7 Secrets Of Books And Beans Aberdeen: What's Really Happening With The Iconic Belmont Street Cafe In 2025

As of late 2025, Books and Beans remains a thriving, essential institution in the heart of Aberdeen's city centre, seamlessly blending the aroma of Fair Trade coffee with the comforting scent of second-hand books. This unique cafe, situated on Belmont Street, is not just a place to grab a bite; it’s a cultural hub that has undergone subtle but significant changes, including a dynamic shift in management and a recent physical transformation, all while retaining its beloved status as the city's first independent Fair Trade cafe. The latest news provides a fresh look at its continued commitment to community, sustainability, and quality food, ensuring its legacy endures for both students and seasoned bookworms. The cafe has successfully navigated the post-pandemic landscape, maintaining its reputation for a diverse and inclusive menu, proving that a business rooted in ethical principles and local engagement can continue to flourish. From its two-floor labyrinth of books to its commitment to supporting local artists, Books and Beans is a must-visit destination that continually evolves to meet the needs of the modern Aberdonian.

Books and Beans: Location, Ethos, and Key Profile Details

Books and Beans is more than a simple cafe; it’s a multi-faceted entity that serves as a cornerstone of Aberdeen’s cultural and independent business scene. Its profile is defined by a unique combination of commerce, community, and ethical sourcing.

• Location: 22 Belmont Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1JH, Scotland.
• Core Concept: A dual-purpose venue operating as a Fair Trade coffee shop, cafe, and second-hand book store.
• Establishment Status: Recognised as the first independent Fair Trade cafe in Aberdeen.
• Book Collection: The store houses an impressive collection of approximately 10,000 second-hand books, spread across its two floors, providing a genuine library-like atmosphere.
• Community Focus: The venue actively supports the local arts scene by offering space to showcase works by Aberdeen-based artists.
• Management Context: Recent news has highlighted a dynamic period of management, including a search for the "right person" to take over, and an association with the new operator of the Rosemount Pavilion space at Union Terrace Gardens, suggesting a continuation of strong, community-focused leadership. Key figures associated with the business entity include Craig Macgregor Willox and John Robert Davie.

This profile underscores the cafe’s deep integration into the city's fabric, offering a reliable, cosy space that prioritises ethical sourcing and cultural enrichment.

The Evolving Menu: From Fair Trade Coffee to Vegan Comfort Food

One of the main reasons for the enduring popularity of Books and Beans is its consistently high-quality and inclusive menu, which caters to a broad range of dietary needs without sacrificing flavour or comfort. The menu perfectly complements the relaxed, reading-friendly atmosphere, positioning it as a top choice during events like Aberdeen Restaurant Week.

Fair Trade at the Core

The cafe’s commitment to being a Fair Trade establishment is evident in its primary offerings. All coffee, tea, and hot chocolate served adhere to Fair Trade principles, ensuring ethical sourcing and support for producers worldwide. This ethos is a major draw for customers who value social responsibility alongside a great cup of coffee.

A Modern and Inclusive Food Selection

The food menu is designed for casual, satisfying dining, moving well beyond basic cafe fare. While it’s known for simple classics, the kitchen has "upped their game" in recent years to include more contemporary options. Key menu items that draw a crowd include:

• Homemade Soups: A daily-changing selection of homemade hot soups is a staple, particularly popular during the colder Scottish months.
• Toasties and Sandwiches: The selection is extensive, featuring classic fillings alongside modern, plant-based alternatives.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: Books and Beans is highly regarded for its vegan-friendly offerings, including vegan cheese and chilli jam toasties, vegan soup, and options for baked potatoes and salads. Plant-based milks like oat and soya are available for hot drinks at no extra charge.
• All-Day Options: The menu also includes breakfasts, omelettes, burgers, and a range of snacks, making it a perfect spot for any time of day.

This focus on ethical sourcing and dietary inclusivity cements its status as a modern, forward-thinking cafe in the Aberdeen food scene.

The Truth Behind the Transformation: Outdoor Seating and New Horizons

The most visible recent change at Books and Beans, and a point of discussion among regulars, involves its physical presence on Belmont Street. In a move that reflects the city's return to pre-pandemic norms, the cafe recently announced the removal of its outdoor seating structure.

The Farewell to the Marquee

The cafe’s outdoor marquee, which had become a familiar sight on Belmont Street, was a temporary measure installed near the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic to allow customers to dine safely outdoors. Its removal signifies the end of this temporary arrangement. While the outdoor space offered a unique experience, the cafe continues to offer its cosy, two-floor indoor seating, which is where the true charm of the bookshop-cafe experience resides. This decision focuses the customer experience back on the core concept: enjoying great food and drinks in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by 10,000 books.

New Management and Community Expansion

The period leading up to 2025 has been marked by a dynamic management environment. While the business has been actively seeking new stewardship, its existing management has also been involved in new, high-profile city projects. The owner of Books and Beans was revealed to be the operator of the Rosemount Pavilion space in the newly redeveloped Union Terrace Gardens. This development is a strong indicator of the leadership’s commitment to expanding high-quality, community-focused independent dining experiences across Aberdeen. The involvement of figures like Craig Macgregor Willox and John Robert Davie in the company’s history shows a consistent dedication to maintaining the cafe's independent spirit and quality. For long-time patrons, this management context is reassuring, suggesting that the core values of the Belmont Street institution are in safe hands, even as the business adapts and potentially expands its influence.

Why Books and Beans Remains an Aberdeen Icon

The enduring appeal of Books and Beans lies in its ability to be both a sanctuary and a social hub. It successfully caters to diverse groups: the solitary reader seeking a quiet corner, the student needing a caffeine boost, and friends meeting for a relaxed lunch.

The Sanctuary of Second-Hand Books

The two-floor layout, filled with shelves of second-hand books, provides a tangible sense of discovery. Customers are encouraged to browse, with the books continuing their "journey" through new hands. This book store element is not a gimmick; it’s an integral part of the atmosphere, making it a unique literary cafe experience in the city centre.

A Hub for Local Culture

By showcasing local artists’ work, the cafe acts as a small, accessible gallery, enriching the cultural landscape of Belmont Street. This commitment to local talent, combined with its Fair Trade credentials, positions Books and Beans as a truly ethical and community-minded business. In a city with a competitive coffee scene, the combination of its historical status as Aberdeen’s first independent Fair Trade cafe, its inclusive menu with excellent vegan and gluten-free options, and its unique book-filled environment ensures that Books and Beans remains an essential and beloved part of the Aberdeen experience in 2025 and beyond. Its recent changes are not signs of decline, but rather adaptations by a resilient business determined to maintain its quality and ethos for a new generation of customers.