Motif — Union Street bar with games, stained glass and a relaxed vibe
A lively Union Street bar blending historic stained glass and organ echoes with neon, cocktails, games and live events for a sociable night out.
Motif is a city-centre bar on Union Street housed in a converted historic building that retains decorative features such as stained glass and an organ; it pairs dim, intimate seating with neon accents and a schedule of live DJs, open-mic nights and casual events, and offers cocktails, wines and a small sharing-food menu alongside social games like shuffleboard, pool and retro arcades.
A brief summary to Motif
- 363 Union St, Aberdeen, AB11 6EN, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 5 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 5 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 5 pm-12 am
- Friday 4 pm-1 am
- Saturday 12 pm-1 am
- Sunday 12 pm-11 pm
Local tips
- If you want a quieter table, arrive early in the evening before DJ sets or weekend crowds begin.
- The venue offers shareable food plates—order a mix of small dishes to pair with cocktails while you play shuffleboard or pool.
- Check the event schedule for open-mic nights or cocktail masterclasses if you prefer an activity-led visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Motif location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Motif
A converted urban interior with character
Motif sits within a historic stone building on Union Street that still shows echoes of its earlier life in architectural details such as stained-glass panels and a former organ recess. The interior balances low, moody lighting with colourful neon and graffiti-style murals that give the space a slightly playful, refurbished-ruin feeling; booths and scattered tables create pockets for conversation while open areas accommodate social games and small DJ setups.What people do here and how it feels
The place is built around sociable activities: lanes for shuffleboard, a pool table and retro arcade cabinets share the floor with seating areas and a modest stage space used for live music or open-mic evenings. On a typical night the soundtrack alternates between laid-back playlists and upbeat DJ sets; daytime and early-evening trade has a calmer, convivial atmosphere that shifts toward dancing later on.Drinks, small plates and shared bites
Motif’s drinks list centres on cocktails and wines, with creative signature serves alongside familiar classics. The food offering is informal and designed for sharing — tacos, burgers and vegetable plates appear on the menu — allowing groups to graze between games or while listening to performers. Prices sit in the casual-to-mid range for a city-centre bar.Events and the local calendar
Regular programming includes weekend DJs and occasional live acts, plus midweek open-mic nights and themed evenings such as cocktail masterclasses or small-scale club events. The bar’s flexibility makes it suitable for informal meet-ups, after-work drinks and small celebrations, while its event schedule attracts a mix of locals and visitors seeking a sociable night out.Practical character and accessibility
The layout mixes level floor space with tighter seating nooks, so the overall experience feels informal and slightly eclectic rather than a single, uniform room. Lighting and music levels change through the evening; the combination of games and seating works well for groups but can make the space lively and noisy during peak hours. Staff tend to run the bar and events programme from a compact service area.Why it stands out in the street scene
On a busy stretch of Union Street, Motif is notable for combining preserved historic features with a playful modern interior and social games—an appealing hybrid for people who want more than a quiet drink. It reads as an urban hangout that leans into convivial noise, tactile entertainment and a modestly adventurous cocktail list rather than fine dining or formal nightlife theatrics.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Aberdeen
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Duke Of Gordon Monument
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Edward VII Statue
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The Kirk of St. Nicholas Colonnade
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Castlegate
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Marischal College
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Greyfriars Church
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Rosemount Market
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Forbes of Newe Obelisk
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McGrigor Memorial Obelisk
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Unmissable attractions to see
Huntfun Aberdeen
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The Stairs Leading to Bridge Street
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Union Terrace Gardens
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William Wallace Statue
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Slains
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The Grn
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Cowdray Hall
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Aberdeen Art Gallery
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Scotland's finest art collection in a stunning neo-classical building—free entry, world-class works, rooftop views.
General Gordon Statue
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St. Nicholas Cemetery
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Union Square
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union square shopping centre
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St Nicholas Bandstand
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Essential places to dine
8848 Restaurant
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Cafe Andaluz
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Cafe Harmony
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Aperitivo Italian Restaurant Aberdeen
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Sirene Boutique Aberdeen
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Colin Wood Antiques
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The Edinburgh Woollen Mill
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Kafka Mercantile
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Juniper
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Itskitsch Ltd
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Retro Vibes
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nightlife
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Group Friendly
