No, beer gardens in Scotland's north-east aren't as redundant as a chocolate teapot. Yes, they do have a summer up there. In fact, the sun shines just enough for Aberdonians to enjoy it and when they do, they really make the most of being outdoors at the best beer gardens and terraces in town. The Granite City - well-known for its partying streak - has a respectable choice of places al fresco to sup a cold beer on a hot day and here's our pick of the best.
REVOLUTION
25 Belmont Street, AB10 1JS; Tel: 01224 645475
Belmont Street is the liveliest spot in Aberdeen city centre, and while there is a number of bars and pubs (mostly converted from churches) to choose from, Revolution is a magnet to most. The fact that it has a spacious terrace looking out over the Union Terrace gardens may have something to do with it. At the first sign of warmth, drouthy students and thirty-somethings camp out here in the sun sipping vodka mixers, pints of Staropramen or bottles of Brooklyn Brewery lager.
THE ALBYN
11 Albyn Place, AB10 1YE; Tel: 01224 211666
A large sun trap flanked by leafy trees and decorative shrubs, you can't go wrong with the beer garden at the Albyn. A cold pint of Schiehallion or a pitcher of pims with friends as you while away an afternoon is enough to make you forget that you're not abroad. If the evening chill factor gets too much, you can always move inside and make a night of it in the bar with live music on most nights.
The Albyn © VisitAberdeen
SIBERIA VODKA BAR
9-11 Belmont Street, AB10 1JR; Tel: 01224 645328
With a terrace that's "the only place worth going" when the sun is out, Siberia is right in the thick of Aberdeen's social scene on Belmont Street. Most of the year, people stop at Siberia for its well-stocked vodka bar but its well-designed terrace at the back has plenty of seating. Always a draw with sun worshippers, it also has some great views of the Union Terrace gardens to boot.
MA CAMERON'S
6 - 8 Little Belmont Street, AB10 1JG; Tel: 01224 644487
As well as claiming to be one of Aberdeen's oldest pubs with a front bar that dates back 300 years, Ma Cameron's attracts custom during the summer months with its rooftop beer terrace - one of Aberdeen's best kept secrets. With its warren of intimate rooms, nooks and crannies, this atmospheric little pub has plenty to offer you downstairs should the weather take a turn.
CAFÉ 52
52 The Green, AB11 6PE; Tel: 01224 590094
Probably the most laid-back venue on the list, Café 52's terrace sits on the Green, a cobbled pedestrian street just behind the main drag on Union Street. Maybe a bit on the smaller size in comparison to the others, this hotspot is popular with locals for its unpretentiousness and instead shows a flare for good food and good entertainment. Throw some sun into the mix and you're on to a real winner.
