Discerning diners have dates to save in their diary as Aberdeen Inspired reveals when the next Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks will offer a feast of fine food.
And the Granite City’s restaurants, bars, and cafes are also being urged to book their place at the table for the Foodie Fortnight, which has become one of the most successful events of its kind in Scotland.
The celebration of Aberdeen’s outstanding food and drink sector will be held from Monday, August 24, to Sunday, September 6, and will see a huge range of eateries offering specially-priced menus, tasting and unique experiences and events.
Also in the mix will be the return of the hugely-popular Secret Suppers, where diners only find out on the day where they will be eating and who will be cooking for them.
Shona Byrne, Project Manager for Aberdeen Inspired who oversees the Foodie Fortnight, said: “Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks is one of the most keenly anticipated dates in the city’s calendar for both diners and the venues which take part.
“People love the dizzying choice of fantastic food at great prices in so many restaurants, cafes and bars during the two weeks. The feedback we get is people enjoy the chance to try out new places and discover somewhere that becomes a new favourite alongside the eateries they already love.
“And the restaurants who take part jump at the chance to showcase what their kitchens can do, find new customers who become welcome regulars and also have more diners coming through their door at times of the year which are traditionally quieter.”
Shona said that there has already been a clamour of venues wanting to be part of Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks this autumn and is inviting many more to join in the feast of fine food and fun.
“As well as our special menus and Secret Suppers, we will have more surprises and treats in store which we will reveal as we get closer to the Foodie Fortnight kicking off.”
Wild Goose, the hugely-popular spot on Union Terrace, has already jumped at the chance to be part of Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks.
Chloe Rait, Operations Manager for Wild Goose, said: "Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks was a fantastic opportunity for us at The Wild Goose. It brought new customers through our doors, gave people the confidence to try somewhere different, and created a real buzz across the city.
“Events like this are so important in showcasing the quality and diversity of Aberdeen's hospitality scene. We have an incredible range of independent restaurants, cafés and bars, and Foodie Fortnight, as it is affectionately known, is a brilliant way to encourage both locals and visitors to discover everything the city has to offer."
The previous outing for Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks in February this year saw 90 venues taking place, making it the largest event of its kind in Scotland, attracting thousands of people into the city centre and giving traders a boost in business.
Shona said: “We regularly have participating restaurants reporting increases in guests and sales of between 30% and 50%. Each outing of Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks not only brings more people into the heart of the Granite City but also sees some £500,000 injected into the local economy.
“It really is a win-win for everyone from diners to businesses to the city centre itself.”
You can find out more about Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks at the Aberdeen Inspired website.
