selected by: size? Aberdeen
Upon flying into Aberdeen you’re greeted by miles of rich green shades that form the countryside that surrounds the main element of the area. Coined the ‘Granite City’ due to the presence of the rock within architecture all across the city, it’s natural tone is visible from every street corner to the impressive Marischal College structure, home to the Aberdeen City Council. The advantages of being a coastal city mean having 6 miles worth of beach right on your doorstep, and a vast shipping harbour that opens Aberdeen up to international trade.
Heading up to the city in the winter months means sunlight during the day is greatly reduced (we found out the hard way!) so your experience is illuminated by the Christmas lights that line the streets of the seasonal markets. We only recently stepped foot into Aberdeen last month, opening our fourth and most northerly store in Scotland on the busy Union Street. We flew back up to Aberdeen to check in with our staff and see how they were getting on so far.
Matthew Allan – Store Manager
Tell us a bit about some of your favourite things about Aberdeen.
Aside from the incredible Aberdeen Football Club, there’s a lot I enjoy about this city. For being so far up north the nightlife up here is actually incredible. Whether its pubs or clubs you are looking for there’s always plenty of interesting options to choose from.
Any interesting things to get up to in the local area?
Dunnottar Castle is always worth a visit, a seriously nice walk with a lot of history. Plus they say its haunted so whats not to like?!
Where are the best places to grab something to eat in the city?
I’d definitely recommend the Tippling House. The food is absolutely unreal and the staff really know what they are talking about which always ensures a great experience. Maggies Grill is also incredible, authentic American soul food right in the heart of Aberdeen.
What have you been wearing in your footwear rotation lately?
I’m a big fan of the adidas Originals Ultra Boost so I usually switch between triple white and triple black. A lot of the time I need to crack out my Red Wing Boots though to deal with the unpredictable weather up here!
Any musical recommendations that you’ve been listening to?
I’m really looking forward to the newalbum by The Jesus and Mary Chain, from what I’ve heard so far it sounds incredible. If you’re into the heavier side of things definitely check out Clearer the Sky’s new album “Held In Merciful Light”. It will blow you away.
Tell us a bit about some of your all time favourite shoes. Any that you can never manage to track down?
One shoe that I can’t believe I haven’t managed to pick up yet is the adidas Originals New York. The silhouette is one of the best I’ve ever seen by the brand and having visited the city last summer I feel it’s only right I find a pair.
What do you like to do for fun outside of the workplace? Are there any hidden talents that we should know about?
Cant say I have any hidden talents unfortunately. Outside of work I’m a loyal supporter of Aberdeen FC, although my work schedule takes most weekend games away from me!
Matthew’s Selection
4. size? Exclusive Reebok Classic Leather Ripple Ice
Thomas Sykes – Supervisor
Tell us a bit about some of your favourite things about Aberdeen.
I’m originally from a small town, but I like the hustle and bustle of the city (excuse the cliche). I love that there is always something going on in Aberdeen. I’m also a big fan of craft beers and gins and there’s quite a big scene for it up here, with bars popping up and tasting nights aimed specifically at these locally made tipples. As I previously mentioned Aberdeen is a busy city, I like that there are a lot of different cultures living in the city for different reasons, some just passing through for work, students staying for a few years and some that have lived here their whole life. I also really like the ‘Doric’ dialect.
Any interesting things to get up to in the local area?
Aberdeen is quite a secretive city and nothing is really advertised on a large scale so it’s good to just go out have a walk around. Every time I go out there’s something new popping up – like cafes with cats and dogs in them, art exhibitions or music nights. I also enjoy being beside the sea and Aberdeen has a long curved beach that sits between the mouth of the River Don and the Harbor, it’s a really pleasant walk on a good day. There’s also a small village next to the Harbour called Footdee (or ‘Fittie’ as it’s locally known) which is worth looking up.
Where are the best places to grab something to eat in the city?
There are a lot of great places to eat in Aberdeen, I like finding new places but if I was going to pick one, I would have to say the Tilted Wig or ‘The Wig’ as I know it. In my opinion they do the best burgers in Aberdeen. There’s also a place called Maggie’s Grill that does New Orlean’s style food, that’s really good too! Rusticos is an Italian that is really well known up here for food, everything is always really good in there.
What have you been wearing in your footwear rotation lately?
Recently, I’ve been wearing New England Outerwear, Clarks, Common Projects and Converse – all depending on the weather.
Any recent musical recommendations that you’ve been listening to?
I listen to a lot of music but recently I’ve been playing The Rolling Stones, Futureheads, Roxy Music, War on Drugs, Future Islands, Small Black, Francis and the Lights and my brother – Cambo – is a really talented musician so anything he puts online.
Tell us a bit about some of your all time favourite shoes. Any that you can never manage to track down?
I really like handmade shoes, I like knowing that there is time, passion and soul put into what I’m wearing. I also used to play a lot of basketball and I had a pair of the Air Jordan Retro 3’s in white/cement. I loved them and wore them to death but ended up losing them!
What do you like to do for fun outside of the workplace? Are there any hidden talents that we should know about?
I love being active and getting out and about – Scotland is filled with beautiful locations to explore.
Thomas’ Selection
1. Carhartt WIP Shawn LS Shirt
2. Clarks Originals Wallabee Boot
3. Nike Air Footscape Woven Chukka
4. Herschel Supply Co. Card Holder
Andrew Bills – Full Time Sales Assistant
Tell us a bit about some of your favourite things about Aberdeen.
One of my favourite things about Aberdeen is the Marischal College. It’s a great building to look at and a real iconic piece of the city. My other favorite place is Pittodrie Stadium, home of the mighty Aberdeen FC. I’d call that my second home!
Any interesting things to get up to in the local area?
I like taking a walk around the small fishing village of Footdee. Featuring some of the most interesting architecture the city has to offer and a wide array of local history it always provides an interesting stroll on a lazy day.
Where are the best places to grab something to eat in the city?
A great spot for a quick bite in the centre is called the Coffee House. It’s one of Aberdeen’s many independent businesses and in my opinion the best. Mixing the best of home baking and artisan coffee it really offers a unique place to sit down and relax. For anyone visiting Aberdeen I’d definitely recommend hitting up a restaurant called Rusticos, it’s one of the most authentic Italian restaurants I’ve been to, you’re always set for an amazing meal!
What have you been wearing in your footwear rotation lately?
I was always a massive adidas Originals die hard, but after starting at size? it’s opened the door to try out new things. My Converse Chuck 70s are a new personal favourite and have barely left my feet since I bought them. Diadora Borg Elites are also a new staple shoe in my wardrobe. Both brands offer something different for me to wear whilst still fitting in with my personal style.
Any musical recommendations that you’ve been listening to?
I’m set in my ways when it comes to music. I’ll usually just stick to the classics – Oasis, The Stone Roses, The Jam etc. A new band that I’m really enjoying right now it would have to be Blossoms. Unfortunately I just missed them when they recently played Aberdeen but I’m hoping to catch them live at some point.
Tell us a bit about some of your all time favourite shoes. Any that you can never manage to track down?
One that’s always evaded me has been the adidas Originals Boston Super. I’ve never had the chance to buy a pair but hopefully one day they’ll come up and I can finally sleep easy at night!
What do you like to do for fun outside of the workplace? Are there any hidden talents that we should know about?
Outside of work I always enjoy going to Aberdeen FC games. Home or away I just cant get enough of the atmosphere and buzz of following the best team in the world! One of my main talent’s is being able to play the bagpipes. Its given me many incredibly opportunities including playing onstage with Rod Stewart, and playing for Donald Trump as he arrived in Aberdeen a few years ago!
Andrew’s Selection
4. Clarks Originals Weaver Boot
Ben Clift – Part Time Sales Assistant
Tell us a bit about some of your favourite things about Aberdeen.
My favorite thing about Aberdeen is that it sits directly between a beautiful beach and some amazing mountains. So in the same day you can climb a mountain, go skiing and then go surfing. Its the perfect combination for anyone who likes to keep active.
Any interesting things to get up to in the local area?
Take a swim in the North Sea! Not only is it a great way to stay fit, the temperature will turn you from a boy to a man real quick.
Where are the best places to grab something to eat in the city?
Muchachos on Rose Street in Aberdeen is some of the best Mexican street food I’ve had anywhere. Nothing but the best vibes and atmosphere. The Jarritos are a personal highlight of mine. Its always a very funny scenario eating authentic mexican food when its snowing outside.
What have you been wearing in your footwear rotation lately?
My daily shoes are usually PUMA orientated, whether it be a Blaze of Glory or Disc Cage I just can’t get enough. For an active day though I’ll always rely on the dependable Nike SB Janoski.
Any musical recommendations that you’ve been listening to?
I’m really digging Ray BLK’s new album ‘Durt’ right now . I’m not really sure what genre you’d classify it as – London R&B/Soul I guess!
Tell us a bit about some of your all time favourite shoes. Any that you can never manage to track down?
The Reebok x Bape Instapump Fury that came out a few years ago are sick but I never got close to them. Maybe if I get a small bank loan…
What do you like to do for fun outside of the workplace? Are there any hidden talents that we should know about?
Cycling and music are my passions. I take great pride in playing for my Church band every Sunday, and I’m trained to play the double bass.
Staff Selection
1. Nike Air Max 95 Sneakerboot
2. adidas Originals Colorado T-shirt
3. The North Face Salty Dog Beanie
4. ASICS GEL-Kayano Gore-Tex – size? European Exclusive