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Faffless

Aberdeen - Modern European - Wine Bar & Restaurant - ££

Extraordinary wine knowledge paired with small plates

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

A self-confessed ‘wine bar which became a restaurant by mistake’, chef-proprietor Craig Thom’s multi-purpose venue in a Georgian townhouse also accommodates an art gallery, a private events space, a coffee shop, open-mic nights, weekend brunch, tastings, cocktails and more besides. The restaurant itself is a high-ceilinged room with screen prints and Scottish oil paintings for sale at the back, and big windows looking out onto Aberdeen’s Golden Square. The food is eclectic and flexible, with the option of a set menu with wine pairings, a small-plate selection, and a pared-back lunchtime offer. We plumped for a pick-and-mix selection of small plates, which unexpectedly arrived in one fell swoop: truffled smoked salmon on sourdough toast; fresh, expertly cooked sardines with lightly dressed, peppery rocket; a pear and serrano ham salad; a superb butternut squash and pearl-onion tart tatin laced with whisky (one of Thom’s favourite tipples), plus a side of f...

A self-confessed ‘wine bar which became a restaurant by mistake’, chef-proprietor Craig Thom’s multi-purpose venue in a Georgian townhouse also accommodates an art gallery, a private events space, a coffee shop, open-mic nights, weekend brunch, tastings, cocktails and more besides. The restaurant itself is a high-ceilinged room with screen prints and Scottish oil paintings for sale at the back, and big windows looking out onto Aberdeen’s Golden Square.

The food is eclectic and flexible, with the option of a set menu with wine pairings, a small-plate selection, and a pared-back lunchtime offer. We plumped for a pick-and-mix selection of small plates, which unexpectedly arrived in one fell swoop: truffled smoked salmon on sourdough toast; fresh, expertly cooked sardines with lightly dressed, peppery rocket; a pear and serrano ham salad; a superb butternut squash and pearl-onion tart tatin laced with whisky (one of Thom’s favourite tipples), plus a side of fries and peppercorn sauce. From the set menu, expect more ambitious offerings ranging from smoked beetroot with tarragon and mascarpone to cod with ratatouille and mussels or côte de boeuf to share, with burnt Basque cheesecake to finish.

As well as being a whisky buff, Thom also knows his wines and has assembled an offbeat list of exclusively organic, Old World tipples full of surprises: following his advice, we sampled an excellent Chardonnay from Welsh producers, Mountain People.  Overall, Faffless is a lively, creative and welcome addition to Aberdeen’s social scene.

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VENUE DETAILS

8 Golden Square

Aberdeen
AB10 1RBGB

07501 402373

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OTHER INFORMATION

Private dining room, Separate bar, Counter seating, Outdoor dining, Dog friendly

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