Summer is officially here, the sun is shining, the birds are singing - and the balconies of Aberdeen's bars are overflowing.
So rare is a spot of sunshine in the North-east coast that, when it does occur, the locals are determined to make the most of it.
In the past that has come at a cost - missing out on valuable drinking time - but not any more, thanks to the impressive veranda at the recently opened Revolution.
Spanning the entire length of the lower level of the bar, it offers a great place to enjoy the sunshine, a few drinks and great views of the city's Union Terrace Gardens.
The bar itself has already been proving a hit since it opened at the end last year, but use of the veranda has been limited - it's been only the brave, the drunk and those sporting the latest in thermal underwear who have dared venture outdoors.
But now those long-awaited warm summer evenings are finally upon us, and Revolution looks set to reap the rewards - forget a night out on the tiles, nowadays a night on the wooden floored veranda is all the rage.
It's a very mixed crowd here, with middle-aged friends drinking alongside the younger crowd. Be warned, though, weekends can see it become too popular and it's one of the few places you may find yourself having to queue to get in at weekends.
Revolution hails itself as "the vodka bar", and indeed the vodka connoisseur will have hours of fun reading the bar's catalogue which details the life story of every brand of vodka sold here.
As well as the usual suspects, there's a selection of long drinks and cocktails to choose from. The thirsty can choose from about a dozen pitchers, while those with a sweet tooth should try some of the 40-plus flavours and infusions which include peanut butter, apple strudel and bonfire toffee.
The bar also serves light meals and snacks during the day but, as the menu isn't that inspiring and the food even less so, stick to the drink.
Revolution is another to opt for the contemporary, minimal look. The decor is simple, with wooden floors, muted colours and chocolate shaded furnishings, while the 40ft-long balcony lets the light flood in and helps create a spacious, airy feel.
The music here is commercial and aimed to please the masses. Fans of funky house music are well provided for.
Unfortunately Revolution doesn't really live up to its name. There's nothing particularly new or different going on here, it's just another nondescript chain bar. Sure it looks okay, and the balcony is an attractive feature that will no doubt ensure a successful summer, but despite the warm nights the distinct lack of atmosphere here left me cold.
Open: Sun-Thur, noon-midnight; Fri, Sat, noon-1am.
Drinks: Vodka and mixer, £2.15; pint lager, £2.50; bottle of beer, £2.50; various pitchers, from £11- £13
Details
01224 645475
But now those long-awaited warm summer evenings are finally upon us, and Revolution looks set to reap the rewards - forget a night out on the tiles, nowadays a night on the wooden floored veranda is all the rage.
It's a very mixed crowd here, with middle-aged friends drinking alongside the younger crowd. Be warned, though, weekends can see it become too popular and it's one of the few places you may find yourself having to queue to get in at weekends.
Revolution hails itself as "the vodka bar", and indeed the vodka connoisseur will have hours of fun reading the bar's catalogue which details the life story of every brand of vodka sold here.
As well as the usual suspects, there's a selection of long drinks and cocktails to choose from. The thirsty can choose from about a dozen pitchers, while those with a sweet tooth should try some of the 40-plus flavours and infusions which include peanut butter, apple strudel and bonfire toffee.
The bar also serves light meals and snacks during the day but, as the menu isn't that inspiring and the food even less so, stick to the drink.
Revolution is another to opt for the contemporary, minimal look. The decor is simple, with wooden floors, muted colours and chocolate shaded furnishings, while the 40ft-long balcony lets the light flood in and helps create a spacious, airy feel.
The music here is commercial and aimed to please the masses. Fans of funky house music are well provided for.
Unfortunately Revolution doesn't really live up to its name. There's nothing particularly new or different going on here, it's just another nondescript chain bar. Sure it looks okay, and the balcony is an attractive feature that will no doubt ensure a successful summer, but despite the warm nights the distinct lack of atmosphere here left me cold.
Open: Sun-Thur, noon-midnight; Fri, Sat, noon-1am.
