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Fundraising30 Oct 2025
Guides
Best Bars to Visit Before or After a Show at Aberdeen Arts Centre
Whether you’re winding down after the curtains close or toasting a night of live theatre, Aberdeen’s bar scene offers plenty of inviting spots just a short walk from Aberdeen Arts Centre.
From historic pubs steeped in local charm to modern craft beer havens, here are five excellent choices for a pre-show pint or a post-show nightcap.
Fierce Beer
A must for craft beer fans, Fierce Beer is Aberdeen’s own award-winning brewery, and their city-centre taproom is the ultimate place to sample it. With 20 rotating taps and fridges full of experimental brews, there’s always something new to try – from punchy IPAs and dark stouts to fruity sours. The bar’s atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with knowledgeable staff happy to guide you through the range. It’s the perfect stop for anyone who appreciates bold, local flavour before heading to the theatre.
Old Blackfriars
If you prefer your pint with a side of history, Old Blackfriars is hard to beat. Housed in a beautifully restored building on the Castlegate, this pub oozes old-world charm with wooden beams, cosy corners, and a traditional Scottish feel. The drinks list covers all the pub classics – from real ales and whiskies to hearty cask beers – and the kitchen serves up dependable comfort food if you fancy a bite. It’s an easy-going, welcoming place to settle in before your show or share stories afterwards over a dram. You’ll often find the Arts Centre team celebrating here after shows!
Prince of Wales
A true Aberdeen institution, the Prince of Wales is one of the city’s oldest pubs, famous for having one of the longest bar counters in Scotland. The interior is warm, wood-panelled and inviting, with a mix of locals and visitors creating a lively but friendly buzz. Expect a solid range of beers, ciders, and whiskies – and an impressive collection of real ales. Tucked away on St Nicholas Lane, it’s just far enough from the main drag to feel like a hidden gem – perfect for a quiet drink before curtain up.
The Tippling House
Hidden beneath Belmont Street, The Tippling House is a stylish speakeasy known for its expertly crafted cocktails, cosy booths, and intimate, low-lit atmosphere. It might be a little further away than the others on this list, but it’s definitely worth the short walk! The bar’s menu features inventive small plates and late-night bites that pair perfectly with its inventive cocktails. Ideal for a sophisticated pre-show drink or a nightcap after the curtain falls, it’s one of Aberdeen’s most elegant and atmospheric spots — the kind of place where you can unwind in style and let the evening linger a little longer.
The Firepit
For something with a bit more edge, The Firepit brings together Smoke & Soul’s famous BBQ food with a top-tier craft beer selection. With 24 taps pouring local and international brews, it’s a haven for beer lovers – paying particular attention to local brewery Six Degrees North’s Belgin-inspired range – and the smoky aromas from the kitchen make it hard to resist staying for dinner. Expect brisket sandwiches, loaded fries and soulful sides served in a laid-back, industrial-style bar that’s buzzing without being overwhelming. It’s a brilliant choice for rounding off a night at the Arts Centre – whether for food or just drinks – especially if you’re in the mood for flavour and atmosphere.
From historic haunts to modern breweries, these bars offer the perfect mix of character, comfort and craft. Whether you’re sipping a locally brewed IPA or sharing a whisky in a centuries-old pub, you’ll find plenty of places near Aberdeen Arts Centre to raise a glass to a great night of theatre.
