A last drop of Aberdeen history will be served tonight as a legendary Union Street haunt closes its doors after more than six decades of good times and cheer.
Loyal customers of the Balmoral Bar, the only surviving part of the once-grand Bells Hotel, will gather to toast farewell to what has been for many an extended family – and a second home to some.
The building is to be transformed into a £60million office block, but to legions of Aberdonians it will be remembered as an essential ingredient of a night on the town.
The institution was founded in the late 1940s by “Old” Harold Bell – a former policeman and tug-o-war champ who usually wore a stetson.
Mr Bell, originally from Tyrie near Fraserburgh, handed over the running of the hotel to his son – “Young” Harold Bell – in the early 80s with both remembered for their dry wit and generosity. Free whiskies handed out on a whim were not unheard of during the glory days of the Bells. And overseeing it all over the years has been bar manager Meg Innes, 57, who will bow out after 36 years of service tonight. Four generations of one family are said to have been served by Ms Innes.
Regulars yesterday spoke of their sadness at the pub’s demise, with many fond memories recalled as they prepare to drink up and move on. Kenneth Macmillan, 58, who works offshore, started frequenting the Bells Hotel around 30 years ago. He said: “It has taken years to build up these friendships and it is such a sad loss for us all that it is to close. The question we have is ‘where to go now’? We don’t want to split to the winds and we will try and stick together. Yes, we slag each other off but it is all a good laugh and we all take it well.”
Leonard Pirie, a retired lorry driver, said he kept on coming back to the pub because there was “no hassle, just a good time”.
He added: “Everyone would meet here, have a drink, go for a meal – then come back again.”
Bryan McHugh, 70, said he started drinking at Bells Hotel more than 50 years ago – with the former slaughterman first dropping in for a pint after a suit fitting at a nearby tailors.
He later went on to become golfing partners with Old Harold, he said.
Mr McHugh added: “If you come in here, you are never on your own. You could come here by yourself and then next thing you would have 10 people around you.”