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Christmas Eve - Open as normal - Food served from 12-2pm, 5pm-9pm

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Closed 6th, 7th, 8th January 2025, open 9th Jan from 5pm

We are delighted to announce that The Silver Darling was named 'Restaurant of the Year' at the inaugural Society Awards on Friday.

The inaugural Society Awards honoured the very best of the north-east at a glittering ceremony.

The awards recognised the excellence and commitment of those working in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s food and drink, entertainment, tourism, interior, and fashion and beauty industries.

Editor of Society, Samantha Leckie said: “I would like to congratulate not only the winners of the Society Awards, but each and every person who took the time to enter.

“The north-east has a lot to be proud of and the awards were a way for us to shout about the city on a bigger scale.

“We are so lucky to have outstanding bars and restaurants, wonderful entertainment venues, and real stars in the world of beauty, fashion, and home interiors – not to mention food and drink producers that are the envy of the nation.

“These businesses and individuals are constantly pushing the boundaries and striving to make the north-east a better place to be.”

An iconic North-east restaurant has officially opened its doors following a significant refurbishment.

The Silver Darling, which is based in Fittie, has reopened following a major renovation which has transformed the restaurant with contemporary stylish interiors and a new food & drink offering.

The new-look restaurant, designed by award-winning architects, Nicoll Russell Studios, has overhauled its dining area with new furnishings, along a number of unique features including a hand painted Fish Market board in a nod to the restaurant’s location.

The venue, which has panoramic views overlooking the city’s harbour and beach area, also boasts a bespoke glass installation created by local artist Shelagh Swanson which features historic pictures of the neighbouring fishing village of Footdee and its people.

The Silver Darling, which was acquired by independent hospitality business, The McGinty’s Group at the end of September 2017, has also welcomed a new head chef, Craig Somers, who originally started his career at The Silver Darling and now returns with more than 22 years of experience.

As part of the relaunch, a new food menu is now on offer with a seafood influence and an increased selection of meat dishes, which is complemented by a well-balanced wine list and cocktail menu.

Director of The McGinty’s Group, Allan Henderson, said: “We are extremely delighted to relaunch the new and improved Silver Darling to the public. With its unique setting a key feature for us, we were determined to revitalise the restaurant and create something special that would not only complement the surroundings but also provide the city with a memorable dining experience.

“As a ‘Fittie Loon’, I know many people hold a fond affiliation with the restaurant so throughout the refurbishment, we have tried to retain the venue’s charm and character whilst updating it with stylish features and top quality furnishings. Our new restaurant truly celebrates our heritage whilst providing a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.”

Operations Director, Alan Aitken, said: “The Silver Darling has a long history in the city first launching in 1986 and we felt that we could further enhance the venue. Changing the layout of the restaurant has allowed us to maximise the space whilst also creating a relaxing vibe that will allow diners to enjoy pre and post dinner drinks, along with coffees. We have also updated our food menus with a wider selection of seafood and meat dishes, along with a kids menu.”

A soon-to-be launched north-east eatery has officially named its new head chef to lead the venue on its new voyage.

The Silver Darling, which is based in Fittie, has strengthened its team with the appointment of head chef, Craig Somers, most recently of The Tolbooth, Stonehaven.

Mr Somers brings more than 22 years of industry experience to the role, originally starting his career at The Silver Darling at the age of 20, starting as a commis chef. Craig went on to work at various restaurants in Aberdeen before joining The Tolbooth as Head Chef for nine years and now returns to lead the team at The Silver Darling.

The Silver Darling, which was acquired by independent hospitality business, The McGinty’s Group at the end of September 2017, is set to open this today (Thursday 1 February), following a significant refurbishment which will transform the restaurant with stylish interiors and a new food & drink offering.

Head Chef of The Silver Darling, Craig Somers, said: “I am truly delighted to be coming back to the special restaurant where I first started my career and in fact, met my now wife. Working under Didier when I first started out taught me the valuable skills which allowed me to progress in my career, so to be returning as head chef is a fantastic personal achievement.

“I am very excited to be involved with the redevelopment of such an iconic venue and look to build on its already great reputation whilst adding my personal touch to the food offering. The menu concept will be based on modern cooking with focus on fresh and seasonal produce with a mix of seafood dishes and meat options to complement the new surroundings.”

Director of The Silver Darling, Alan Aitken, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Craig to The Silver Darling team. He has a great wealth of experience and talent along with huge passion which is a great fit for our company ethos. Our aim for the renovations have been based on enhancing the buildings unique character and setting while adding stylish features suited to our style of dining. We are very excited about launching this weekend and look forward to this new chapter for the restaurant.”

The Silver Darling, which first launched in 1986, has continued to be one of the city’s favourite restaurants with its panoramic views overlooking the beach, Fittie and Aberdeen’s harbour. As part of the refurbishment, the restaurant has partnered with local artist Shelagh Swanson to create a bespoke glass feature which will feature pictures of Fittie and the people of the community. The Silver Darling will officially re-open today for its first evening service from 5.30pm and will be open on Friday lunch time and all day on Saturday 3^rd February.

North-east artist, Shelagh Swanson is set to transform her local eatery with special commissioned project as part of its refurbishment.

The Silver Darling, which is currently undergoing renovations is working with Shelagh, a painter and glassmaker based in Footdee, to create a unique glass feature for its new look restaurant.

The project is inspired by the panoramic views from the restaurant which overlooks the beach, the historic fishing village of Fittie and the harbour. Shelagh has also called upon her local community to source old pictures of Fittie, the people and the community which will also be used in the piece.

Artist Shelagh, said: “I am delighted to be working with The Silver Darling on this very exciting collaboration. As a local artist, it is always great to be involved with community projects and as this commission came to life, we thought it would be perfect to add local touches.

“We managed to get some fantastic pictures of the area which will make this piece truly unique whilst complementing the new surroundings. I am working full time on the project right now and I am very excited to see it come to life.”

Alan Aitken, Director of The McGinty’s Group, continued: “We are really excited to be working with Shelagh on this special project. We are lucky to have a very unique location in the city and as part of the refit, we want to showcase the beauty of our spot and thought it was the perfect opportunity to work.

“The drawings look amazing and we cannot wait to see the full project come together and see the magic unfold as she installs the piece.”

Based in Fittie, The Silver Darling was first launched in 1986 and has continued to be one of the city’s favourite restaurants with its panoramic views overlooking the beach, Fittie and Aberdeen’s harbour. The Silver Darling, which was acquired by independent hospitality business, The McGinty’s Group at the end of September 2017, is set to re-open in the next few weeks.