Wingstop, the popular American chicken chain, has officially opened its doors in Aberdeen, bringing its well-known wings and unique flavours to Union Square.
This marks the brand’s first location in the city, adding a new option to Aberdeen’s ever-growing dining scene.
Before the public launch, Wingstop hosted a VIP foodie night on Thursday, 24 April. Local food writers, influencers, and select guests were invited to sample the menu, giving them an early look at the restaurant’s offerings and atmosphere.
Menu highlights
Wingstop’s menu features a variety of chicken wings, tenders, burgers, and sides, each available in a range of sauces and seasonings. The full menu was available to try at night. The flavours I tried included:
- Original: Classic buffalo-style wings with a tangy, mildly spicy sauce. It paired well with the blue cheese sauce.
- Lemon Pepper: A dry rub with bright citrus notes and a peppery finish. Suitable for those who don’t like a lot of sauce on their chicken.
- Garlic Parmesan: Coated in a buttery garlic sauce and finished with a dusting of parmesan cheese. The combination delivers a rich, savoury flavour, making them a favourite for those seeking something less spicy but full of flavour.
- Hot Honey Glaze: A balance of heat and sweetness, offering a noticeable kick without being overwhelming.
- Spicy Korean Q: Sweet and spicy, this sauce paired well with both wings and tenders.
- Mango Habanero: These wings were initially sweet from the mango, but the spice crept up with the habanero. This flavour is suitable for those who enjoy spice. As for me, it had too much of a kick!
- Wingstop Fries: Seasoned with a sweet and savoury blend, these fries were generous, and the portion worked well with the dips on offer.
- Oreo and Biscoff churros: This was a light dessert full of flavours, and the combination of the churros with Oreo and biscoff is not one I have tried before, but it tasted great.
The arrival of Wingstop introduces an exciting array of chicken flavours and styles to Aberdeen. The restaurant’s focus on customisable options and bold seasonings sets it apart from other casual dining restaurants in the city.
The VIP night was a fantastic event, filled with delicious food, enthusiasm, and a lively atmosphere featuring a DJ, exclusive cocktails, and a selection of dishes to sample.
The staff were friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable about the flavours, giving recommendations on which food to try out.
The lemon pepper and spicy Korean Q tenders were my top favourites for the night. I like the uniqueness of the flavours and how well they taste with the fries.
The dips, blue cheese, ranch and honey mustard added an extra layer of flavour to the wings; the ranch, in particular, was great, especially for the spicier flavours to cool down the palette.
The quality of the chicken was high, and it was reassuring to see that the food was prepared fresh and made to order, showcasing Wingstop’s commitment to quality.
Chris Sherriff, CEO at Wingstop UK, said: “Expansion into Aberdeen signals our first move into Scotland’s North East, building on our four sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
“We’ve seen the buzz in Scotland and the demand from locals to open in Aberdeen, so the city has been high on our list for a long time.
“Customers can expect our usual menu of classic wings, boneless wings, tenders and burgers, always cooked to order and hand-sauced-and-tossed in a choice of eleven bold, distinctive flavours.
“This includes our new, limited edition Hot Honey Glaze flavour, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and sticky heat and my preference is to have it on boneless wings with a side of Voodoo fries and a nice Oreo milkshake!
“We also serve signature sides including seasoned fries and freshly-made ranch and bleu cheese dips. Milkshakes, freestyle drinks or Camden Town Beer, as well as a churro selection for dessert are also on offer.
“We don’t just sell a product, Wingstop UK is built on bold flavour, community and culture. We do this through curated events, experiences and partnerships.
“At our Aberdeen pre-opening launch event we had t-shirts designed by the amazing local artist Rohanne Thomson and the vibes were supplied by DJ Home/Alone who is an Aberdeen legend.
“In store, there’s a touch point for every sense – you’re not just tasting Wingstop, you’re seeing it, you’re hearing it.
We have curated playlists with new music, and huge display screens in store. It’s a full sensory experience which plays on people’s emotion and creates a lasting feeling that people want to come back for.
“We’re proud to be part of the community in this amazing city.”
As Aberdeen’s dining scene grows, Wingstop’s opening adds another choice for locals and visitors seeking something different.
Its unique and stylish atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for a quick bite to eat and a new spot to spend time with friends and family.
Wingstop Aberdeen is now open at Union Square, with dine-in, takeaway, and delivery options available.
