Scotland the best
Aberdeen pub crawl Enjoy a visit to the Granite City with a few tasty tipples in some of the city’s finest bars
The Prince of Wales
Just off Union Street at George Street. An all-round great pub (by Belhaven) always mentioned in beer guides and one of the best places in the city for (rotating guest) ales (and 150 whiskies). Very cheap self-service food till 9pm. Wood, flagstones, booths. Gets very crowded.
Orchid
In West End behind Union Street. Stylish bar for hipsters and discerning drinkers in a relaxed, low-lit, contemporary ambience. Big on cocktails, served by knowledgeable mixologist types. A gin bar downstairs.
The Craftsman Company
A roomy corner room in a good spot, immediately a good vibe when you come in. They are seriously into their beer (16 on draught), but also coffee and cake and a proper food menu (served till 6pm). An allround top “coffee & ale house”.
Ma Cameron’s
Labyrinthine old pub (dating back 300 years, the oldest in the city), named after the wife who took it over in 1937. Plenty of different spaces to eat and sup: intimate snugs and the busy main bar; there is even a “beer garden” on the roof. Big menu of pub-grub classics.
The Grill
On Union Street since 1870. Historic, atmospheric, solid, and a great place to drink. Mahogany gantry of superb whisky range (served in a Glencairn Glass) from a definitive bible of a list, and ales and craft beers.
The Tippling House
Through a door and down a few stairs in busy-with-riff-raff Belmont St into a more calm and sure of itself world. More of a restaurant/cocktail bar than mere pubbery. Small plates, platters, starters and mains.
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99