Rachel Williams, a foodie and Fashion & Beauty Writer at the Daily Record, had to queue twice to get a seat at Grounded, a fully plant-based café on Rosemount Viaduct in Aberdeen. She visited on a sunny Saturday and again on Sunday, and found the food worth the wait.
A popular plant-based hotspot
Grounded operates as a bakery and daytime restaurant, offering vegan brunch options, homemade pastries and matcha. It opened just last year and is situated next to independent boutiques like The Bread Maker and Somerville Books. On her first trip, around mid-afternoon, Williams found the café packed with visitors of all ages and no seats available, so she decided to return on Sunday.
On Sunday, she queued again but chose to wait it out. After about 15 minutes, a staff member helped her find a seat by the window. Inside, the café has an earthy colour palette, natural wooden tables, greenery and bright lighting, giving a warm and homely feel.
The food and drink
Despite not being vegan, Williams felt spoiled for choice. The menu included raspberry fig and yoghurt pistachio bowls and blueberry cardamom pancakes. She opted for the za'tar tomato toast and a seasonal spiced apple iced matcha latte. The meal cost £14 for the food and £6.50 for the drink, coming to just over £20. She noted the portion size more than made up for the price, describing the dish as one of the best brunch dishes she has had in Aberdeen.
Of the matcha, Williams said that on its own it tastes like dirt, but with flavouring it is instantly better. The spiced apple flavour complemented the green, earthy taste of the drink.
Pastries and final verdict
Williams missed out on the café's pastries because she was too full after her lunch. The selection included a pumpkin spice latte cinnamon bun, Persian love cake and maple pecan croissant bun, which she plans to try on a future visit.
She concluded that Grounded is worthy of all the hype and popularity it has received, and that even non-vegans may be inspired by the creative dishes. The café is located at 100-102 Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, is walk-ins only, and full opening hours and more information can be found on its Instagram page.
