Halloween won’t be quite the same this year, but, from spooky sushi to fearsome freakshakes, there are still plenty of edible goodies to get your teeth into.
While the Scottish Government is advising the public not to go out guising this year to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, that doesn’t mean Halloween has to be cancelled.
And businesses across the north-east are getting in the spirit by hosting their own themed events or creating spine-tingling cocktails and edible goodies.
From spooky sushi to terrifyingly tasty freakshakes (a mix of milkshake and desserts or sweets), not forgetting themed-bars inspired by Dracula, there’s plenty to make the most of Halloween this year – be that with your family or friends.
Themed bars
Aberdeen’s Soul Bar will launch its Halloween beer garden on Thursday until Sunday where punters will be able to enjoy themed cocktails and Halloween specials. Those rocking the best costumes will win prizes across the weekend.
Slains Castle in Aberdeen is a themed bar inside an old church which is inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula so is an ideal haunt on Halloween with its outdoor beer garden.
In Aberdeenshire Banchory Lodge will host its Haunted Forest event on Saturday October 31 and Sunday November 1.
Diners are invited to bring their own pumpkins along to the lodge to be entered into a competition, and there will also be prizes for the best dressed, too. Suitable for the whole family, there will also be a haunted forest walk after dinner with a fun quiz as well.
There will be a range of Halloween-inspired dishes to try including boil and bubble soup (pumpkin and apple with warm breads), goulash gourd (beef or veggie goulash with finger carrots and rice) and, on the kids’ menu, guests will find bat’s blood soup (tomato soup with warm bread) and a monster burger (beef or veggie burger with charcoal rolls, olive eyes and chips). Hot chocolate, toffee apples and toast your own marshmallows will also be available.
When visiting hospitality businesses please ensure you book ahead.
Spooky sushi
Aberdeen-based sushi firm run by Penny Wong has launched a new Halloween special giving sushi-fans the chance to indulge in the Japanese delicacy, and also try out Peterculter baking firm Baked by Martha’s brownies.
From salmon and tuna nigiri to pepper, tuna and cucumber maki, not forgetting salmon and avocado inside out rolls and salmon and wasabi mayo gunkan, edamame beans and more, there’s a whole host of goodies to try out.
Penny said: “I came up with the idea of the Halloween sushi set as I thought that this year it would be a bit different as often people go out for Halloween, and this year we are all being advised to stay home.
“I got in touch with my friend Martha, who I went to university with, as she runs an awesome baking business from home and we brainstormed on some ideas to make this set fun and sweet.
“The aim was to encourage people to stay in over the Halloween season and we thought that this set would be a great way to celebrate as it is finished off with two Halloween white chocolate chip brownies.
“Anyone interested can order via our Facebook and Instagram by messaging us direct.”
It costs £26.50 and will be available from Thursday October 29 to Sunday November 1.
Ghoulishly good baked goods
Aberdeenshire firm Bakeology with Matt has also created Halloween graze boxes which include a range of tasty treats. Catering for four people, the box is priced at £25 and is a great addition to a family Halloween movie night.
Terrifyingly tasty freakshakes
Aberdeen’s The Long Dog Cafe is serving up a spooktacular dessert alongside their popular freakshake offering.
From the chocolatey ghost Trick version to the pumpkin spice monster Treat, customers will also be able to get their hands on the regular offering, too.
Ice scream
Pop down to The Park Cafe in Duthie Park and Hazelhead Park for a few scoops of Halloween themed ice cream.
Flavours include pumpkin spice, bubblegum brains, unicorn glitter, mouse trap, mint choc eyes, witches brew, vampire vanilla and toffee apple.
They’re also serving up a range of sweet treats including cupcakes, candy apples, cakes and more!
