Old Blackfriars Pub in Aberdeen

52 Castlegate, Aberdeen AB11 5BB

About This Pub

Ah, Old Blackfriars—it's one of those pubs that really captures the heart of Aberdeen with its rich history and that warm, inviting feel, like popping into a mate's living room from centuries ago. From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, folks absolutely love the cosy atmosphere and the way it's decked out across two floors, making it a top pick for catching live sports or just sinking into a comfortable seat with a frosty pint. The food gets plenty of thumbs up too; things like the crispy squid and steak are real crowd-pleasers, and it's brilliant that they've got gluten-free options and are dog-friendly, so you can bring the whole gang along. Plus, those lunch deals from 12pm to 3pm on weekdays are a steal if you're after something tasty without breaking the bank. On the flip side, it's not all perfect—I've heard a few grumbles about prices being a bit on the high side for the portions or taste, especially with dishes like dumplings that came out undercooked or nachos that didn't quite hit the mark. Service is mostly spot on with friendly faces, but there have been the odd slip-ups, like a barman giving someone a funny look, which can throw off the vibe a touch. All in all, it's a solid choice for a laid-back night out, but I'd say go in with realistic expectations and maybe stick to the menu highlights to make the most of it. If you're in Aberdeen, it's definitely worth a visit for that unique blend of history and homely charm.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The atmosphere is absolutely charming, with its historic vibes and cosy setup that makes you feel like you're stepping back in time—perfect for a relaxing catch-up over a pint.
Food hits the spot for many, with standout dishes like crispy squid and steak getting high praise, and they offer great options for gluten-free diets and even dog-friendly vibes.
Staff are generally friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming environment that's ideal for watching live sports or enjoying a meal with mates.
It's budget-friendly overall, especially with those lunch deals from Monday to Friday, and the beer garden adds a lovely touch for sunnier days.
Plenty of facilities like WiFi and comfortable seating inside and out make it a versatile spot for everything from a quick drink to a full evening out.

Cons

Prices can feel a tad steep for what you get, with some portions not quite matching up to the cost, like those underwhelming dumplings or nachos that left a few folks disappointed.
Not every dish is a winner—there've been mentions of undercooked items or meals that didn't live up to expectations, which might put a dampener on your visit.
Service can be hit or miss; while most staff are spot on, there have been odd moments where things felt a bit off, like getting a strange look at the bar.
It might not suit everyone if you're after something super fancy, as the focus is more on pub grub and casual vibes rather than gourmet experiences.

Contact Information

52 Castlegate, Aberdeen AB11 5BB

+441224581922

Pub

Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday	11:00 - 23:00
Tuesday	11:00 - 23:00
Wednesday (Today)	11:00 - 23:00
Thursday	11:00 - 23:00
Friday	11:00 - 00:00
Saturday	11:00 - 00:00
Sunday	11:00 - 23:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Very nice place, good food and nice people but in my opinion prices were a bit to high for both portions and taste. Crispy squid was 10/10 but two other dishes I tried were just fine - especially dumplings, imo a bit undercooked. Steak was also delicious 8/10.

Paulina Zwolińska

One of my favourite bars in Aberdeen, great in the summer when there's seating out the front but lots of comfortable seating and friendly staff inside. Good food and gluten free options available. Dog friendly also.

C Harford

Its very first place to visit for a drink in Aberdeen. Freezing snowy day outside but very cosy and pleasant atmosphere inside. Welcoming vibes by staff on floor but got strange look by barman. Very nice place which has a long history when googled it. I like stain glass window. Very reasonable prices. Good selection of drinks. Mostly people trying fry mars bar which got my attention. Not now but coming back later to try it. Moderately noisy but not bad either. Nice floor with good seatings which is best for big groups of people or get together. Worth a visit.

win task

Took our daughter and her friend here for lunch and sad to say we wouldn't recommend 😔 overall the girls meals were lovely they said but my husband and I ordered nachos with chicken on top to share and they were such a disappointment. Had to ask for sour cream as none came with them. The nachos were so heavily seasoned that we just couldn't eat them. The guacamole was just a bit of avocado shoved on the side. Atmosphere seemed quite flat too.

Kat Garner (Kat)

What an amazing meal at Old Blackfriars. We each had sharing plates (3 dishes each) and the food was delicious. Highly recommend the honey and mustard sausages. Portion sizes are large and staff kindly provided a take away bag for our leftovers. Service was friendly and attentive by Jamie and Chris. We will definitely visit again when back in Aberdeen. 100% recommended.

Michelle Hiddleston