The Archibald Simpson (JD Wetherspoon), Aberdeen

This grand granite building (designed by the Pub’s namesake) with its huge portico columns topped of by a statue of Ceres, God Of Plenty, was originally the Headquarters of the North Of Scotland Bank (now part of Clydesdale Bank). A pub called the New Inn had originally stood on the site so when Wetherspoons took the place over in 1997 it was a sort of homecoming. The main body of the intrior is a typically grand ex-Banking Hall with high decorative ceilings and an elaborate frieze around the walls at ceiling level. The bar stretches the whole width at the far end and one side ois partitioned by a partly glazed wooden screen. A further rear section contains several old pictures and a portrait of Simpson himself. Several original features like the marble fireplaces ere mixed in with more contemporary additions such as the coloured glass fish themed windows. There are several flat screen TVs and also a Big Screen in the main bar area. This was one of the busier pubs in town and service wasn’t always quick. It was also difficult to tell what beers were available across the 12 pumps as several pump clips were showing ales that were not available for whatever reason, a personl gripe of mine. Despite these shortcomings, it is one of the more interesting ‘Spoons and won’t disappoint as long as you have an open mind regarding the chain.