Long haul toilets! (Archibald Simpson)

Member Name: machar

Product:	Archibald Simpson
Date:	11/10/01 (196 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: very cheap drink!!, cheap basic food, plenty of room

Disadvantages: can get very busy at the bar!

What did we do in the days before we had Archies? It's hard to remember to tell you the truth. Ever since Wetherspoons opened the infamous Archibald Simpsons (Archies for short) in Aberdeen, it's been a fixture on the drinking map of the vast majority of Aberdeen.

Its situated in a large old bank on the corner of Union Street and King Street - two of the main streets in the town centre. Definitely prime territory. The previous use of the building ensures that the architecture inside is fantastic - columns, pillars, elaborate ceilings. The new owners have been sympathetic to the original fixtures and have enhanced them by adding some wonderful chandeliers.

The first thing that you notice when you enter the pub is the incredible amount of space. There are a few seats to the side but most are round the corner out the way. This makes Archies ideal for meeting large groups of people in i.e. works night outs. No matter how many there are of you - 2 to 92, you can always fit in if you don't mind standing. If you are lucky enough to get a seat you won't want to leave again. Deep leather arm chairs with high sides to block out the crowds and the noise. Oh that's something I should definitely mention. Archies doesn't play music - not a note. It's hard enough in pubs to hear the person next to you over the chatter of everyone else without competing with music as well.

They sell a really wide range of drinks and, as it is a Wetherspoons pub, the prices are some of the cheapest around if not the cheapest. They always have a good selection of real ales at cheap prices to keep the boys happy and their alcopops (Breezers etc) are incredibly cheap at sometimes only £1. The bar staff are always friendly no matter how busy the bar. I don't know how they cope as I've seen the bar 4 deep and it's a long bar! Some extra staff would be a help!

I've also eaten in Archies and I have to admit I
was impressed. My partner and I selected from their "2 for £5" menu that is served every day all day. The food on this menu is plain and simple and, as the name suggests, you get 2 meals for £5. My partner had fish and chips and I had sausage, beans and chips. I was well impressed. I had three huge lovely Yorkshire sausages that were really meaty and herby - not a greasy sausage in sight! The chips were lovely and crispy and there were plenty of beans. I struggled to finish it all. One thing I noticed while we were having lunch was the number of OAPs that were also eating there. I think they get special deals so it is even cheaper for them. Fantastic value for money!!

I should explain the title of this op. The only irritating point about Archies are the toilets. They are situated at the back of the pub, up the stairs and down a long corridor. You really have to be prepared to fight your way through the crowds and then the long trudge. Once you get there you find lots of lovely clean toilets so it is worth the trek! They do have a disabled toilet downstairs so you don't have to climb stairs if you aren't able.

In summary Archies is an excellent place to meet lots of people for a night out. Lots of space, cheap drinks and you can actually hear yourself think!

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