One of Aberdeen city centre’s last remaining community locals, The Tilted Wig on Castle Street, has closed for a £150,000 refurbishment.
The overhaul is the latest being undertaken as part of Heineken-owned Star Pubs’ multi-million pound investment in upgrading its estate.
In cooperation with licensee Adam Flett, who has just signed a five-year lease on the venue, The Tilted Wig closed after last orders on November 2nd, with the intention of reopening towards the end of the month in time for the festive season.
Flett is a local industry veteran – who has worked in pubs around Aberdeen for 20 years, including The Tilted Wig – and took over the business in 2024 when it was closed and residents were reportedly ‘concerned for its future’.
Since then, he has worked to re-establish the venue as the busy, popular local he remembers from his time there in the 2010s.
Flett has introduced TNT and Premier Sports screenings, darts, homemade food, what is claimed to be the largest collection of rums in Aberdeen, a menu of freshly made cocktails and a popular twice-weekly quiz with jackpots of up to £1000.
As a result, regulars have returned alongside new customers, and the venue is winning back its reputation as a ‘welcoming hub’. The planned investment is to upgrade the pub to reflect ‘everything it now offers’.
Flett – whose grandfather and mother were publicans – has worked in the pub trade all his life. He said: “I’m a firm believer in traditional locals. Covid showed they’re needed as social hubs just as much as they’ve ever been.
“We’ve stuck to those values at The Tilted Wig and pride ourselves on our customer interaction and service. We’re fortunate that the pub attracts some of the most wonderful customers ever.
“Out of the many pubs I’ve worked in, The Tilted Wig is one of the friendliest; it makes for a very special atmosphere and many good times. The pub is a real community. There’s lots of chat between customers of different generations; people feel comfortable coming in on their own, and newcomers are welcomed and included.
“The revamp is a way to thank people for their support over the past 18 months. The design plans for the pub are stunning – it will look beautiful when the works are done.”
The outside of the building will be overhauled with classic dark green paintwork, new lighting and pavement seating, while the pub – which has had many names over the years – will have its signage updated from The Wig to its current name of The Tilted Wig, which is a nod to its location next to the Sheriff Court.
Inside, the new décor will incorporate heritage colours and William Morris-style wallpaper, and the old timber flooring and wooden bar, which was once known as the longest in Aberdeen, will be restored.
There will be new furniture, including fixed seating, Victorian effect floor tiles and new soft furnishings. There will also be four high-spec screens and a halo-lit dartboard.
Having already set up a men’s darts team, Adam is keen to hear from anyone interested in forming a women’s side.
Star Pubs’ area manager for Aberdeen, Gul Kaleem, commented: “Adam is doing a brilliant job of putting The Tilted Wig back on the map. From sports screenings to food, there are now lots of reasons to visit, and it’s gaining a great reputation as a friendly local where you’re always given a warm welcome and where staff know your name and favourite drink.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Adam in giving the pub a quality look that matches all he’s doing. The investment will create a superb local that is an asset to the centre of Aberdeen.”
