The Grill

The Grill is one of Aberdeen’s oldest and most famous pubs.

Originally established as a restaurant in 1870 (hence the name), it was refurbished in 1926 with several outstanding architectural features including the unique oxidized-bronze frontage, mahogany veneer panelled walls and a moulded plaster work ceiling. In more recent times the pub has gained an international reputation for its service and selection of whisky, for which it has won several awards.

However The Grill is probably most famous as one of a number of men only pubs in Scotland until the introduction of the Sex Discrimination Act in 1975. The most talked about incident of refusing to serve women occurred during the Scottish Trades Union Congress in April 1973. During a debate on sex discrimination, George Robertson of the GMW Union, who was later to become Secretary General of NATO, suggested that the women delegates should join him at the bar and ask for service. Proprietor Eddie Watson, father of current licensee, Graham, refused to serve the women, although many of the women present obtained a drink bought by their male colleagues. Eventually the police were called and the ladies left, although not until they had finished their drinks.

‘During a debate on sex discrimination, George Robertson of the GMW Union, who was later to become Secretary General of NATO, suggested that the women delegates should join him at the bar and ask for service’

The event made front page news in all the Scottish daily papers. It wasn’t until December 1975 that women were officially served in The Grill, following the introduction of the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975. This was followed sometime after by the construction of a ladies toilet in 1998!

share this content