Aberdeen's Finest...

Aberdeen's Finest - A whistle-stop tour of the coffeehouse gems in the Granite City...

Today's Find: Tinderbox, Union Square


I'll admit it, Tinderbox wasn't today's find as such, but I think it's a good place to start. When Aberdeen opened it's much-cherished, brand shiny new shopping centre in November 2009, one of the additions to it's 1st floor of food delights was Tinderbox: a Glasgow-based chain situated at the far end of Union Square, away from the hustle and bustle of a busy shopping centre. Frequented by tired shoppers in need of a mid-afternoon pick-me-up and so-called 'nerds' working away on the internet or finishing that last chapter, Tinderbox is Aberdeen's own American diner-come-coffeehouse. Their long wooden tables and distressed leather sofas provide an area to eat, drink and chill out from dawn 'til dusk and their seating booths provide a more private space for those wanting to shut-off from the world. Being the only place where I've ever won a game of Scrabble, Tinderbox is the perfect place to hang out with friends, engage in one of the board games provided in the evenings or people-watch from the seats situated in the mall itself.
     It's menu? Typical American diner food and drink. The giant Pretzels (warmed) are a must, as are it's Flat Whites: an 8oz double espresso topped with "velvety steamed milk and a little bit of densely packed foam." The highly trained and enthusiastic staff  'twist and grind' the coffee themselves as opposed to pushing a button on a machine, and proceed to finish off each coffee with decorative 'Latte Art'.  Each meal of the day is catered for: start the days with a hearty bowl of porridge, choose from soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch, meat pies with salad and crisps for dinner, and their range of cakes definitely fills a hole for those with a sweet tooth. And to drink? Tinderbox not only boasts an extensive range of fruit and herbal teas, coffees and cold drinks, but a selection of popular wines, champagnes and ciders.

I would, if I were you.