Working!
Those that know me well know that I like my sport, a pint or two of real ale and the odd wee dram of malt whisky. So when the opportunity to visit the ‘Granite City’ arises albeit a working trip of course I would be happy to oblige. Apparently a couple of weeks later and I could have got to see Aberdeen V East Fife in the Scottish League Cup – damn. No sport but plenty of real ale and whisky, so as Meatloaf put it, “Two Out of Three Aint Bad”. Also at my client was David “Robbo” Robinson, one of my oldest friends and colleagues and always a pleasure to be with, especially when he is paying. Robbo has almost been living there for the last three years so he had the ‘local knowledge’ of where was best to eat and drink.
I have driven up to Aberdeen a number of times, which is hard work, but flew up this time using Eastern Airways from Humberside Airport. Yes there is an airport in Humberside and believe it or not it does handle International flights! Eastern Airways runs a fleet of turboprop aircraft from regional airports in the UK. I know some people don’t like flying and I wouldn’t want to make light of their phobias (I for one are shit-scared of needles), but I love it and small aircraft are great. About 10 years ago I did a couple of static line parachute jumps which were a great experience and the flights in the tiny Cessna were brilliant, sitting on the floor looking through the open door. Nothing so small this time – Jetstream 41 on the way up and Saab 200 on the way back. Comfortable enough, but hardly luxurious
This week it was the Europe Offshore Exhibition in Aberdeen so everywhere was going to be packed out with oil industry delegates. The first experience of this was trying to get a taxi. Normally if there are ten people in the queue you are unlucky; this one was about 30 yards long and then snaked back on itself for another twenty. It reminded me of the troops in the film Dunkirk trying to get off the beach. It took three quarters of an hour to get to the front but all was orderly, give or take the odd foreign sneak who tried to join the queue at the bend and had the error of their ways pointed out to them.
We were ‘billeted’ in the Brentwood Hotel which is down Crown Street just off Union Street in the centre of town. It is one I have used many times and as Robbo practically lives there we are guaranteed good friendly service. Not quite a ‘home from home’ but a nice place to stay and not impersonal like some of the big chains. The rooms are perhaps a little small but have all been nicely refurbished over the last couple of years. The food is generally quite good but the bar is even better with a choice of 10 real ales on tap. Unfortunately I had a run of bad luck, on the Tuesday night I sent back 4 pints before I got one that was right. As I said to Robbo at the time I have the sort of face that can turn beer off never mind women! Next time I think I will have better luck.
The beer Black Sheep bitter, Deuchars IPA
I did do four days work at my client but I guess I am boring enough without bringing up work!
The disadvantage of parts of Scotland is the prevalence of bars rather than pubs; I never quite feel comfortable in bars, there is always the thought that you may be sat or stood in someone’s spot! Robbo decided to take me to a nice of fashioned pub just down Union Street called Old Blackfriars. It was early when we went (before 8.00pm) and the pub was quite busy with people eating and drinking which was good, the atmosphere being friendly. The three of us (we were joined by Gordon from the client) decided upon fish, chips and peas which was a good choice. The fish was excellent and the portion sizes hearty, not even a Bunter like me could finish. The beer was good too but I cannot recall what I had, I will try to do better on my next visit. All in all a good pub with the feel of one of the better Wetherspoons pubs, the advertising styles being quite similar.
After such a good meal Robbo decided that as guest on honour I deserved a whisky; we I am hardly going to refuse am I! He said “lets go to The Grill”, which left me a little apprehensive. I had seen the back of it during the walk up Crown Street; granite blocks looking more like breeze blocks dirty illuminated brewery sign on the wall, not exactly my idea of welcoming. I do have a bit of a soft spot for old fashioned pubs even if they are a bit rough and grotty, and it looked better from the front. Inside was a revelation; whisky heaven. I pride myself on my choice at home but here it was amazing! There is a menu on the counter which is 2 sides of A4, but the full menu runs to 10 sides of A4. Gordon then made the mistake of asking me what my favourite whisky was, cue ‘Pete the whisky bore’. To summarise the conversation: Laphroaig if I want full on harsh peat, Highland Park when I want a bit of peat and smoke but with a bit more fruity/floral finish, Scapa if I fancy something sweet and honeyed and Old Pulteney if I want something salty and tangy.
The malt whisky Springbank 10, Mortlach 14 (The Grill Bottling)
The history of the Grill is also worth a read. Apparently they didn’t allow women in until 1975 and the passing of the Sex Discrimination Act, but it wasn’t until 1998 that they got around to putting a ladies toilet in. No I don’t know what they did during the 23 years in between?
A great trip was rounded off at Aberdeen Airport where Glenfiddich had two stands offering free samples. Being a tight Yorkshireman I had to partake and tried the 18 yo (I have an unopened bottle of this at home) and a special 19 yo which is made only for sale at duty free shops.
I am looking forward to going back to Aberdeen soon!
Links
The Brentwood Hotel http://www.brentwood-hotel.co.uk/
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