“Foodstory are a group of people who, in 2013, launched a kickstarter with a dream of building a space where anyone of any age, any walk of life of life could not just eat great, healthy food but could go and feel part of a community through art and music. They believe in bringing people together. They built the cafe themselves, and most of the furniture was donated or built from salvaged parts, so the shelves are a bit wonky, the chairs are odd, and their ageing, yet beautiful-sounding Monington & Weston piano was left to them by one of the founders, Sandy’s late grandfather. You can play it if you like.
VisitAberdeenshire
From morning to evening, Foodstory serve healthy, locally-sourced food for all dietary requirements, brew tasty tasty coffee, and stage regular events to give people a chance to get together and have fun. Since the very beginning, they have worked passionately to employ staff who share not only a passion for healthy food and great coffee, but also the love of bringing people together.
Foodstory think that Aberdeen is a great city with amazing people in it and wanted to create a space that the city is proud of for many years. They want to serve less meat in the cafe as they feel that focusing on a more veggie diet is friendlier to our planet. Using a lot of organic vegetables and food in their dishes and mostly local cheeses, eggs, chutneys, jams; they make everything else themselves- soups, hot pots, dips, salads, cakes etc. Foodstory want you to feel inspired and feel good when you eat in the café.”
3rd July 2019
Read John Wood’s accompanying History of the City of Aberdeen on the Internet Archive website.
“Seaton Park lies to the north of the city and beside the park’s south gates stand the fortified towers of St Machar’s Cathedral.
VisitAberdeenshire
There are many fine areas in the park from the flowerbeds, to rose beds and up to the walled garden beside the old stables. The Cathedral Walk is always a resplendent sight in midsummer and one of the most popular with visitors to the city.
There is also a popular children’s play area and large grassy areas popular with sporting groups.
Seaton Park is also an access point for the River Don and a walk has been established from the park to the city boundary.
Kayaking is also held on the river next to Seaton Park during the summer months (approximately April to September). The Aberdeen Kayak Club has an equipment store at the park, they hire out equipment and offer taster sessions for those who have not used a kayak before.”
Seaton Park is a public park in the Old Aberdeen area of Aberdeen, Scotland. One of the city’s biggest parks, it was bought by the city for use as a public park in 1947.
Wikipedia Page
The River Don passes along the edge of the park. There is a beautiful flower bed area that is maintained to a high standard with new flowers planted every year, and also a secluded set of walled gardens next to a small (private) housing mews called Seaton Stables.
From the VisitAberdeenshire blog
“Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is well known for its granite buildings and sea transports links, but it also has a thriving arts and culture scene in addition to a rich and colourful history. Long sandy beaches lay adjacent to quaint fishing villages, city parks are nestled among some of the oldest buildings and structures in the UK.
VisitAberdeenshire blog
The region is home to world famous food, showcased through Michelin Guide restaurants just a short stroll from medieval castles and local ice cream producers like Mackie’s of Scotland putting North-east Scotland on the map as a top foodie destination.”
1st July 2019
“The Coat of Arms of Aberdeen consists of three towers within a border decorated with fleurs-de-lis. This design is known to have been used on city seals from the 15th century onwards, if not earlier.
The three towers represent the three buildings that stood on the three hills of mediaeval Aberdeen: Aberdeen Castle on Castle Hill, the city gate on Port Hill, and a chapel on St Catherine’s Hill. The latter two are no longer in existence, and St Catherine’s Hill has in fact been levelled.
The border of fleurs-de-lis, or royal tressure as it is described in heraldry, derives from the royal arms of Scotland, and was traditionally said to have been granted to the city by Robert the Bruce as a mark of royal favour, but may only date from the reign of James I.
In 1672, the Parliament of Scotland passed an act requiring all persons or bodies using arms to record them in a register maintained by Lord Lyon King of Arms. Accordingly, the arms of the “Royall Burgh of Aberdein” were recorded in the Lyon Register on February 25, 1674.The blazon was given as: gules, three towers triple-towered within a double-tressure counterflowered argent. Supported by two leopards proper; and in an escrol above “Bon Accord”
Wikipedia Page
“The cobbled pedestrian area outside Old Blackfriars was used to hold public executions and it is the site where people rose up against the English garrison in Aberdeen’ castle and using the password ‘Bon Accord’ began the destruction of the castle.
Today Bon Accord is the City’s motto. Across the road, the Tollbooth has been the site of civic administration since 1398.The site of pub was owned by Dominican monks, known as Blackfriars, and the stained glass and pews were taken from a local chapel and provide a suitable atmosphere for this 350 year old building. That’s why the moment you enter this atmospheric pub, it’s like stepping back in time. With its two levels, low-beamed ceiling and ecclesiastical fittings, it makes you feel as if you’re sitting alongside several centuries of drinkers.
A Story to Tell: Scotlands Pubs and Bars
The pub has an extensive menu of freshly prepared food, which is available all day and is loved by locals, families, shoppers, real ale drinkers, tourists and, allegedly a ghost or two! With its no television policy, Old Blackfriars knows exactly what makes a traditional pub tick. Look out for the Tuesday quiz and the Thursday Scottish music jam sessions as well as the changing line-up of real ales and the impressive malt.”
“From an amateur start, Cafe 52 now feeds and waters a varied cast of devotees. It has acted as a springboard for locals, an avenue for aspiring artists and a welcome for curious tourists. More importantly the restaurant is a centre point and a meeting place, retaining fruitful communication for our residential and non residential friends.
Now in its 23rd year, its devotees have stepped-up momentum supported by the culinary bold. From a bargain basement beginnings it has elevated as the choice for unpretentious global goodies. Cafe 52 is now a second home for many and a rest assured diner for two. It enjoys favourable reports from the press and a thumbs up from seasoned foodies.”
Cafe 52 Website