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Archibald Simpson, Aberdeen

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Operator: Wetherspoon
5 Castle Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5BQ (View on Google Map)
(01224) 621365
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  • Outstanding pub conversion

This Wetherspoon is in one of many monumental granite buildings in central Aberdeen designed by local architect Archibald Simpson and is the former local headquarters of Clydesdale Bank.

It has a pillared entrance and retains many original architectural features, the main room being a high-ceiling central hall with additional seating areas to the side of the main room.

The long bar features up to 12 hand pumps offering a variety of beers, frequently from Scottish breweries. There is a narrow outside drinking area on the pavement on Union Street corner.

Beer festivals are held several times a year (Scottish and International).

Alcohol from 10am.

Is scheduled in near future for expansion of the pub and conversion of upstairs into hotel accommodation.

Information for this venue is provided by the Aberdeen Grampian & N Isles Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Local Authority
Aberdeen City
Last updated
08/06/2025
Last surveyed
05/03/2025
Leasehold owner
unknown
Freehold owner
Wetherspoon
Pub ID
ABE/000002
Asset of Community Value

Conversion

A former bank of 1839 with a pillared Corinthian portico and 6ft terracotta statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of plenty, above. The high-ceilinged banking hall, approached by a mosaic floor, is the main room with seating areas to the side. It has Corinthian pilasters, a gilt Parthenon-style frieze, superb ornamental plasterwork and a splendid timber and part-glazed screen creating a passage on the right. This Wetherspoon's is one of many monumental granite buildings in Aberdeen by local architect Archibald Simpson and is Grade A-listed.

General information about outstanding conversions and restorations
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Monday
8:00am - 1:00am
Tuesday
8:00am - 1:00am
Wednesday
8:00am - 1:00am
Thursday
8:00am - 1:00am
Friday
8:00am - 1:00am
Saturday
8:00am - 1:00am
Sunday
8:00am - 1:00am
Monday
8:00am - 11:00pm
Tuesday
8:00am - 11:00pm
Wednesday
8:00am - 11:00pm
Thursday
8:00am - 11:00pm
Friday
8:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday
8:00am - 11:00pm
Sunday
8:00am - 11:00pm
TasteMatch

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Current beers

This Pub serves 9 changing beers and 3 regular beers.

Regular and recently seen

Greene King - Abbot TasteMatch Prediction

View beer
ABBOT ALE PUMP CLIP CLOSE UP
Greene King - Abbot Premium Bitter • 5% Spotted 3 times.
ABBOT ALE PUMP CLIP CLOSE UP
Greene King - Abbot

This beer is served regularly and Spotted 3 times. at Archibald Simpson, Aberdeen.

ABV 5%
Dispense Handpump
Style Premium Bitter
Colour
Vegan No
Gluten Free No

Sharp's - Doom Bar TasteMatch Prediction

View beer
Sharp's Doom Bar Pump Clip-1
Sharp's - Doom Bar Session Bitter • 4%
Sharp's Doom Bar Pump Clip-1
Sharp's - Doom Bar

This beer is served regularly at Archibald Simpson, Aberdeen.

ABV 4%
Dispense Handpump
Style Session Bitter
Colour
Vegan No
Gluten Free No

Belhaven - 80/- TasteMatch Prediction

View beer
Belhaven - 80/-
Belhaven - 80/- Session Bitter • 4.2%
Belhaven - 80/-
Belhaven - 80/-

This beer is served regularly at Archibald Simpson, Aberdeen.

ABV 4.2%
Dispense Handpump
Style Session Bitter
Colour
Vegan No
Gluten Free No

Orkney - Dark Island TasteMatch Prediction

View beer
Dark Island Pump Clip
Orkney - Dark Island Strong Mild • 4.6% Spotted once.
Dark Island Pump Clip
Silver Award
Orkney - Dark Island

Spotted once. recently. Last spotted 5 days ago at Archibald Simpson, Aberdeen.

ABV 4.6%
Style Strong Mild
Colour
Vegan No
Gluten Free No

Exmoor - Silver Stallion TasteMatch Prediction

View beer
Exmoor - Silver Stallion
Exmoor - Silver Stallion Session Bitter • 4.3% Spotted once.
Exmoor - Silver Stallion
Exmoor - Silver Stallion

Spotted once. recently. Last spotted 5 days ago at Archibald Simpson, Aberdeen.

ABV 4.3%
Style Session Bitter
Colour
Vegan No
Gluten Free No
Changing

Changing beers typically include: Orkney (varies) , Stewart (varies)

Source: National

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Facilities
Sports TV Sports TV
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals Evening Meals
Family Friendly Family Friendly
Children till 9pm
Disabled Access Disabled Access
Smoking Smoking
Tables on pavement outside
Wi Fi Wi Fi
The Cloud
Features
Cask Ale Cask Ale
OCR Pub OCR Pub
Cask Marque Cask Marque
Beer Festival Beer Festival
April / October
CAMRA Voucher Scheme CAMRA Voucher Scheme
Transport
Close to bus routes
Many on Union Street
Nearby Station (600m)
Aberdeen
Directions
East end of Union St

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