Prince of Wales, Aberdeen

Dating from 1850, this is one of the best known pubs in Aberdeen and also one of the most easily missed being tucked away down a passage just off Union Street. I have been told that the pub was in danger of being closed down but was saved after a long campaign and hopefully its future is now a lot more secure. Inside is an unexpected collection of rambling rooms and alcoves that makes the place feels quite compact despite actually being quite a large pub. The low ceilings and dingy lighting all help to create the intimate ambience and the bare floors, paneling, barrel tables, pew seats, old brewery mirrors, original fireplaces and a thankful lack of any soft furnishings or modern intrusions help to retain its traditional, old fashioned interior. I also didn’t note any TVs or speakers for music and certainly nothing as intrusive as a pool table. The bar itself is said to be one of the longest in Scotland although squeezing in somewhere along its length to be served can be an ordeal at the busiest times. At the rear is a food bar and whilst we didn’t eat, the place does have a good reputation with main meals in the region of £6/7. On the beer side of things, it is part of the Greene King empire but there were 8 ales available on my visit, 4 from the better end of the GK range (Speckled Hen, Abbott, St Edmunds Ale & Tolly Cobbold Phoenix), 3 guests (Stewart Pentland IPA, Theakston Old Peculiar and Phoenix Hopsack) as well as their own Prince of Wales Ale brewed by Inveralmond (who frequently seem to do special beers for pubs in the region). The customer base was a good mix of ages and everyone seemed to mix in quite comfortably with no hints of any menace or intimidation. This is what these days is generally referred to as a Real Pub and long may it survive as such.

Great pub with an extensive lunch menu and excellent selection of Real Ales. The Mac N' Cheese is to die for! Best I've ever had!

Recently bought by Belhaven (who are in turn owned by Greene King - bah!) in August 2007, this pub still has the best selection of Real Ales in Aberdeen although Grrene King products are appearing frequently (Abbot, IPA, Old Speckled Hen, Ruddles County etc.). Sill great bar lunches served daily and until 4pm on Satrdays and Sundays. Hopefully the new owners will tidy up the toilets, the disgraceful carpet in the lounge and the boot seat covers which have all seen better days. Apart from that, the pub is still highly recommended with its long bar, mixed clientele and great atmosphere with no TVs atall.