Pub boss hopes to bring controversial marquee back to Aberdeen park to boost business this summer

A controversial marquee could be reappearing in an Aberdeen park again this year – if the business is granted planning permission.

The McGinty’s Group is planning to submit an application to erect a “pop-up” marquee in Queen’s Terrace Gardens.

No 10 Bar and Restaurant operated the tent in the public green space when Covid placed tough restrictions on hospitality venues after striking a deal with the council.

However, bosses were left “furious” after hopes to bring back the marquee to help get the business back on its feet after the pandemic were dashed last year.

After a “hellish” three years running a business through the pandemic and now spiraling energy costs, director Allan Henderson hopes the temporary venue will help ease financial pressures.

This comes after the Dutch Mill owners were granted permission to keep a marquee for at least three more years.

‘Aberdeen is on its knees’

Talking at a recent community council meeting, the hospitality kingpin stressed things are “not back to normal”.

“Aberdeen is on its knees,” Mr Henderson said. “We’ve had three hellish years running a business that relies on socialising, to be told you can’t socialise and you’ve to be two metres apart and you can get five people at a funeral and whatever else.

“The good thing is we’re getting through that, but things are not back to normal.”

Nicky Turnbull, owner of Cafe Cognito and Cognito at the Cross, agreed and added that debt accrued over Covid isn’t just going away for businesses.

She said: “It is going to be a long-term thing, and it’s going to cost you guys. I feel your pain, people come in and go ‘gosh you’re so busy, this is amazing’ but it’s going to take time.”

Marquee brings people to the gardens

Last year, Queen’s Cross and Harlaw Community Council objected to the return of the marquee to the public park.

Additionally, some locals were dismayed by the damage inflicted to the grass by the 90ft by 30ft structure.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Henderson was adamant the majority of locals were in favour of the marquee – highlighting over 1,500 people signed a petition for it to be brought back.

He stressed the marquee will be smaller this time – only taking up less than 5% of the garden.

He promised there will be no amplified music and no sports shown in the marquee – with the facility closing by 10pm at the latest.

The marquee will also be dressed “appropriately” to suit the surroundings and the business will invest in lighting for it.

He argued that surrounding businesses have the benefit of having outdoor seating areas, saying his business “suffers” without it.

‘We’re adding to the area’

Mr Henderson explained: “I think we made the gardens into something special over that period.

“There were more people using the gardens than ever before. I understand there is a slight giving up of some green space. But, given that it is under 5% of the gardens, which, to be honest, apart from maybe school lunch times, it is pretty empty the rest of the period.

“We’re not a night club operator, we’re not a late night bar operator – our customers are far more gentile.”

He added: “I genuinely feel like we’re adding to the area, we’re not taking anything away.”

Councillor Jennifer Stewart said more needs to be done to encourage people to invest in the city.

“Aberdeen is in a terrible state,” she said. “We need to get people investing and we should be supporting businesses.

“The number of residents who contacted me previously in support of No 10 far outweighed the number of people against it, and I think it is only fair to say that.

The councillor for Hazlehead, Queen’s Cross and Countesswells later told The Press and Journal: “I think given the current economic crisis, not just in Aberdeen, there should be a real shake up of planning to reflect the need now.

“Everything else is changing why not planning?”

‘I’m asking you to be positive’

The McGinty’s Group has an agreement with the council to rent the garden space for three years and to return the grass to how it was.

He says the council hasn’t returfed the grass because they are anticipating the planning application being submitted.

Sandy Stephens, chairman of the community council, questioned what would stop the venue from keeping the marquee up all year round.

However, Mr Henderson reassured the members that the conditions of the rental agreement means they would only be allowed to erect the pop-up between May and September.

He finished with a plea to the community council members to be supportive of the latest venture.

“Firstly, I’m asking you not to object to it,” he said. “But secondly, I’m asking you to be positive about it.”