Aberdeen - cafes to shelter from the grimness?

[teuchter]

Thanks to Storm Frank, I and my travelling companion face not just the indignity of having to travel via Aberdeen tomorrow, but will have to kill an hour or two there between trains.

It will be around lunchtime. Any recommendations for a cheap/fast eat near the station?

My ideal is an old fashioned cafe where we are offered a selection of east coast bakery specialities by elderly ladies with impenetrable accents.

As this may not be possible in 2016 I am open to other suggestions.

 

[story]

I have no idea, but it gives me the opportunity to say that despite having been in very cold places on the planet over my lifetime, Aberdeen is the very coldest place I have ever been in my life.

 

[pogofish]

The nearest I can suggest for that is the station cafe itself.

Its some time since I was last in there but little seemed to have changed the last time I looked-past.

Otherwise, stroll-up to The Green for Cafe 52 - a bit shi-shi yes but still a locally owned independent, whose owner is socially and politically active in the right directions.

About the only remaining proper greasy spoon is the Washington Cafe at the beach and Vince is getting pretty frail, so it probably won't be there much longer - although he has been promising his imminent retirement for the last fifteen years at least!

 

[teuchter]

Thanks pogofish

 

[danny la rouge]

Thanks pogofish

Last year I had a good, sturdy fried breakfast at Cafe Roza in Holburn St, near the junction with Union St. It was a humble greasy spoon run by a middle aged couple who said "fit like?" and "aathing", and I noticed there were cakes and macaroni cheese and bacon sandwiches on the lunch menu.

It's the other end of Union St from the station, but a hundred times better than Caffe Nero.

 

[StoneRoad]

I agree with story - I've been in the Granite City a few times, over the past couple of years, mainly passing through or meeting to discuss a certain restoration. Can be cold and windy (VERY) and is also rather wet atm.
Don't have a specific café recommendation - but the station buffet wasn't bad, from memory.

 

[teuchter]

Last year I had a good, sturdy fried breakfast at Cafe Roza in Holburn St, near the junction with Union St. It was a humble greasy spoon run by a middle aged couple who said "fit like?" and "aathing", and I noticed there were cakes and macaroni cheese and bacon sandwiches on the lunch menu.

It's the other end of Union St from the station, but a hundred times better than Caffe Nero.

This sounds like just the business. I think we might try this.

 

[teuchter]

Aberdeen: cold, wet, windy, grey.

In Inverness the sun was shining (sort of almost).

We went to Cafe Roza. It may have changed hands as the couple running it didn't sound aberdonian. No particular local specialities on offer but a reasonably priced lunch was procured. Bought a piece of Millionaire's Shortbread for the train. It was ok but not proper shortbread.

Although it wasn't an exceptional gastronomic experience the honour of eating in the footsteps of the great danny la rouge made the expedition worthwhile.

 

[danny la rouge]

Although it wasn't an exceptional gastronomic experience the honour of eating in the footsteps of the great danny la rouge made the expedition worthwhile.

Sorry if you were underwhelmed. However, I'm considering awarding plaques to places I've eaten.

Let me know your itinerary so I can advise on your next stop.

 

[teuchter]

Let me know your itinerary so I can advise on your next stop.

Currently passing through Dundee and trying to think of relevant insults to send to quimcunx.

 

[gosub]

Currently passing through Dundee and trying to think of relevant insults to send to quimcunx.

hope you've had your jabs

 

[danny la rouge]

Currently passing through Dundee and trying to think of relevant insults to send to quimcunx.

It's many years since I ate anything in Dundee. But my brother used to live there. One night after a night in the pubs with him, we were winding our way back to his flat in Union Street. He was feeling worst for wear and stopped to lean his forehead on a plate glass window, for the support and for a breather, you understand. While thus resting he took the opportunity to rid his stomach of its contents. However he came to the realisation that the window belonged to a chip shop, and as he continued to vomit he further noticed in the queue a girl he had been to school with. Wishing to make himself known to her, he chapped on the window and waved, at which point the entire queue turned to see him disgorge yet more of his stomach contents for their edification. The girl was unimpressed by this type of attention and mentioned her opinion, over her shoulder, as she left the chip shop, having decided against her purchase on this occasion.

 

[teuchter]

Any tales from Inverkeithing (alight there for Edinburgh Airport Bus-Link)?

 

[danny la rouge]

Any tales from Inverkeithing (alight there for Edinburgh Airport Bus-Link)?

Sorry, only ever passed through.

 

[teuchter]

Various engineering marvels

 

[gosub]

forgot to get your camera out til after you crossed the bridge I see

 

[quimcunx]

Currently passing through Dundee and trying to think of relevant insults to send to quimcunx.

I see your brain failed you on this occasion.

 

[teuchter]

forgot to get your camera out until after you crossed the bridge I see

No, I just selected the best photo of several for your maximum viewing pleasure. Have a blurry one from going onto the bridge if you will.

 

[pogofish]

Cafe Roza can be very variable IME - times its been good, others appalling. Its also very near the residence of our good poster Peter.

If you were able to cast your net further than the station/Union St, then I could have made a few more suggestions - Notably Ross's Bakery cafe by the University at King St/St Machar Drive junction - which is probably the closest match of all.

 

[teuchter]

I see your brain failed you on this occasion.

Glad to see you note this as an exceptional occurrence.

 

[pogofish]

Just found out that a Stonehaven lass is about to open an "everything grilled cheese" cafe on Holburn St - I may never be able to walk past without stopping again!