Hidden on a little backstreet in Aberdeen is a bar, a "unique craft brewery", Six°North. It opened in June, and I've never once seen it quiet, despite being closely located to the flagship Brewdog bar, an enormously popular and ever expanding Scottish craft beer company. With it's friendly atmosphere, clean decor and hard working staff, I can understand why. It serves an enormous range of cask and bottled Belgian beers, and there's something there for both the hardcore beer fan and the novice. I'm not much of a beer drinker, but I love Six°North. The first time I visited I was guided by the bar staff, and got a little sample of a few beers they thought I'd enjoy - and they were spot on! My personal favorite, cassis - tastes just like fizzy ribena.
Their soft drink selection is as unique as their beers, and you won't find your run of the mill Diet Coke behind the bar.
But drinking was not the aim of the game on Friday - it was eating! We picked up one of their snazzy tablet menus and set about making some very difficult decisions - it's not a bit menu, but there is plenty to choose from!
Our first choice was an enormous sharing platter, that was piled with salmon, chorizo, cured meats, cheese, crackers and condiments, including the most delicious beer and onion chutney.
The sharing platter was fantastic, and great value for money.
But there was something else. Something better. The main event.
Beef stew, that came served in a hollowed out loaf of bread. Rich and filling, the stew was best eaten on top of chunks of the bread bowl that you could tear away as you went. We shared one between two, plenty alongside the platter. Next time I visit though, I'll be going for the soup, which I stole a dip of from my friend. The soup is cheesy, but not sticky (how do they do this magic!?) and is also served in a hollowed out loaf. I don't eat a lot of meat, and the stew was slightly overwhelming for me. But the look on the boys faces once they'd finished said it all - perfection on a plate.
