Aberdeenshire Restaurant Week 2025

What you told us

The overall impression from the survey was strongly positive. Many participants described Restaurant Week as 'excellent,' 'fantastic,' and 'a great idea,' and a large proportion indicated they had visited restaurants they had never tried before. Respondents stated that the event encouraged them to explore local businesses and that they would return to the venues they discovered.

However, despite the enthusiasm, participants raised some concerns. These issues represent areas where improvements could meaningfully enhance customer experience and support wider participation.

Key Strengths Identified

Survey respondents highlighted several aspects of Restaurant Week 2025 that worked particularly well:

• Encouraging discovery: Participants enjoyed visiting new or unfamiliar venues.
• Good value at some venues: Businesses offering exclusive Restaurant Week menus or discounts on total bills were praised.
• Two week duration: This format allowed flexibility for participants to visit multiple restaurants.
• Timing before Christmas: Many appreciated the event’s timing, noting it provided an affordable way to go out prior to the festive period.

Overall, the event was regarded as enjoyable, beneficial to local businesses, and worth continuing.

Key Challenges and Areas for Improvement

1. Menu

Across the 150 responses, the most common concern related to menus. Respondents reported:

• Restaurant Week menus were not always offered automatically.
• Some venues required all members of a booking to choose from the RW menu.
• Menus were published too late, with several listed as 'TBC.'
• Some menus had limited options or did not differ much in price from regular offerings.

Participants clearly expressed that earlier publication of menus and more transparent value would significantly enhance planning and satisfaction.

2. Pricing

While some venues offered excellent deals, others were viewed as less competitive. Respondents reported

• Prices appeared higher compared to previous years.
• A lack of low cost options such as £10 lunch deals, coffee specials, or afternoon teas.
• Seniors’ menus occasionally offered better value than the Restaurant Week deal.

A broader range of affordable choices would help increase engagement.

3. Advertising, Communication and Visibility

Survey responses repeatedly highlighted challenges around awareness:

• Some venues did not clearly display that they were taking part.
• Some respondents reported they had to ask for the RW menu.
• Improving communication, and signage was one of the most consistent themes.

4. Timing and Seasonality

Feedback on the November timing was mixed:

• Some enjoyed the timing for budgeting reasons.
• Others found the cold, dark weather discouraged travel across Aberdeenshire.
• A large proportion suggested running the event twice a year, with an additional event in a warmer month such as March/April.

5. Geographic Coverage

Several respondents - particularly from Peterhead and surrounding communities - expressed a desire for more venues in their area.

6. Dietary Needs

Participants reported:

• Insufficient vegan and vegetarian options.
• Repetitive dishes (e.g., risotto, stuffed peppers) rather than protein-based alternatives.
• Need for clearer dietary labels (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free).
• Interest in children’s menus to encourage family participation.
• Requests for clearer dog friendly signage.

What we're doing

Based on the 150 survey responses, Restaurant Week 2025 was viewed as a highly valuable and enjoyable event.

Key recommendations include:

• Improve advertising and venue visibility.
• Publish menus earlier and ensure they are offered automatically.
• Expand value and lower-cost options to improve affordability.
• Increase venue participation, especially in underrepresented areas.
• Consider running the event twice per year or including a warmer month.
• Improve dietary needs and family-friendly offerings.

We’re using this feedback to shape future Restaurant Week events across Aberdeenshire. The insights shared by participants have already been passed on to local businesses, helping them consider improvements around advertising, menu availability, affordability, venue participation, dietary options and family‑friendly choices. These recommendations will guide our planning as we explore ways to make future events even more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for residents. If Restaurant Week returns, your feedback will play a key role in making it even better.

You can view the original project here: Aberdeenshire Restaurant Week 2025 | Engage Aberdeenshire