Shelter Coffee — Restaurant in Aberdeen City

Stopped in here for the first time today but think we will look at the nearby alternatives next time. Cafe looks lovely from the outside in what I thought was an old air raid shelter but is in fact an old public toilet. Pretty impressive transformation into what is a modern, bright and clean cafe. Small amount of seating inside and out and a great location for grabbing a cuppa as you walk around the most beautiful area in Aberdeen. Staff were very polite and quick to serve. Food and drink choices are pretty standard with every other coffee shop. Good selection of hot and cold drinks, cakes, biscuits and more substantial snacks like sandwiches. We ordered two coffees and they were ok but we both felt they tasted blander than the other cafes we normally go to. One area we didn’t like was the stack of dirty ashtrays sitting next to the stirrers, sweeteners and sugar. I don’t mind ashtrays being there for customers to take but the coating of ash sitting on each was pretty gross next to the stirrers etc. Would be great if these were properly cleaned but beyond that the cafe appeared clean with a good use of the space to provide as much seating as they can. This cafe is ok but with alternatives near by I’ll give them a...

Asked for recommendations re vegan options and received a blank stare from the young lad behind the counter. I asked if the falafel and hummus panini was vegan (as pre-made panini bread can sometimes contain milk) and the chef came over. Had to clarify what vegan meant, and was rudely told ‘well hummus doesn’t have any milk in it’ but that they ‘couldn’t guarantee what was in the falafel.’ No effort was made to establish what ingredients were in it, and it is extremely worrying that they don’t know, won’t or can’t access that information from their supplier. As someone with a dietary requirement I find this extremely rude and upsetting, and if I was someone with an allergy I would...

Have had such lovely visits to Shelter Coffee recently. First with my Sister after a walk through Seaton Park, and last night before Candlelight Concert at St. Machar Cathedral.

If you find yourself near Old Aberdeen, please do pay Shelter Coffee a visit. A beautiful wee cafe, excellent hot chocolate and customer service! Loved the panini I grabbed for lunch.

Highly recommend this local gem! Look forward to returning to try the Turkish...