Aitchie's Ale House, Aberdeen

This is a well run and attractive pub with attentive bar staff, but, despite the name, there were only two real ale taps. A pint of Dark Island came at a fairly expensive £3.80 and the second hand pump dispensed McEwan's IPA. Guinness, McEwan's Export, Belhaven Best, Caledonia Best, John Smith's, Stella Artois and Tennent's lagers and Magner's cider are also available. There is also a well stocked gantry and bar snacks are served. There were two TVs on, but with the volume at a low level and there was no music playing. The décor remains as described in the previous review.

This small corner pub can be found in the back streets south of Union Street. It was renovated in the mid 90’s but has the feel of a traditional old style bar and given the crowds present on my visit, is as popular as anywhere in town. The carpeted single room interior has seating segmented by low screens, a couple of TVs and a darts area tucked away in one corner. There was a lively and welcoming buzz about the place although it was ironically let down in my books by its ale(s). For a pub that is labeled as an Ale House and carries a strong reputation courtesy of various publications and CAMRA gumph, I would have expected a little more than 2 hand pumps, 1 of which was off and the other thankfully dispensing Orkney Dark Island. On the whole it is a quite cosy but fairly ordinary pub and whilst I would rate it a notch above average, there isn’t really much to attract anyone beyond a token couple of pints. Its popularity may mean I have missed something fundamental about the place but I am scratching my head as to what it could have been.