Revolution Aberdeen
Revolution Aberdeen
Slains: Gothic Pub in a Converted Church
A gothic pub in a converted church, blending Aberdeen’s history with spooky charm and lively nightlife on Belmont Street.
Slains in Aberdeen is a striking gothic-themed pub housed in a converted 19th-century church on Belmont Street. Spread over three levels, it blends original church features with spooky decor inspired by Slains Castle and Dracula lore. Expect themed interiors with skeletons, suits of armor, and alchemist tools, plus a beer garden in the former churchyard. The pub serves classic pub food and drinks daily until late, hosts live sports on big screens, and offers student deals and quiz nights, making it a lively hub for locals and visitors alike.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Slains
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
14-18 Belmont St, Aberdeen, AB10 1JH, GB
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Mid ranged
Mixed
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Monday
12 pm-12 am
Tuesday
12 pm-12 am
Wednesday
12 pm-12 am
Thursday
12 pm-12 am
Friday
12 pm-1 am
Saturday
12 pm-1 am
Sunday
12 pm-12 am
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Getting There
On foot from city centre
From Aberdeen’s main shopping streets or Union Street, it’s a 5–10 minute walk along busy pedestrian routes to Belmont Street. The pub is clearly visible on the main stretch, with signage and a distinctive church-like facade.
By bus
Several local bus routes stop within a 3–5 minute walk of Slains on Union Street or nearby junctions. From there, follow signs or maps to Belmont Street; the walk is flat and well-lit, suitable for most visitors.
By car
Driving into the city centre is possible, but on-street parking is limited and expensive. Paid car parks are available within a 5–10 minute walk; check local signage for current restrictions and charges in the AB10 area.
From Aberdeen Railway Station
From the station, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk through the city centre to Belmont Street. The route is mostly flat and follows main roads, with clear signage and frequent crossings.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
Restrooms
Drink Options
Food Options
Seating Areas
Sheltered Areas
Trash BinsLocal tips
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Visit before 8pm if you’re with children or a family, as the pub is child-friendly only until then.
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Check the pub’s social media or website for current student deals and drink offers, especially on weekdays.
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Come on a Wednesday evening if you enjoy pub quizzes – Slains hosts a regular quiz with a bar tab prize.
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Be prepared for steps and uneven levels; the historic church layout means it’s not fully accessible for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
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Bring your dog if you like – the pub is dog-friendly, but keep an eye on local rules and busy periods.
Slains location weather suitability
Catch the right light and the right mood, whether you want a bright city moment or a more cinematic evening visit.
Discover more about Slains
A Church Transformed into a Gothic Haven
Slains occupies a distinctive former church building on Aberdeen’s bustling Belmont Street, once known as South Church and later West St. Nicholas Kirk House. The conversion into a pub has preserved many original architectural details – high ceilings, arched windows, and a sense of grandeur – while layering on a dramatic gothic theme. The result is a multi-level space that feels both historic and theatrical, with dim lighting, dark wood, and atmospheric touches that nod to its namesake, the ruined Slains Castle near Cruden Bay, said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.Spooky Style and Themed Interiors
The interior leans into its gothic identity with flair: skeletons, suits of armor, alchemist’s tools, and even a horse in armor add a playful, slightly macabre charm. Clever design elements like bookshelf doors and themed artwork enhance the immersive feel, while the original church structure remains clearly visible from the outside. The pub’s layout across three floors invites exploration, with different nooks and levels offering slightly different vibes – from intimate corners to larger social spaces around the bar and screens.Food, Drink and Nightlife Vibe
Slains serves fresh pub food daily until 9pm, focusing on familiar favourites that suit a range of tastes. The drinks menu includes a selection of lagers, ciders and cocktails, with sports fans well catered for via HD screens showing major live events. The atmosphere shifts from relaxed daytime drinking to a more energetic, social scene in the evenings, especially on weekends and during quiz nights, making it a popular choice for groups, students and anyone after a lively night out in the city centre.Practical Details and Atmosphere
The pub is dog-friendly and welcomes families until 8pm, after which the focus turns more to adult socialising. The beer garden, set in the former churchyard, adds an extra dimension, particularly in good weather. Accessibility is limited by steps throughout the building, so it may not suit those with significant mobility issues. With its unique setting, strong theme and central location, Slains stands out as one of Aberdeen’s most characterful and atmospheric pubs.A brief summary to Slains
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Plan around the quieter times
A quick look at seasonal patterns and peak visiting hours.
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