Revolution Aberdeen

You'll find this polished cocktail den right in the heart of Belmont Street, where the city's nightlife properly kicks off. The Revolution formula works well here - think industrial-meets-glam interiors with exposed brick, neon signs, and enough booth seating to make you feel like you're somewhere a bit special rather than just another chain bar. The cocktail menu runs deep, particularly strong on vodka-based drinks (they know their audience), and the bartenders actually know what they're doing behind the stick. Yes, it's a chain, but it's one that understands Aberdeen's drinking habits - opening from lunch through to the early hours means you can start civilised and end up decidedly less so. The crowd skews younger and louder as the night progresses, but that's exactly what you want from a proper night out on Belmont Street.