Union Street becomes the Gannet Mile as food venues outnumber shops for first time – with MORE to come

Could food fans boost footfall in Aberdeen city centre?

By Denny Andonova

March 29 2024, 11:45 am

German Doner Kebab was among the food businesses making a move to Union Street. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson.

There has been a historic changing of the guard on Aberdeen’s Union Street – with food businesses overtaking retail for the first time ever.

And you’d better loosen your belt, because there could be much more to come.

A host of cafes, bars and restaurants have recently taken the Granite Mile by storm, and offered the promise of a brighter future for the forlorn thoroughfare.

The recent arrival of German Doner Kebab, Gidi Grill and 474 by Cup have brought the tally of hospitality venues to 112.

That means there are five more of them in the city centre than shops.

So could a much anticipated turnaround be on the table?

Gidi Grill owner Mobolaji Adeniyi and his wife Eniloa outside the food venue on Aberdeen's Union Street. — Husband-and-wife Mobolaji (Mo) and Eniola Adeniyi opened Gidi Grill on 263 Union Street in November 2022.

Is this a ‘natural evolution’?

If you ask Our Union Street leader Bob Keiller, he would immediately say: “Yes!”

“I think most city centres would have seen a similar pattern,” he adds.

“The mix goes towards having more food and beverage and activity-based venues, rather than just traditional retail spaces.

“It’s a natural evolution at this day and age, given the availability of online shopping.”

American fast food chains Popeyes, McDonalds and Taco Bell along the central section of Union Street in Aberdeen. — A trio of American fast food chains along the central section of Union Street. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

What’s the bigger picture?

Research released in the aftermath of the pandemic detailed a staggering 9,300 shop closures across UK high streets between March 2020 and 2022.

But even then, the food and drink trend was starting to show, with a 5.7% increase in cafes and 7.2% more fast food shops.

German Doner Kebab in Aberdeen city centre. — German Doner Kebab has now become a popular spot for city centre visitors. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson.

Heavenly Desserts on Union Street — The Heavenly Desserts parlour and noodle takeaway next door transformed what had been a closed Sainsbury’s. Image: Kieran Beattie/ DC Thomson.

Food and drink boom on Union Street ‘is a cause for optimism’

It comes as we turn the spotlight to businesses who have decided to put their faith into the Granite Mile amid efforts to rejuvenate the city centre.

This week, we revealed what owners of Geek Retreat and Lolo and Co, as well as long established outlets such as Attic and Jamieson and Carry, think of Union Street.

And while they all had a different take on what it takes to thrive in the city centre, they were were each hopeful of a brighter future.

Our Union Street bosses Derrick Thomson and Bob Keiller. — Our Union Street bosses Derrick Thomson and Bob Keiller have spearheaded effort to breathe new life into the city centre. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson.

Our Union Street co-leader Derrick Thomson thinks the arrival of big corporations like Shell is creating more food and drink demand.

Food chains Popeyes and Chaiiwala have also taken over units, with the two new stores expected to soon welcome customers.

Meanwhile, Black Sheep Coffee have snapped up the former Caffe Nero, and long-empty Budz Bar will be transformed into a venue with a restaurant and cocktail bar.

Inside derelict Budz Bar building in Aberdeen. — Allan Smith and Bruce Porter have ambitious plans for the derelict Budz Bar building, which has lain empty for nearly two decades. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson.

‘There is loads to celebrate’

But as we look ahead to what’s to come, Bob says there is plenty of restaurants and traditional pubs on the Granite Mile that have been here “for ages”.

And they are worth raising a glass to, as well.

While many were looking for a way out, long-established businesses like La Lombarda, Miller and Carter and Chaophraya remained faithful to their city centre spots.