The Spiritualist Aberdeen is an independently owned establishment that offers a unique blend of elegance and contemporary style. Situated in the heart of Aberdeen, it provides a versatile space suitable for various occasions, from solo visits over coffee to family gatherings and evening cocktails. The menu emphasizes contemporary Scottish cuisine, featuring fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes include the Hanging Grills, where skewered meats or vegetables are cooked on a searing hot Synergy char grill, searing in all the juices and flavor. The bar offers a creative and experimental drinks list, combining classic cocktails with innovative techniques such as ice spheres and cocktail trees. For private events, the upstairs dining room accommodates up to 20 guests and includes a private bar and plasma screen TV, making it ideal for intimate dinners, birthdays, or cocktail masterclasses.
What each source says
- Google 4.4 455
- Open Table 4.4 285
- Tripadvisor 4.5 238
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Excellent Mixology Classes The mixology classes, often hosted by talented bartenders like Cairo and Ross, are highly recommended for their fun and engaging experience. This is a great activity for groups and special occasions.
- Exceptional Cocktails The Spiritualist is known for its creative and perfectly balanced cocktails, with many customers highlighting specific drinks and bartenders. This makes it a great spot for cocktail enthusiasts.
- Friendly and Attentive Staff Numerous reviewers praise the staff for being friendly, helpful, and attentive, particularly highlighting specific servers like Rhiannon and Emma Taylor. This creates a welcoming and enjoyable experience.
- Fun and Lively Atmosphere The bar has a vibrant and energetic ambiance, making it a great place for a fun night out with friends. Many reviewers mention enjoying the music and the overall vibe of the venue.
- Unique and Instagrammable Decor The Spiritualist boasts a visually appealing and unique interior, making it a great spot for taking photos and enjoying a stylish setting. This is a plus for those who appreciate aesthetics.
Criticised
- Cleanliness Issues There are occasional reports of sticky tables and uncleanliness around the seating areas. This can create a negative first impression and impact the overall dining experience.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While some find the food delicious, others report it's bland, portions are small for the price, and some dishes are disappointing. This suggests the kitchen may have inconsistencies in their food preparation and presentation.
- Inconsistent Service While many reviewers praise the friendly and attentive staff, some report slow service, incorrect orders, and difficulties getting seated as requested. This shows the service can be inconsistent and affect the overall experience.
- Noise Levels Some found the music too loud, particularly during dining, making conversation difficult. This could be a drawback for those seeking a relaxed and intimate dining atmosphere.
- Pricey for What You Get Some customers feel that the food and drinks are overpriced, especially considering the portion sizes of the small plates and the overall dining experience. This may deter budget-conscious travelers.
The longer read
The Spiritualist Aberdeen receives high praise for its cocktails, atmosphere, and staff, particularly those leading mixology classes and providing table service. Many reviewers specifically commend the cocktail selection, with several mentioning specific drinks like the Tiki Camping, Wonderboy, and Hollaback Girl. The ambiance is frequently described as fun, funky, cozy, and 'Instagrammable,' making it a popular spot for both casual drinks and special occasions. Multiple reviewers highlighted the quality of service, noting staff members such as Cairo, Craig, Ross, Rhiannon, Emma Taylor, Boris, and Chloe for their attentiveness, friendliness, and cocktail-making skills. Cairo is repeatedly mentioned for leading engaging and knowledgeable mixology classes, making it a highly recommended activity. Several reviewers highlighted particular dishes such as the hanging grills, prawns, nachos and steak. The boozy brunch is a popular option, with gluten-free options available. The venue is appreciated for accommodating events like hen parties, birthdays, and even larger gatherings, with the staff often going above and beyond to make these events special. Themed brunches, like the ABBA and Harry Styles events, are also well-received.
However, some reviews point out inconsistencies in the food quality and value. While many praise the food, some found the small plates to be insufficient in portion size or lacking in flavor. A few reviewers felt that certain dishes were overpriced for what they received. Cleanliness issues were mentioned by one reviewer. A couple of reviews mentioned that the music can be loud at times and that seating preferences were not always accommodated.
Overall, The Spiritualist is highly recommended for its cocktails, ambiance, and service. While food quality appears generally positive, it may not be the primary reason to visit. Potential customers seeking a fun and lively atmosphere with well-crafted cocktails and attentive service are likely to have a positive experience. Those with specific dietary needs or seating preferences should communicate them in advance. Considering both the positive and negative feedback, The Spiritualist appears to be a solid choice for drinks and a fun night out in Aberdeen, particularly if you are interested in cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 01224 587717
- Website
- thespiritualistaberdeen.co.uk
| Mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | 16:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 1:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 2:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.4 against a median of 4.5 across the 51 places to eat we hold for Aberdeen, where the most-reviewed is Miller & Carter Aberdeen.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What are the signature dishes at The Spiritualist Aberdeen and what makes them unique?
- Do I need to book a table in advance at The Spiritualist Aberdeen, and what is their cancellation policy?
- Is The Spiritualist Aberdeen suitable for families, and what kid‑friendly menu choices do they offer?
- How does The Spiritualist Aberdeen incorporate locally sourced, seasonal ingredients into its menu?
- When is the ideal time of day or season to experience The Spiritualist Aberdeen’s atmosphere and menu?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.