Netherkirkgate & why it's getting lit up

Aberdeen has been in slight turmoil since the oil and gas crash last year. We've been frantically trying to keep our heads above water, hoping and praying the damn price of a barrel would increase, but alas, more jobs have been cut and more doors have been shut.

It's a sad day when any business has to close, you know how hard these business' owners work, putting everything they have into their business but with bills to pay, staff to pay and the people not going out as much, it's difficult for even the most successful of business' to survive.

Netherkirkgate is one of Aberdeen's hidden gems, nestled perfectly just off of busy Union Street. A diamond in the rock, this secret gathering of new business start-up's seems to be growing quite rapidly. With numerous new business' launching in the area in the space of a year, a whole new community has emerged from the undergroud.

With supporting local a big focus in the city, I've listed some awesome business' which reside in Netherkirkgate, and why they're kicking ass and killing it on the local scene.

1. Linton & Mac

Since launching last September these guys have been imperative in putting Netherkirkgate on the map. Redefining the traditional hair salon and bringing a seriously savvy Instagram game to Aberdeen, we've been following the success of both Linton, and Mac, watching as they blow up the hairdressing scene. True ambassadors for supporting local - they get local business' involved in their business all the time - these guys have not only created over 25 new jobs in the space of a year, they've also given us an awesome new place to chill out with our besties whilst we get our bangs cut.

Young, budding entrepreneurs who proactively celebrate their success by sharing their journey with others, these guys are one's to keep an eye on. Destined for big things, this duo are killing it on the business front.

P.s - book into the style bar, you won't regret it.

2. The Cat in the Window Cafe

Bringing a totally new concept to Aberdeen, The Cat in the Window cafe has been a real success in pushing new trends into the city. Never before have we had a cat cafe, but by god you Aberdonian's are delighted we have one. Supporting other local business' by outsourcing some of their baked goods from the cupcake Queen herself, Cupcakes by Jo, these guys know exactly what their cutomers want and know how to deliver. 

From hosting unique yoga classes in the cafe, to inviting guests to lounge around for an hour with some furry friends and a fine cuppa, the Cat in the Window cafe is another business knocking it out of the park. (You can read my previous review of my experience here)

3. Unit 51

Opening last Saturday with Let it Bleed putting on a sick show, this is one place I am dying to visit. The newest live music venue to hit Aberdeen and just across from The Tunnels, this is another awesome venue which is guarenteed to get the crowds of Aberdeen jumpin' for joy.

Be sure to check out their Facebook page and sign up to their newsletter to find out when the venue is open, and what next big gig is coming to the venue. Lot's happening down in the tunnels so be sure to check this rave cave out.

4. Mad Penguin

New kids on the block, the guys behind Mad Penguin are all about suporting local. With locally sourced ingredients at the heart of their offering, these artisan gelateria and makers of delicious coffee are a must visit for me. So much so, I'm actually going for a wee tour of the place this weekend - super stoked for that. They're fresh off the press and making a name for themselves in the area, already partnering with craft beer giants, BrewDog, creating some beerutiful ice cream. 

Yes it's cold outside, and yes it's Autumn, but who doesn't eat ice cream all year round!? Pop in and show your support to these guys who are just starting out. I've heard great things about their coffee offering and they look like they make some bangin' gelato. Two words, yes please!

5.  Filthy Gorgeous

Launching this Saturday (with Scottish DJ Yogi Haughton kicking off celerations at 9pm), these guys are brand new to Netherkirkgate and are already talk of the town with their toasted marshmallow fries - you read that correct, toasted marshmallows on fries. With burgers and hot dogs on the menu, with some buttermilk fried chicken chucked in there for good measure, this venue is shaping up to be the burger joint of the moment in Netherkirkgate.

And for dessert? Bacon glazed doughuts or mammoth milkshakes, your choice. Oh, and did I mention the batched cocktails and shots they have on offer? To say I'm looking forward to trying out these guys is an understatement. Wishing them the best of luck for a party-filled weekend of opening celebrations, featuring many, many hangovers.

6. The City Bar & Diner

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is something to suit all tastes at The City Bar & Diner. With some fab coffee syrups like caramel, gingerbread, and their take on popular pumpkin to indulge in whilst sipping on your hot brew, you'll want to take sanctuary in the diner all day.

All the meals are home cooked with afternoon tea and delicious home bakes available too. It's comfortable, it's homely, and even better, it's local. Oh, and did I mention it was kid-friendly too!?

So go on you rascals, head out there and enjoy those local businesses which are right there on your doorstep. They will love you for it.

  For Now...

Just Julia

The cat in the window cafe (Aberdeen): Here kitty kitty

An afternoon spent with some furry friends is an afternoon well spent. When you love animals as much as I do, the thought of spending some quality time with the cutest cats in town really does sound right up my street. So when my boyfriend invited me to check out Aberdeen's first cat cafe with his friends, I couldn't resist tagging along to see what all the fuss was about.

The first recommendation I'm going to make before I continue is book in advance, especially if there's a big group of you and your looking to visit the cafe at peak times - Saturday's and Sunday's are insane. With limited spaces available you want to ensure you've secured a spot before rocking up - and yes, before you ask, we'd booked in advance. Thank God.

Arriving five minutes, ahead of our booked time slot, we were greeted by the lovely owner, Heather Lynch, who is clearly very passionate about the cat's wellbeing, ensuring they, as well as the guests, are well looked after throughout the experience.

In total there are eight cats who reside at the cafe, four of which decided to show face and come out to play whilst we were there. Graced by the gorgeous Napoleon, a fluffy male chinchilla Persian, Theodore, an adorable cream tabby male Scottish fold, Pancake, a beautiful female silver tabby exotic shorthair, and Boo, a black male moggy who slept the whole time on a cosy rug. Our feline friends were a little quieter than originally anticipated, however, it was 5pm on a Sunday, and quite frankly, I'm usually slouched on the sofa catching up on the latest reality TV show I've missed the previous week - touché.

If you're looking for some thrilling play time with the cats then it is recommended that guests visit the cafe first thing in the morning. Later on in the afternoon they tend to be a little more mellow, and much more relaxed - hence we got the cold shoulder from the other four cats who decided to hide away in their separate relaxing space throughout our visit. I don't think I know anyone else who would be allowed to sleep on the job, trust me,  a late afternoon nap would be greatly welcomed in the working work, however, I'll just have to leave the napping to the cats.

Although the cats were more lethargic in the afternoon, Napoleon, Theodore and Pancake were very much up for keeping us all amused throughout the hour we had with them.

I'm not usually a but person, but...I'm going to be the bearer of a wee bit of not so positive news...I wasn't too impressed with the cakes at The Cat in the Window Cafe. I know, it breaks my heart to say it, however being the monstrous foodie I am, getting the food and drink element of an establishment is a must for me. I don't know if it was because we visited the cafe nearer the time of its initial opening, or if it was because we had visited later on in the day, but the cakes my boyfriends pals allowed me to try weren't that great. It's possible that since my visit they've made a few changes to the bakes and brought their cake game back, but sadly the cakes really weren't up to scratch in my opinion, and I had to pass on the offer of a second taster - heartbreaking.

However, that said, and on a more positive note, the coffee and tea's we were offered were great, and I thoroughly enjoyed my hot chocolate too. All of the drinks at the cafe come equipped with a cat protector - a drinks topper to all you individuals who are unfamiliar with the cat cafe concept. I was really pleased about this as it ensured I could relax knowing no foreign mouths were going to be sneaking a taste of my drink. 

The interiors were gorgeous and on arrival I instantly felt relaxed in the modern, chic cafe. With accents of neutral colours throughout, fluffy rugs and pillows, bean bags to lounge on and natural wooden tones throughout, I could have easily fallen asleep in this haven of pure relaxation.

The cafe was very clean and on arrival, you are immediately asked to take off your shoes at the front door, so having a pair of socks in your bag is a definite! The design of the cafe is open plan, however, the area (main cafe) where the cats stay and the guests interact with them is strictly locked once guests are inside, ensuring the cats are kept safe in a controlled, relaxed environment. Staff lock guests into the room and prepare the coffee's and cakes in the separate entrance room. Staff are always on hand to take orders and answer any questions, and also interact with the cats to encourage them to approach the guests. There is a quiet room for the cats where they can escape to eat and drink, and get away from the main cafe if they choose, which is great as it means they can interact with guests at their own leisure.

Overall my experience at The Cat in the Window Cafe was pleasant and very much filled with joy - happy endorphins and all that. The cats are all very well looked after and the owner seems perfectly polite and educated on how to care for the cats, which I enjoy a lot. I would definitely recommend heading along to the cafe, especially if you've never experienced the concept before. I hear they are now offering milkshakes too so it sounds like a second visit will be needed very soon!

Due to only four cats coming out to play, Heather offered everyone in our session a 50% discount which was very generous of her and was totally unnecessary - a good way to do business in my eyes and very much appreciated by all guests.

My five top tips on how to survive your first cat cafe experience:

1. Be prepared to be rejected...if you can't handle the cat's not wanting to play with you then it's maybe best you don't go...they can be heartbreakers after all, but are total sweethearts when they do come play.

2. Purchase a hot chocolate. With all the excitement of kitty's roaming around half way through your visit you may need to invest in a sugar rush, and what better way than to replenish with a hot chocolate!? Especially when they come fully equipped with a cute cup topper!

3. Warning, cats do bite and scratch and are animals that like their own space. Don't get needy and don't get upset with them. You wouldn't get sassy with someone else visiting your home so don't be a diva in theirs.

4. Understand that you can't take them home. I know they are gorgeous and oh-so-fluffy, but you can't take them home as much as you'd love to. And yes, before you ask...they will be able to see the wriggling fluff ball in your bag..if you want to return, it's not a good idea.

5. Have fun. Even if you dislike cats you're bound to have fun watching these wee cuties roam around having a ball!

  For Now...

Just Julia