McGinty's, Aberdeen

McGinty’s is a long and thin pub that is much larger inside than the small frontage would suggest. Whisky barrels are mounted to the wall of the entrance which leads to a dimly lit seating area with long bar up the right-hand wall. A standard and premium keg selection was available alongside three cask ales which were Inveralmond Lia Fail, Nu Art Ale and McGinty’s Meal an’ Ale. Opposite the bar on the left wall is a stage with sound equipment so I suspect live music is a feature here. During my recent Monday evening visit there was some background music playing and the plasma screens located throughout were airing muted Sky Sports news. Food menus are found on all the tables, the burger was priced at £10.45. I found the service to be very polite, but I’m not a fan of the basement bar feel so I do not see myself revisiting here anytime soon.

Despite the small frontage this is a large pub extending a long way back from Union Street and opening out as it goes. Once past the barrel-lined foyer, an open plan bar area reminiscent of a 'Spoons appears, with a bar counter on the right. There are three hand pumps and the friendly barman offered me generous tasters. I went for the house beer, which is brewed by Inveralmond; it was in good condition but was otherwise undistinguished. The incessant lively music (I hesitate to use the word "background" in this context) made the muted cricket on the TV seem somewhat incongruous; maybe it's just my old fashioned view of cricket that's incongruous. Date of visit: 7th June 2018