This Summer, Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen city centre will welcome Wild Goose, an exciting new addition to the gardens which is set to become a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors. Nestled in the final Pavilion, within the recently redeveloped gardens, ‘Wild Goose’ will embody a harmonious blend of refinement and contemporary flair.
The new hospitality destination will include a restaurant on the upper floor, a bar and food offering downstairs, as well as an event space within the former Victorian toilets. Stuart Ross, founder of Grub Fresh Food, the esteemed Aberdeen-based catering company and the man behind the new venture, expressed his enthusiasm:
“We are thrilled to bring Wild Goose to life in the heart of Union Terrace Gardens. We spotted a real gap in the Aberdeen market for a high-quality brunch offering that you might see in cities like Glasgow or London. We want to bring that to the heart of Aberdeen, delivering a dining experience that competes at the highest level.
“We will ensure the majority of the food will be sourced locally, where possible, for our breakfast and brunch menus. It is also great to be able to bring a taste of Asia to the downstairs bar with ‘How Bao Now’. How Bao Now was a major success during its residency at Bar 99, and it is great to have a permanent home for it.”
The name Wild Goose was carefully chosen to capture the spirit and identity of the new restaurant and bar. Inspired by the migratory bird and its instinct for finding the best places to land, the venture has been inspired by the vibrant hospitality scenes around the world, and looks to invite guests on a journey, whether that’s through bold flavours, curated cocktails, or the stylish surroundings.
Stuart continues: “We wanted a name that stands out, sparks curiosity, and reflects the sophisticated yet welcoming experience the new pavilion aims to deliver. Whether it’s an amazing brunch upstairs, cocktails in the bar downstairs, or enjoying street food at How Bao Now, we are sure Wild Goose will really add something to the city’s evolving hospitality scene.”
The pavilion’s brand identity has been meticulously crafted by Mearns & Gill, a local creative marketing agency renowned for their award-winning designs. Creative Director Mairi MacLeod Gray shared her insights.
“Designing the brand for Wild Goose’ was an inspiring journey. The design approach focused on creating a refined, modern identity with the flexibility to work seamlessly across the restaurant, bar, and event space. The logo unites all three elements in one cohesive mark, while clean, considered layouts allow the brand’s personality to come through in its tone of voice and messaging. Contemporary typography and a palette inspired by the natural textures of the interiors help ground the brand in its setting and reflect the quality of the guests’ experience.”
Wild Goose is part of the broader £28.3 million refurbishment of Union Terrace Gardens, a project aimed at enhancing accessibility and introducing new amenities while preserving the park’s historic charm. The gardens now feature improved wheelchair-friendly walkways, a children’s play area, and restored Victorian elements, creating a revitalised green space in the city’s heart.
For further information on Wild Goose visit: www.wild-goose.co.uk
