Typical Wetherspoons in a fabulous building (Archibald Simpson)

Member Name: kiwiii85

Product:	Archibald Simpson
Date:	11/12/08 (177 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, Gorgeous building

Disadvantages: Service

I've been in many pubs and clubs in Aberdeen and elsewhere, but Archies is always where we go to start out night.

~~~Archibald Simpsons - Archies~~~

The pub opened in July 1997 and has been a hit in Aberdeen since. It's part of the ever popular Wetherspoons and doesn't let down the reputation.It is set in a wonderful building where you can admire the architecture both inside and out. There are the old pillars, columns, paintings and the fabulous ceilings (ok so you won't admire this is you're on a night out, but still).

It's situated on the corner of the main shopping street, Union Street, and the popular Castle Gate so it's usually the first stop on the list when you go out and about.

This isn't just a pub for the nights out or for a quiet drink, you can also have a lovely meal here that usually works out quite cheaply (oh the awful service makes up for it).

The area next to the bar is extremely spacious and has been left with only a few tables and bar stools in order to accommodate a larger group of people. You might have to stand, but you'll be in amongst a group of other people that also have to stand.

One big important point for everyone to note: this pub does not play any music at all! It's perfect for those conversations at the start of the night or for a quiet meal during the day.

~~~The Food~~~

Archies to a wide variety of food and are renowned for their curry and burger days. They'll have a wide selection of these on a particular day for a fixed price. If this doesn't suit, they have the usual menu running alongside that i can pretty much guarantee caters for everyone. I say this because i'm an extremely fussy eater and had to go milk and soya free for a year but still managed to find something i could eat.

The prices are reasonable but quite expensive for the service you receive. You can have something as simple as a portion of chips or a sandwich to a three course meal.

~~~Drinks~~~

They are renowned for their drinks in Aberdeen and as i'm a cocktail girl myself, i love it here! They do giant pitchers of cocktails for around £5, depending on which cocktail you want. You usually get 4 decent sized glasses out of these so they are definately a bargain. They do quite a wide variety of cocktails too so they cover everyones tastes and do some rather bizarre ones too!

The beer here is fantastic and they've recently been awarded a place in the good beer guide of 2009. They do real ale and have guest ales at various times in the year.

They have the other usual drinks such as wine, vodka etc and we've never had problems with drinks feeling watered down like you do in other places. They cater for people who love their alcopops too, usually for around £1 a bottle!

~~~Service~~~

I had a big problem with them a few months ago (when i was milk & soya free) and the staff were less than willing to help. I'd ordered my meal and waited for them to bring it over to the table. It arrived quite quickly, but it was totally the wrong meal and included butter on the plate - i had explained the dietary requirements. They told me they wouldn't cook me another meal because this is what i'd ordered unless i was willing to pay for both meals! Well why would i pay for something that a, i didn't order and b, i couldn't eat.

After a good 10 minutes of arguing with the manager they agreed to send me the correct meal, but by this time my friend had finished her meal and it was extremely awkward. Not only that, but i was pretty sure they would spit in my food because i had complained!

~~~Toilets~~~

Every time i see a review on a pub or a club, i always look for information on the toilets! When you're out on a night out and intend on having a fair bit to drink, the last thing you want to do is trek up/down a million stairs and walk a mile to get there. This is Archies downfall. You have to walk through most of the restaurant to get to a door, climb a load of stairs, walk down a corridor and then you'll find the toilets. Not ideal for those who've had a few you have to admit!

However, there are advantages to having the toilets this far up and out of the way. They are always clean and always have toilet roll! I think this is because people who have had a bit too much can never find them.

They do have a disabled toilet downstairs for those that are unable to use the stairs.

~~~Random Info~~~

All the bits you wonder about but people rarely remember to mention if they aren't relevant to them. The pub has:

♦ A childrens license so you can take your children here for a meal.

♦ Wi-Fi access for all those that require it.

♦ Multiple TV screens for all those football mad fans

♦ To go along with the tv screens they have their subscriptions for sky and setanta.

~~~Verdict~~~

If you want cheap food and drink then this is the place for you! It's clean, tidy and a fantastic atmosphere for most occasions.

Despite my problems with the service, i still give this place 5 out of 5. Definitely worth a visit!

Summary: Definately worth a visit, especially at the beginning of a night out