College Bar, Aberdeen Travel Guide

Free Guide: Aberdeen’s iconic sports and cocktail bar blending historic charm with modern entertainment and fresh local brews.

A brief summary of College Bar

Aberdeen’s iconic sports and cocktail bar blending historic charm with modern entertainment and fresh local brews.

Located at 9 Alford Place in Aberdeen, College Bar is a vibrant sports and cocktail bar housed in a distinctive 19th-century granite building. Renowned for its state-of-the-art sports viewing system and a lively atmosphere, it offers a broad selection of drinks including fresh Tank Tennent’s lager and signature cocktails. Open since 1994 and refurbished in 2018, this metropolitan venue blends historic charm with modern amenities, making it a popular spot for both sports fans and nightlife seekers.

1–4 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
4 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Information boards
4.1 Very good · 373 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • MonClosed
  • Tue4 pm–12 am
  • Wed4 pm–12 am
  • Thu4 pm–12 am
  • Fri4 pm–1 am
  • Sat12 pm–1 am
  • Sun12 pm–12 am

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
9 Alford Pl, Aberdeen AB10 1YD
Phone
Website

Getting there

Bus

Take a local bus to the city centre, with stops near Alford Place. Services run frequently from Aberdeen bus station, with a journey time of approximately 10-15 minutes. Single fares cost around £1.80-£2.50 GBP. Note that evening service frequency may reduce after midnight.

Taxi

Taxis from central Aberdeen to College Bar take about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares in the range of £5-£10 GBP. Taxis are readily available in the city centre and operate 24/7.

Walking

If you are staying nearby in Aberdeen city centre, walking to College Bar is convenient and takes approximately 10-20 minutes depending on your starting point. The terrain is flat and accessible, suitable for most travelers.

Discover more about College Bar

A Historic Venue with Modern Flair

College Bar is set within a striking 19th-century gothic granite building that stands prominently on Alford Place, one of Aberdeen’s main thoroughfares. Established in 1994, the bar has become an institution in the city, combining the heritage of its architecture with a comprehensive refurbishment completed in 2018. This update brought a fresh, metropolitan vibe to the venue, enhancing its appeal with modern interiors and a welcoming atmosphere that caters to a diverse crowd.

Unmatched Sports Viewing Experience

A key highlight of College Bar is its custom-built sports viewing system, designed to offer an immersive experience for sports enthusiasts. The centerpiece is a large cube screen suspended in the middle of the bar, providing clear sightlines from virtually any seat. Additional large screens and individual monitors within booth seating and at select tables ensure that every guest can catch live games and events, making it one of the best sports bars in Aberdeen.

A Wide Range of Drinks and Signature Cocktails

College Bar prides itself on its extensive drinks menu, featuring an array of lagers and ales on draught, including the exclusive Tank Tennent’s Lager served fresh from specially engineered tanks. The cocktail menu offers both classic and unique creations crafted to suit all tastes. This combination of quality beverages and expert bartending contributes to the bar’s reputation as a top destination for both casual drinks and special nights out.

Atmosphere and Events

The bar maintains a lively yet relaxed atmosphere that appeals to a broad demographic, from students and young professionals to sports fans and cocktail lovers. Regular events such as the College Club nights from Wednesday to Friday offer drink specials and a social buzz that energizes the venue midweek and on weekends. The bar also hosts private hire and festive celebrations, providing versatile spaces for group gatherings and parties.

Location and Accessibility

Situated in the heart of Aberdeen city centre, College Bar is easily accessible and benefits from its central location to attract both locals and visitors. The venue’s historic exterior contrasts with its contemporary interior, creating a unique setting that reflects Aberdeen’s blend of tradition and modernity. Its opening hours accommodate a variety of schedules, with weekend late-night service extending the experience well into the early hours.

Community and Inclusivity

College Bar is known for its inclusive and metropolitan environment, welcoming a diverse clientele. It strives to be a friendly and engaging space where all guests feel comfortable. Its long-standing presence in Aberdeen’s nightlife scene underscores its role as a community hub where people come together to enjoy sport, music, and quality drinks in a vibrant setting.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Mar · at 1am or at 8am or at 9am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 44% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 44% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 56% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  4. Apr: 67% of the busiest month
  5. May: 78% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 89% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 89% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 78% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 67% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 78% of the busiest month
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 30% of the busiest hour
  2. 1am: 20% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 8am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  4. 9am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  5. 10am: 20% of the busiest hour
  6. 11am: 30% of the busiest hour
  7. 12pm: 40% of the busiest hour
  8. 1pm: 50% of the busiest hour
  9. 2pm: 60% of the busiest hour
  10. 3pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  11. 4pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  12. 5pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  13. 6pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  14. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  15. 8pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  16. 9pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  17. 10pm: 60% of the busiest hour
  18. 11pm: 50% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

Explore College Bar on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near College Bar, mapped for you.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to College Bar, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from opening hours and how to get there to Eve’s tips and the best time to go, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

More to explore near College Bar

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery.

Activate your presence Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Explore more

Aberdeen
More of the city

Explore more of Aberdeen

Discover Aberdeen's sparkling granite architecture, rich maritime heritage, and scenic coastal beauty along Scotland's northeast coast.

Explore Aberdeen
United Kingdom
More of the country

Explore more of United Kingdom

Discover the United Kingdom: A blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offering a unique travel experience for every visitor.

Explore United Kingdom
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Aberdeen

Discover Aberdeen with Evendo, a 100% free travel guide app covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more for an unforgettable journey.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, and more
  • High-quality images and local tips
  • Easy hotel, tour, and experience bookings
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Aberdeen like never before with Evendo, your comprehensive app-based travel guide. Enjoy detailed insights into the city's attractions, dining, and culture - all at no cost.

  • Historical insights and travel essentials
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • Curated local advice for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Aberdeen, a city where history meets modern vibrance. With Evendo, your personal travel guide, explore iconic landmarks such as Marischal College, the majestic Aberdeen Maritime Museum, and the serene Duthie Park. Savor local flavors at renowned eateries like The Silver Darling and Moonfish Café, ensuring your taste buds enjoy the journey as much as you do.

Evendo is more than just a travel guide; it's your passport to Aberdeen's hidden gems. Whether you're fascinated by the city's rich history or its lively nightlife, Evendo has you covered. Discover local shops, vibrant nightclubs, and cozy bars, each with detailed descriptions, maps, and contact information to streamline your travel experience.

Planning your visit is a breeze with Evendo. Book hotels, tours, and experiences directly through the app, eliminating the hassle of separate bookings. Our 'Near Me' feature ensures you won't miss out on nearby attractions, while curated local tips provide authentic insights into Aberdeen's culture and lifestyle.

Experience Aberdeen with confidence and ease, knowing that Evendo offers you a comprehensive, no-cost solution to exploring not only Aberdeen but over 7,000 destinations worldwide. Download Evendo today, and let your Aberdeen adventure begin.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.