Dessert parlour hopes to lick the competition
An Ayr dessert parlour is in the running to be crowned Scotland’s top takeaway.
What The Scoop could land the prestigious title as part of the British Takeaway Awards less than a year after opening its doors.
The business, which has exploded in popularity under the driving force of boss Sabiha Ali, will now compete with the nation’s best eateries.
Husband Haroon: “I run my own property and investments business in Kilmarnock, but lockdown obviously hit that market hard.
“So I saw this as a good business opportunity and Sabiha has been absolutely fantastic in running it.
“She insists on making everything fresh...so the waffles and cookie doughs are all done that way.
“And the fruit is all cut up and made to order.
“She doesn’t make it easy on herself but she insists on that quality.”
What The Scoop is buried deep in the heart of Ayr’s Wallacetown, with deliveries flying to all parts at peak times.
And Haroon said: “We think this is a great example of the positive work that is being done in this area.
“Sure, Wallacetown has its problems, but there is a lot of good here and we’d like to think we are part of it.
“It would be fantastic for the area if we could win an award like this, especially so early in the life of our business.”
The takeaway specialises in its sweet treats but 50 per cent of its trade is also ‘fast food’ such as burgers.
Director Haroon, 29, added: “We’ve been astonished at the response and are already up to eight staff working in the shop.
“It can be a challenge, especially at the busier times, but we always try our best to deliver the highest standard for the customers.
“We’re just delighted to nominated for this award and even being in the final five in Scotland is like a win for us.”
What The Scoop will compete with Rollo’s Fish & Chips (Lanark), Mr Chef Uddingston, Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar (Lesmahagow) and Burger Island (Burntisland) for the Scottish title.
The winners will learn their fate at London’s Savoy Hotel on September 6.
She insists on making everything fresh... so the waffles and cookie dough are all done that way.