and take them home.
“We wanted people to be able to take home anything they have had to eat that they have really liked.”
DELI OFFERING
Employing 12 new staff, cheeses, crackers, olives and cured meats are just some of the products available at the venue’s deli. She describes the space as art nouveau deco with a splash and Victorian.
“We’re going to have a selection of 28 to 30 wines available. Every one is biodynamic natural or organic. We’ll have everything from the lower end to a higher budget so there’s something for everyone.
“We’ll have a range of fresh vegetables and fresh breads from local suppliers. We have some imported products such as Italian pastas and sauces, but we have local and British products, too.
“We’re the first stockist of Edinburgh’s new oat milk company Three Robins in Aberdeen and we’ll have Invercamey Dairy’s glass bottles to take away.
“There’s Scottish chutneys and some cool gifts from Art House and Limited which is a charity. They support adults with additional and supportive needs. They have gift cards drawn by the service users. It is nice as it gives back to a community that is close to our hearts as my cousin has additional needs.”
The second stage of a significant investment into the four-storey building, Emily and Hayley say the event space upstairs is next on their to-do list.
They hope to open the space in the next few months.
Planning permission for their beer garden has also been approved by Aberdeen Council, however that will open next year.
IT IS REALLY ABOUT SHOWCASING THE DELI. WE WANTED PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO TAKE HOME ANYTHING THAT THEY HAVE REALLY LIKED