From modern interiors to a cocktail menu that has killer drinks on it, the duo behind Aberdeen’s Olive Alexanders will open the doors to their first bar this weekend.
Emily Hailstones and her partner Hayley Fisher will reveal the city’s latest cocktail and wine bar to the masses on Saturday as they open their basement venue, Barbelow.
Kitted out with antiques and unique items that the duo have picked up at auctions and estate lets, the venue will bring contemporary, high-quality, quirky drinks to the local food and drink scene.
Based in the former Miro’s Bar at Golden Square which formed part of the Granite Park restaurant, Barbelow is the first space Emily and Hayley will open at their new four-storey digs.
What is Barbelow?
Inspired to find their first brand, Olive Alexanders, a permanent home after its success during the pandemic, the duo will open a delicatessen and bistro on the first and second floor of the building around a month after Barbelow’s launch.
The basement floor will be dedicated to the bar, while the ground floor and second floor will be primarily the bistro, deli and event space.
The top floor will feature office and staff areas.
Barbelow will be open Sunday to Wednesday from noon to midnight and until 2am Thursday to Saturday.
What food can I order there?
The menu will be focused on small plates and chef and director, Emily Hailstones, will lead the kitchen team.
It will also have local produce at its heart with various local businesses and producers lined-up to feature in the dishes.
From lobster rolls to salads, charcuterie boards, pies, and more, there’s plenty to tuck into when paying a visit.
The small plates will start from £4 and there will also be smoked salmon pate, crudités, tartlets and other different dishes available to try.
What are the drinks like?
As for the drinks selection, expect lots of wines you’ll not have seen around the city before, and some delicious cocktails.
Wine specialist Hayley prides herself on the options available at Barbelow and Olive Alexanders, with some soon to be available to order to your home via Deliveroo.
Emily’s brother Alex Hailstones will lead the cocktail-trained bar team.
There are currently 16 cocktails available on the menu, with the option to order a variety of classics, too.
From the Golden Ticket with vodka, Creme de Cacao, blue curacao and milk to a Blood Orange Sour, an Italian Old Fashioned and Spring Garden with gin, strawberry, peppers and cranberry, customers can work their way through the menu at ease.
As well as cocktails, craft beers, a variety of spirits, organic wine and soft drinks can also be ordered.
With capacity for 90 people standing and 40 seating, Emily and Hayley hope it will become a go-to hot spot for those looking for something different in the city.
There is also going to be seating out the front which Emily describes as being “Edinburgh-esque”, as she says there aren’t many places in Aberdeen that have seating outside with little passing traffic.
Plus, there’s plans to extend out into the back of the building and create a beer garden for summer.
You can book a table for the opening day by visiting dishcult.com/restaurant/barbelow
