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Under the Hammer

A cosy, characterful basement bar in Aberdeen offering well-made cocktails, a collected interior and an intimate, friendly evening atmosphere.

4.6

A snug basement bar tucked on North Silver Street in central Aberdeen, Under the Hammer mixes atmospheric low-ceilinged rooms, well-crafted cocktails and a friendly neighbourhood vibe. Known for its warm lighting, layered memorabilia and an approachable drinks list, it’s a comfortable evening spot for couples or groups seeking relaxed conversation and inventive drinks in the city centre.

A brief summary to Under the Hammer

  • 11 N Silver St, Aberdeen, AB10 1RJ, GB
  • +441224640253
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Tuesday 5 pm-12 am
  • Wednesday 5 pm-12 am
  • Thursday 5 pm-12 am
  • Friday 4 pm-1 am
  • Saturday 12 pm-2 am

Local tips

  • Arrive in the evening for the best atmosphere — the bar’s character is strongest after dark when its warm lighting and low ceilings create a snug mood.
  • Expect a compact layout; if you prefer quieter corners ask staff about available alcoves when you arrive.
  • Cocktails and crafted drinks are a highlight; check with the bartender for house suggestions or seasonal variations.
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Under the Hammer location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Cold Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Under the Hammer

Basement character and interior mood

Under the Hammer occupies a compact, cellar-like footprint that emphasises intimacy: low ceilings, warm amber lighting and walls hung with historical prints and curios create an interior that feels collected rather than styled. The bar’s scale encourages conversation; booths and small tables fit closely together so the room hums gently when busy, while corners and alcoves offer quieter pockets for long drinks and slow conversation.

Drinks, service and the bar’s personality

The drinks programme leans toward well-made cocktails alongside approachable beers and spirits, presented with a casual professionalism from staff who balance craft with friendliness. Portions and prices are pitched toward mid-range spending; the environment favours relaxed tasting over formal tasting notes, and signature serves sit comfortably beside familiar staples, making it straightforward for both cocktail-curious visitors and classic-drink fans.

Historic echoes and local context

Sited close to Aberdeen’s Golden Square and near auction rooms that hint at the bar’s name, the venue references the city’s layered past through photographs and framed ephemera that decorate its walls. That sense of local story is part of the atmosphere: the bar reads less like a trend-driven concept and more like a place that has quietly grown character through accumulated objects and regulars.

When the room comes alive

Evenings are the bar’s natural rhythm: later opening hours on Fridays and Saturdays extend the room’s energy, while weekday nights settle into a sociable, chatty tempo. Music is present but not overwhelming; the sound level is tuned so that groups can talk without raising their voices while still enjoying the backdrop. Lighting shifts from a dim amber early on to deeper shadows as the night progresses, enhancing the cosy basement feel.

Who it suits and the visitor experience

Under the Hammer suits couples looking for a low-key night out, small groups celebrating quietly and anyone who prefers a bartender’s touch to louder, more crowded venues. The compact layout means it’s best for people comfortable in close quarters; the friendly staff and unpretentious menu make it equally welcoming to locals and first-time visitors seeking a personable bar experience.

Practical character notes

Because the bar is a basement space, expect limited natural light, intimate seating and a distinctive sense of enclosure that enhances warmth in winter and offers shelter from windy city days. The interior’s layered decor rewards slow looking—old prints, auction-house echoes and small curios provide conversation starters that reveal themselves over a second drink.

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