The long-awaited wine bar in Union Terrace Gardens (UTG) finally opens its doors this afternoon.
It means, for the first time, all three pavilions in the newly-refurbished city centre gardens will be in use.
SugarBird in the Gardens has capacity for up to 125 people across two floors, with an outdoor terrace area set to open in Spring next year.
Located in the Burns Pavilion in Union Terrace Gardens (UTG), the venue operates on a walk-in basis with no reservations required.
The bar opens at 12pm each day, closing at 11pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 12am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 10pm on Sundays.
A taste of the world
Designed by award-winning architect Tibbatts Abel, the new double-storey bar incorporates jewel tones and brass detailing throughout its interior decor.
Oozing a sense of relaxed luxury, the overall design creates a comforting ambience for wine lovers to discover an impressive selection of more than 60 still and sparkling options curated from all over the world.
Passionate about delivering a high standard of customer service, the bar has an extremely knowledgeable team which can advise and educate on the various wines available, meanwhile customers can also enjoy cheese and charcuterie boards as well as a selection of light snacks to pair perfectly with the wine on offer.
Owned and operated by local wine specialists, Alex and Ruth Grahame, the UTG venue marks the third premises under the SugarBird Wines brand. The original bar and retail shop is located on Union Grove and the second SugarBird wine bar is situated within Alex and Ruth’s award-winning restaurant, SeaBreeze Fish & Shell in Cape Town, South Africa.
Regenerating the city centre
Ruth Grahame, co-founder of SugarBird Wines said: “We can’t believe we are officially opening the doors to SugarBird in the Gardens!
“This new venue in the centre of town has been a dream since we launched our first bar on Union Grove in 2021 and developed an incredibly loyal customer base, but for this space, we wanted to do something that helped the SugarBird brand evolve.
“This particular location is not only unique, but it also complements the ongoing regeneration of the city centre, a topic we feel really passionate about. Taking a look at the finished result, we couldn’t be more proud and thankful.”
Co-founders Alex and Ruth Grahame
SugarBird in the Gardens has already seen significant interest since its announcement in June 2023, where it also launched its crowdfunding campaign to help deliver the new venue and ensure loyal customers felt part of the company’s growth.
Garnering the support of more than 600 crowdfunders, the project surpassed its campaign target within five weeks of launching, reaching an even wider pool of customers who are excited to be part of the SugarBird story.
Alex Grahame, co-founder of SugarBird Wines added: “This milestone would not have been possible without the support of the public and of course our crowdfunders. The engagement, interest and excitement that has been expressed are what this new space is all about, we can’t wait to welcome you into SugarBird in the Gardens and of course take you on a journey of discovery with our global wine selection.”
Keeping its supporters as up-to-date as possible, last month the venue launched bookings for its event spaces in advance of opening to accommodate demand. In due course it will unveil its official event calendar, which will include booking availability for SugarBird Wines’ extremely popular group tastings on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Situated between His Majesty’s Theatre and Union Street, SugarBird in the Gardens is a central spot for customers to enjoy a unique atmosphere and benefit from connecting transport links all over the city. Its idyllic location also coincides with the owners’ ambition to support the regeneration of Aberdeen city centre, driving more footfall to Union Terrace Gardens.
For more information on SugarBird in the Gardens, visit: https://www.sugarbirdwines.com/service/sugarbird-in-the-gardens/