Piper marks opening of new Stonehaven Beef King as queues wind down Allardice Street

Hungry Stonehaven locals formed a snaking queue down Allardice Street this morning, eager to take their first bite from new takeaway Beef King.

The first 100 burgers were free, tempting residents to linger in the chilly air as the town’s newest burger joint opened its doors for the very first time.

A piper led the line in full voice, his music playing as the ribbon was cut on Scotland’s debut Beef King location.

But the moment the scissors snipped through the ribbon, the crowd surged forward in a wave of chatter, camera phones and hungry anticipation.

A brief “mad rush” followed as staff scrambled to keep up with the demand, but early customers left smiling, offering warm first impressions of the long‑awaited takeaway.

The Press and Journal visited the new takeaway on its opening day.

Large queue forms for first taste of Stonehaven Beef King

While there, we spoke to hungry Stonehaven residents as they stood in line.

We chatted to Lewis Emslie who had joined the queue despite being unaware of any free burgers on offer.

The 30-year-old local said: “It’s something a bit different.

“It’s good to get a wee bit of variety into the town.

“I didn’t even know there was anything free – but I’ll certainly be asking for it now!

“There was a bit of excitement around it, so I thought I had to try it.”

65-year-old Isabelle Warrander said: “It’s good to see something else opening up in Stonehaven.

“It was good of them to hand out some free burgers – it’s resulted in a long queue!

“We can’t wait to get in.”

Stonehaven councillors also gathered on opening day.

Alan Turner said: “The bagpipes are great, the queues are big – there’s obviously a lot of excitement. I’m honoured to be here!”

George Carr added: “It just shows people want options, they want variety – for both locals and tourists.

“Brilliant to see the crowds, absolutely first class!

Tracey Smith said: “I’m local to the area, so I very well could be coming back as a regular!

“It’s great to see it busy.”

Staff ‘so grateful’ for response

Manager of the Stonehaven branch, Eesa Mahmood, said he was “so grateful” for the buzz in Stonehaven around the new chain.

He said: “I think it’s something different for the community of Stonehaven.

“It’s been a long time in the coming.

“We’ve had a couple of delays, but I’m just happy we are open now.”

He added: “We are so happy with the turnout today.

“They’ll be especially pleased with the free burgers!

“We are especially focused on quality and good food for Stonehaven.

“We are so pleased to see all of the buzz around town about this, we are so grateful.

“There’s more to come from us.”

Beef King as also set to come to Aberdeen in the coming months.

Preparations are well underway to bring the burger chain to the Granite City’s George Street – and it’s hoped it could open as early as May.

[Source: Press and Journal]