McGinty’s Meal An’ Ale: 504 Union Street, Aberdeen

THERE’S a certain buzz about Wednesday nights at this time of year.

The evenings are longer – and supposedly a bit warmer – and everyone has an extra wee spring in their step.

And it’s all down to one thing – the Champions League knock-out stages. So it was with eager anticipation that a pal and I headed for McGinty’s in search of silky soccer and fabulous food – and we weren’t disappointed.

My friend’s starter – nachos (£3.95) – looked more like a meal in itself with the spicy homemade chilli and sour cream on the side.

I went for the haggis balls with whisky sauce (£4.25). The batter was fine and crisp and the haggis on the inside had a lovely wee kick to it, while the sauce was a lovely addition.

Never one to waver from an old favourite, my beefsteak pie main course (£8.25) didn’t disappoint. The tender meat was lavished in a thick gravy which helped soak up the flaky pastry. The only down side was the accompanying vegetables, which were too dry, and looked like they’d been sitting for too long under a hot lamp in the kitchen.

My dining partner’s deep fried scampi (£8.25) was more than just lumps of batter found in some pubs, and had a real fishy flavour to it. Along with a couple of pints to soak up the action, the bill came to a reasonable £31.20.