Aberdeen wine bar unveils plans for pavilion in Union Terrace Gardens
All three pavilions will be in use concurrently for the first time
Last updated 22nd Jun 2023
An Aberdeen wine retailer and bar has unveiled plans to open a second premises in Union Terrace Gardens.
SugarBird Wines, who own another premises on Union Grove, will take over the Burns Pavilion, using two floors and outdoor space for a capacity of 125.
It'll mean for the first time since the regeneration project was complete, all three pavilions will be in use.
The Common Sense Coffee House and Bar opened in the Rosemount Pavilion in September, while the Union Street Pavilion is acting as a temporary HQ for the Our Union Street campaign.
'Something different'
"We’d been looking around at various premises for a while, but The Burns Pavilion at UTG offered something different and felt special - we could truly picture our brand evolving at this beautiful city centre location", said Alex Grahame, co-founder of SugarBird Wines.
Continuing, wife and business partner Ruth Grahame said: "As someone born and bred in Aberdeen, I know what a fantastic city it is and I’m so proud to have a business based here.
"The recent redevelopment of Union Terrace Gardens enhances this central part of the city, and the views our new venue will have are not only striking from all levels, but will be even more special from our outside terrace where they can be enjoyed unobstructed."
Crowdfunding with customers
The Union Grove premise only opened in 2021, but has built up a loyal fanbase.
And the Grahame's are asking their customers to put their hands in their pockets to support the crowdfunding campaign, which will help them deliver the new location.
"Our mission and ethos is to always put customers and their experience at the heart of what we do," said Alex.
"The loyalty we have received since first opening in 2021 is a huge driving force behind launching our crowdfunding campaign, as it’s thanks to our customers that we can take this next step."
The initiative offers supporters a range of packages with the return being of higher value than the purchase price, and options range from £40 up to £4,000.
Packages include credit redeemable at all premises and via the online store, early access to tasting events, private tasting events and more.
Regenerating Aberdeen
The lead of the Our Union Street project, Bob Keillor, welcomed Alex and Ruth's new venture.
"This is an incredibly exciting time to welcome SugarBird to the Union Terrace Gardens’ tram pavilions!
"It is hugely encouraging to see local businesses growing in the city centre and the new outside terrace will provide the perfect spot for wine enthusiasts to enjoy a glass or two while taking in the views.
"The resurgence of the city centre needs ambitious and creative local businesses like SugarBird Wines to lead the way - congratulations to the team!"
Aberdeen City Council Finance and Resources Convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: "It is positive news that SugarBird Wines will be expanding into the Burns Pavilion, adding to their extremely successful Union Grove premises, which will provide a boost to the local economy as well as attracting people to the rejuvenated Union Terrace Gardens."
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: "Sugarbird Wines already has significant experience in running popular and award-winning premises and restaurants. I am sure this new wine bar and event space will be a real boost for our city centre."
More information on SugarBird's crowdfunding campaign can be found here.