Ahead of the grand opening, Radar was given a sneak preview of the newly revamped club.
Ahead of the grand opening tonight, Radar was given a sneak preview of the newly revamped club. The 1600 capacity club replaced Institute, which has been a staple part in the Aberdeen nightlife scene since 2012. ATIK Aberdeen will join the long list of clubs under the ATIK name, and will be the second Scottish site, alongside Edinburgh.
ATIK boasts three rooms of music, all with their own live DJ, bar and seating area. After ‘checking in’ at the airport security style entrance, the first room you will come to is ‘Curve’ which was originally the ‘VIP room’ in Institute. ‘Curve’ is undoubtedly the most glamorous of the three room, with several golden velvet sofas, extravagant wallpaper and several vintage style mirrors which had there be slightly better lighting, would be great selfie mirrors.
On the same floor as Curve is ATIK’s main room, which due to the addition of more seating, has made the room seem like a skeleton of its former self. The room is a little cosier, with wooden panelling reflecting that of the sign outside the building, and an industrial theme. The dance floor is split by a bar stool area, just without the bar stools. This is where we spotted the cocktail menu on offer. A range of fruity alcoholic drinks priced for around £5.50 each, with two non-alcoholic (and cheaper) alternatives available. Don’t worry though; VK’s are still available as the club’s cheap drink.
Heading upstairs past the ATIK branded selfie wall and up the (still slightly steep) stairs, is the crowning glory of the ‘Retro Room’. The room itself has undergone a complete transformation, the new shape altered by the glittery walls of the seating booths. The colour changing dance floor is the heart of the room, alongside two light-up disco seating areas, vinyl backdrops and glow in the dark graffiti walls. We just hope ATIK gives us the same cheesy music that they did in the top room in Institute.
Things to look forward to are working sinks, toilets with doors, non-sticky floors and the venue also boasts their very own pampering station in the upstairs ladies bathroom.
However, ATIK would benefit from better lighting in some areas, and a little bit more seating and drink setting space than currently offered. Undoubtedly ATIK has transformed every area of Institute, even extending the smoking area to the surprise of even the new ATIK staff. ATIK is in the running to be not only one of the best looking night clubs in Aberdeen but, depending on their music choice and future guest stars, ATIK could very well be the best, and classiest night club Aberdeen has to offer.