SCONE SPY
The undercover cafe critic
MYchumsandIare on a mission – to find a Scone Spy experience so special we’ll never forget it.
There are many great little cafes and coffee shops in the Aberdeen area and we are spoiled for choice. But we’re in a wild mood and have decided to don our best togs and go for something a little more highfalutin.
Cue Macdonald Pittodrie House Hotel at Chapel of Garioch, about 20 miles north of Aberdeen. It lays claim to being one of the finest four star hotels in the area.
We know we’re in for a treat the moment we hit the drive. It’s long and tree-lined – a dead giveaway.
Sureenough,atthetopof the drive we’re greeted by a spectacular scene. It’s as lovely as a freshly-baked scone just out of the oven.
The house is set in a 2,400acre estate and boasts green, rolling lawns punctuated by monkey-puzzle trees, with majestic Bennachie – the region’s landmark hill – a striking backdrop.
We’re busy oohing and aahing when the staff swiftly show us to the superluxurious drawing room.
Oh, how we are spoiled! Russet-coloured walls and drapes, period furniture and a roaring log fire add to the list of things impressing us.
Our little group – pinkies at the ready – are thrilled to be taking tea in grand old Downtonstyleandanold
hippy chick in our bunch is chuffed to have a choice of green, camomile, or raspberry.
But it’s the food that really has us excited.
Everything is beautifully presented with a neat little sandwich selection that includes a smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber combo, as well as ham and mustard, egg and mayo and cheese and pickle. All very posh. They come in both wholemeal and white slices, so please everyone.
And the cakes are to die for. Cupcakes, coconut sponge cake, and cheesecake – delicious with a capital D. We save the best till last. The scones may be plain but, like the cakes, they are baked fresh in-house daily and do not disappoint.
Light and moist and unbelievably moreish, served with cream and jam, they are, without question, sticky-finger-licking-good!
Afternoon tea “Downtonstyle” costs an affordable £18 per head. For a £6 supplement “one” can add a glass of Prosecco or better still, upgrade to a champagne afternoon tea with a lovely bottle of bubbly for £28 per head.
With tea voted a total success, we are already planning to return – with chauffeur – for our next outing.
And once again we’re anticipating something special. A little bird tells us the chef in the restaurant has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and serves only the finest dishes. “One” would expect nothing less – we’ll be back.