We’ve searched high and low across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to find the most Instagrammable beer gardens and al fresco dining in the region.
Whether you’re looking to find the coolest places in town, take that “perfect” Instagram picture, or show off your cocktail or beer to your friends, these venues featured in our round-up are equipped for just that.
While they haven’t been set up for ‘the gram’, their interior or setting lends them to be picturesque in our eyes and with al fresco dining here to stay for the foreseeable with summer and warmer nights on the way, we wanted to showcase some of the trendiest places to check out.
You can find a range of venues all offering al fresco dining or beer gardens by viewing our interactive map here. It will also tell you which ones are dog-friendly, child-friendly, serve cocktails, food and local craft beer, too.
The Chester Hotel – Aberdeen
If you’re looking for faux cherry blossom, greenery galore and a spot of luxury, then The Chester Hotel on Queen’s Road in Aberdeen is just the place for you.
Transformed into a spring tropical paradise, the al fresco dining marquee is THE place to be seen. With drinks-only tables, you can either pop in for a quick cocktail, or indulge in a three-course meal. Your choice.
Soul Bar – Aberdeen
Soul Bar on Union Street in Aberdeen has had a bit of a makeover since we were last there.
Not only do they have a new décor which features neon lighting, hanging greenery, fairy lights and more, they’ve got a new menu stacked with delicious dishes for you and your friends to enjoy.
Siberia Bar & Hotel – Aberdeen
Siberia on Belmont Street is one venue we couldn’t miss off our roundup of Instagrammable beer gardens.
With quirky graffiti-style artwork, not to mention some delicious pizzas to complement the creative cocktails, this is the perfect place for any picture, whether it is worthy of Instagram or not.
Maryculter House – Maryculter, Aberdeen
If you haven’t had your picture taken outdoors in the green arch have you even been to Maryculter House? This stunning venue located on the River Don boasts a picturesque setting and is the perfect place for drinks in the sun.
Not only is it remote enough that you’ll feel like you’re away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, but it is only a short 10 to 15 minute drive from Aberdeen, making it very easy to travel to.
Steeped in history, there’s a range of drinks and food menus available to sample for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Meldrum House Country Hotel – Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire
Dining in a dome was a trend of 2020/2021 with many venues across the north-east offering this unique experience.
However Meldrum House Country Hotel has taken their dome portfolio to a new level, with its new Titan Sky Bar.
Enjoy drinks on the terrace and lawn whatever the weather and time of day. You might even want to book a later evening slot to watch the sun set and the stars light up the sky.
This venue oozes elegance and is picture perfect.
The Newmachar Hotel – Newmachar, Aberdeenshire
Sit back and relax at The Newmachar Hotel in style in their beer garden which “popped up” as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Sculley Garden will serve up a range of dishes for lunch and dinner and will have a variety of cocktails to try out, too.
We can smell summer already…
Banchory Lodge – Banchory, Aberdeenshire
Why not snap a selfie in the dining sheds (which resemble garden sheds from the outside) that Banchory Lodge introduced last year?
Dine in your own private space, or, enjoy al fresco dining and drinks under the bright, colourful parasols in the main outdoor courtyard area where you’ll be able to watch your food being cooked at the outdoor kitchen.
Either way, it sounds like a win-win situation at Banchory Lodge.
Did we mention there may also deck chairs and beer tents along the riverside, coming soon too?
BrewDog Dog Tap – Ellon, Aberdeenshire
The graffiti art murals alone are a great excuse to visit BrewDog’s HQ in Ellon, not to mention the food and drinks the venue offers up.
Situated out the front of the brewery, it is well worth checking out the graffiti all around the building, presenting plenty of Instagrammable opportunities for you to get a quick snap.