Dates for the next Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks outing have been revealed – with a call for city eateries to grab their place at the table for this celebration of the Granite City’s finest food and drink.
Discerning diners are also being urged to save the date for the “Foodie Fortnight” which will run from February 24 to March 9, organised by Aberdeen Inspired to showcase the sheer range and quality of the city’s restaurants, cafes and bars.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “After the huge success of the two Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks we staged this year, we can’t wait to deliver this festival of fine dining in February.
“It is one of the most keenly-anticipated events in the Granite City – and not just for food fans who are delighted by the sheer range of places offering specially-priced menus, tastings and unique experiences, with a chance to enjoy old favourites and find new ones.
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“We know that restaurants, bars and cafes welcome the increased covers and spend which Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks bring at what is traditionally a quiet time of year for them.
“It allows them to wow guests and convert them into long-term fans and customers who come back time and time again.”
Aberdeen Inspired staged two restaurant weeks this year – with the Foodie Fortnight in January injecting £500,000 into the local economy and boosting city centre footfall.
Adrian said: “Our aim as a Business Improvement District is to bring people into the city centre, give them a reason to linger and enjoy what’s on offer and to boost the local economy. That is exactly what Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks serves up.”
In both the January and September restaurant weeks this year, some restaurants were reporting increases of guests and sales of between 30 and 50%.
Elena Ionascu of Da Vinci Italian Restaurant said she was already looking forward to the next Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks.
“As it is every year, Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks was an immense opportunity to connect with new target markets and increase our brand awareness,” she said.
“During Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks we saw an increase of 30% in footfall and many of these customers are now regulars. ARW is a really good occasion for businesses to be appreciated by new and existing guests.”
Restaurants, bars and cafes can sign up to be part of the next Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks from today said Shona Byrne, project manager for Aberdeen Inspired.
“Even before we officially announced today’s shout-out for restaurants to join in, we have had places clamouring to know when the next Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks would be and how they could sign up,” she said.
“I think that speaks volumes for the demand from the hospitality sector for this popular event that delivers such great dividends for the venues who take part
“Aberdeen Inspired is calling for as many restaurants as possible to join in the Foodie Fortnight. The more who take part, the wider the choice for food fans and the bigger the impact for our vital hospitality industry.”
During Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, participating eateries offer specially-priced menus to tempt diners, along with some excellent events.
Shona said: “I am delighted that the Secret Suppers which were such a huge success this year will be returning in February and March. People loved the idea of signing up for a dining experience where they only learn on the day where they are eating and what they will be served and by which of Aberdeen’s top chefs.
“Also returning will be the Foodie Passport which gave diners a chance to collect stamps at different eateries for the chance of winning a meal out for two every month for a year. It proved so popular, we had restaurants getting in touch to ask for more passports to be delivered so diners could take part.
“We are always working on ways to make Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks special for everyone, so watch this space for more announcements.”
Restaurants wanting to sign up for the next Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks can do so at the Aberdeen Inspired website here
