Aberdeen's Belmont Street has undergone quite a transformation over the last couple of years.
Once the favourite hangout of the city's student population, the arrival of a host of stylish new bars and fashionable nightclubs has attracted a more mainstream crowd to the area recently.
One of the most original and popular bars in the busy street was undoubtedly the Wild Boar. Its chilled- out atmosphere, comfortable surroundings and diverse music policy gave it a real identity and made it a firm favourite with those looking for something a little bit different.
But as its new neighbours welcomed drinkers in their droves, the Wild Boar seemed to fall out of favour - it was only ever going to be so long before the bar gave into peer pressure and set about smartening up its image.
The recent revamp has seen them go back to basics - the turquoise walls have been stripped back to the bare granite and the low- slatted ceiling has gone. The green velour sofas that lined the walls have also been dumped, replaced by leather- look, low-slung sofas and low tables.
The central stairway to the basement remains and the downstairs bar is much the same as it was save for some new seat covers, a lick of paint, and some rather large and imposing mirrors that now line the walls. The new and improved Wild Boar definitely looks a lot more stylish and contemporary than before and it's proving a popular choice with a wide range of drinkers, it's no longer unusual to see a few suits settling down.
The bar may not be quite so studenty or comfortable as it once was, but the lively but laid back atmosphere continues to attract the groups of 20-something friends who flock here. But while we're glad to see the back of those wobbly tables, not everything cleared- out was an improvement.
They've also dropped a few of the things that made the Wild Boar so damn good. While they still provide a classic food menu during the day, they've chucked out their huge cake cabinet - and the legendary home- baked cakes that came with it.
And as pretty as they may be, the multi-coloured lights don't really make up for the exhibitions by local artists that used to grace the walls.
The music, too, has gone back to basics. Out goes the jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop and world music - now resident DJs play more commercial dance and chart music throughout the weekend.
But maybe we should count ourselves lucky. There had been rumours the Wild Boar would be transported back to an era of afro wigs and spangly hot- pants thanks to a takeover by the Flares chain. At least we've been spared that.
Open: Sun-Thu, noon-midnight;
Fri-Sat: noon-1am
Drinks: Spirit and mixer, £2.20;
pint of lager, £2.20; bottled beer, £2.75; two-for-one on bottles of Stella, Becks and some alcopops; double spirit and mixer, £2.95
Rating: 3 star
Details
01224 625 357
The central stairway to the basement remains and the downstairs bar is much the same as it was save for some new seat covers, a lick of paint, and some rather large and imposing mirrors that now line the walls. The new and improved Wild Boar definitely looks a lot more stylish and contemporary than before and it's proving a popular choice with a wide range of drinkers, it's no longer unusual to see a few suits settling down.
The bar may not be quite so studenty or comfortable as it once was, but the lively but laid back atmosphere continues to attract the groups of 20-something friends who flock here. But while we're glad to see the back of those wobbly tables, not everything cleared- out was an improvement.
They've also dropped a few of the things that made the Wild Boar so damn good. While they still provide a classic food menu during the day, they've chucked out their huge cake cabinet - and the legendary home- baked cakes that came with it.
And as pretty as they may be, the multi-coloured lights don't really make up for the exhibitions by local artists that used to grace the walls.
The music, too, has gone back to basics. Out goes the jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop and world music - now resident DJs play more commercial dance and chart music throughout the weekend.
But maybe we should count ourselves lucky. There had been rumours the Wild Boar would be transported back to an era of afro wigs and spangly hot- pants thanks to a takeover by the Flares chain. At least we've been spared that.
Open: Sun-Thu, noon-midnight;
