Pitch up and ‘try’ out this revamped city favourite
One of the meals available A late night and a long lie following Vern Cotter’s farewell shindig in Edinburgh, in the company of 67,143 other rugby fans, prompted a fragile hubby to decree a Sabbath trip into town was in order.
The Murrayfield effect meant it wasn’t so much the Lady Who Lunches as the Lady Who Brunches that was called upon to provide some TLC.
So I steered him in the direction of the city centre and an old favourite which has undergone a six-figure makeover.
Willows Coffee Shop is a family business which has become an enduring fixture in an era of change in Perth city centre. It opened 25 years ago and was among the first to embrace the ‘Cafe Quarter’ concept.
There were Doubting Thomases who sneered at the very notion of anyone lingering over an al fresco latte in a country which isn’t exactly blessed with a year-round Mediterranean climate. But very quickly the cynics were eating their words, along with a croissant, and pulling up a seat near the City Hall. Wide variety of items served in chic style
Farrow and Ball shade card and a Scottish stamp
Immaculate waiting staff resplendent in black and purple
Welcome return of a Fair City favourite
King-size Breakfast Platter and a Croque Monsieur, with Suki tea: £21.15.
Said building has prompted a fair few “screeching U-turns,” and is now awaiting titivation promised by a design competition.
But what of the new-look Willows shaped by husband and wife team Michael and Katerina White? There’s a distinct but subtle, contemporary Scottish twist to the surroundings, with plaid padded chairs and keen photographer Michael’s prints adorning the walls.
The Other Half spotted the King-size Breakfast Platter and immediately dispensed with the menu. He declared the Perthshire black pudding up there with Stornoway’s finest as it jostled for room on a plate including rashers of bacon, sausages, a tattie scone, chestnut mushrooms and a fried egg, along with a tidy ramekin of baked beans. Four slices of chunky toast also arrived ... and vanished just as quickly.
The breakfast menu, served until noon, offered everything from Eggs Benedict – like so much of the produce sourced locally, from Gloagburn in this instance to porridge, pastries and filled rolls.
The lunch menu is even more extensive, with daily specials always popular. But I’m a long-time fan of Willows’ Croque Monsieur and while it wasn’t long after 11am and the decks of Gruyere, roast ham and béchamel sauce piled high within toasted slices got my vote. Home-made coleslaw and a peppery rocket salad were an added bonus.
The stylish and easy to pour Suki teapots arrived on elegant, wooden plinths – there is an amazing range. Speciality drinks included the authentic flavours of Mumbai Railway Chai and indulgent real chocolate melts.
Hubby’s friends over from Rome had caught an early morning flight out of Edinburgh, pained by a 29-point defeat and drowning their sorrows.
Perhaps that was just as well. Doubtless, they’d have loved Willows’ blend of Scottish and continental chic. But I have a sneaking suspicion the Italians would have been smarting at the bold claim to “probably the best mocha in the world.”
They know their way around an espresso machine a bit better than a rugby pitch!