Discerning diners are being urged to mark their calendars as Aberdeen Inspired has confirmed the return of its much-anticipated Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks later this summer.
The popular Foodie Fortnight will run from Monday, August 24 to Sunday, September 6, bringing a celebration of the Granite City’s thriving food and drink scene. Restaurants, bars and cafés across Aberdeen will offer specially priced menus, exclusive tasting experiences and a host of unique events designed to tempt both locals and visitors.
Among the highlights is the return of the hugely popular Secret Suppers, where diners only discover the location and chef on the day, adding an element of intrigue to the culinary experience.
Organisers are also calling on hospitality businesses to secure their place in what has become one of Scotland’s most successful food events.
Shona Byrne, project manager for Aberdeen Inspired, 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, cafés 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.”
Interest from venues is already high, with organisers encouraging more businesses to sign up and be part of the city-wide celebration. Further details on special events and experiences are expected to be revealed in the lead-up to the launch.
Wild Goose, the popular Union Terrace venue, is among those already confirmed to take part.
Chloe Rait, operations manager at 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 most recent edition of Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, held in February, saw 90 venues take part, making it the largest event of its kind in Scotland. It attracted thousands of visitors to the city centre and delivered a significant boost to local businesses.
You Might Also Like:
Record participation and packed venues mark Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks success story
Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks serves up its biggest Foodie Fortnight yet
New Aberdeen burger restaurant aims to bring “quality-driven” dining experience to Union Street
Belmont Cinema wins £1.5 million lifeline to bring Aberdeen indie landmark back to life
Shona added: “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.”
Hospitality venues can now register their interest via the Aberdeen Inspired website, while diners can find further details and updates ahead of the event online.
