The Prince of Wales, Aberdeen

The original and best. That’s certainly how a great many down-to-earth Aberdonians would describe the Prince of Wales. It’s uncomplicated, unpretentious and inexpensive, yet memorably unforgiving if you happen to fall foul of its smokey but comfortable environs after a long day’s work. ‘The Prince’ as it is most affectionately known, has certainly put paid to its fair share of morning afters.

Tucked sleepily away on Gaelic Lane, just off the busy thoroughfare of St Nicholas Square (Aberdeen’s very own street art Mecca), this very popular and traditional watering hole is undoubtedly amongst the most frequented in the Granite City. The cobbled street outside, the ancient little vestibule, and a huge long bar — the longest in the city — all combine to create an almost Dickensian atmosphere, although the unusually mixed clientele tells a very different story. This is the haunt of the stressed-out civil servant, the busy shopper, the punk, the drunkard, the musician, and the working class hero alike, so don’t expect necessarily to meet ‘your kind of people’ the first time you visit.

If good ‘craic’ and an excellent, ever-changing selection of fine ales isn’t enough to lure you in, try popping in at lunchtime for a quick bite to eat. It’ll be busy, for sure, but the service is excellent and the food, well, it’s a pub isn’t it ? Huge portions of splendid traditional fare such as roast chicken or fish and chips are the order of the day, with something to suit most tastes, including vegetarian. However, if you’re after a twirly lemon or something out of the ordinary you’d best go elsewhere.

The Prince is one of a few rare gems in Aberdeen; a pub that hasn’t had a face-lift since the oil came to town (this comment may extend in part to the smiling faces found labouring behind the bar).

Above the cobbles outside, a traditional frontage reads simply ‘The Prince of Wales - Good Food and Fine Ales’. If this is what you’re after, you won’t be disappointed.