Northern Bar

Featured reviews

• L

  Liam Henderson

  ·1 month ago

  “I do not usually make reviews, however I feel I have to make this one as I’ve seen nothing mentioned about an issue I’ve noticed within the bar. I have been into the Northern Bar a few times now though very sparsely, I was in for a few pints over the weekend for the home game. There are a lot of things I really love about this pub, great atmosphere, good prices drinks and the place seems fairly clean and well kept. Staff are very friendly and helpful, good at diffusing or dealing with fights or disturbances and handle themselves well. All experiences with staff have been extremely helpful. The pub has occasional fights or arguments but that’s not surprising in a pub and it’s always handled well. Extremely disappointed to find out the kitchen has closed as the food was always good. I wish I could give 5 stars, but during a recent visit I found something incredibly concerning. There seems to be an inappropriate dynamic between a younger female bar staff and an older male bar staff. Over my visits I’ve seen repeated flirting and extremely sexualised commentary, specifically when the male barman seems to think nobody is paying attention. This disturbs me as I’ve seen multiple occasions where customers, typically males, would vaguely encourage or even make their own vulgar statements based on the male barman’s attitude towards the barmaid. I understand banter between colleagues, but the girl seems consistently stressed, aggravated or even upset at the comments , she’s definitely doing her best to stop it from my understanding, I’ve seen her attempting to get him to stop by nicely telling him off, saying something back to him or even snapping to which the male barman seems to act like he’s done nothing wrong and blame her. She seems to be under immense pressure as she frequently takes breaks from the bar after comments from this barman. I do want to state though, the man is a fantastic member of staff. He’s friendly, clearly experienced in his field and infectiously lively. My concern comes from an apparent imbalance in age and position between the two individuals assuming the man is more than a simple barman, in which this makes the situation a whole lot worse! It’s not a good experience for any customer to witness consistent inappropriate comments and interactions between a clearly uncomfortably younger female staff member and a much older male, especially considering the lady seems extremely uncomfortable. I understand I cannot know the nature of their relationship or actions that happen outside of the customers and I don’t want to assume anything about either of them unlike the viscerally inappropriate questions asked by other customers at times. However I do think that management must be aware of this issue as I haven’t seen or heard even a customer bring it up, in fact I’ve heard groups of customers gossiping like high schoolers over this poor lady. Outside of this issue I’ve had nothing but positive experiences at the pub. The atmosphere is nice and welcoming, the place is clean, the staff are generally helpful and the prices are fair. I do hope the concerns above are taken seriously and in a constructive spirit because otherwise I would be happy to continue to visit the Northern Bar.”

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• R

  Rohan Bhansali (SAL)

  ·3 months ago

  “Northern Bar is a great place and has great vibes. Sam was very hospitable and made our evening fantastic!”

• S

  scott B

  ·5 months ago

  “From Canada wanted some cheaper bar food found this place, chicken tenders were delicious and filling they were big. Sam the bar tender was great and helpful and friendly will be back before we leave to try something else”

• E

  Elizabeth Gill

  ·6 months ago

  “Really friendly helpful bar staff. Whom recommended the offers that were on that evening & the best desserts.The jam roll poly was spot on & the best pint of Guinness on Aberdeen.”

• S

  Stephanie Halverson

  ·6 months ago

  “We had a phenomenal experience at Northern Bar while visiting from Minneapolis. Sam was so incredibly welcoming and helped us pick out a fabulous dinner to try for the four of us. Such a great atmosphere, kind staff and delicious food/beer. Cheers Sam from your new Minnesota friends.”

• A

  Amanda Riddell

  ·7 months ago

  “I attended this bar last night whilst playing a league darts match as part of the holburn bar ladies team and although the darts team themselves was lovely everything else was a disgrace the chips came out freezing cold the sandwiches was only buttered on one side and just a shambles the bar staff member was so rude when asked to turn down the music so we could finish our game it was so loud we had to shout to pass the scores. I reattended the bar to address my complaint and the result and response I got today for the manageress was just as bad and if she is the example no wonder the staff are so rude. I wouldn’t recommend this place in any way shape or form”

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• A

  Ash (_End-Me-tm_)

  ·7 months ago

  “The Northern has always been a favourite haunt of mine and my mates. Lovely staff, great food what you can expect from a Greene King, and brilliant drinks. Served by Sam on multiple occasions and he's always friendly, efficient and follows the rules properly. Only point down as it's not my usual crowd of people but meet some good folk there.”

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• J

  Jade (Jade)

  ·9 months ago

  “Absolutely ruined our Christmas Day. The main meal was served cold, tasted awful, and was completely inedible. Not once did any member of staff come over to ask how our food was, which says a lot. Around us, numerous tables were having to ask for their meals to be microwaved — something you should never have to do, especially on Christmas Day. Looking around the restaurant, barely anyone was actually eating their food. The starter and pudding were acceptable, but that’s the only positive. For a Christmas meal that people look forward to and pay good money for, this was extremely poor and very disappointing. Would not recommend.”

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• S

  Stuart Knox

  ·11 months ago

  “Booked a table with family and was treated very well by Sam who was pleasant, and helpful despite being very busy as the lounge area started to fill up for the Halloween Pub Quiz. Food was tasty and reasonably priced. Would recommend.”

• I

  Ian Buchanan

  ·6 years ago

  “Was recommended by a colleague and it didn’t disappoint. Brilliant food and service! The haggis fritters were delicious and I could have eaten the rump steak melt again. Really good portion sizes and the chips were perfect. Will definitely be back next time I’m in Aberdeen”