A BREW- TIFUL EXPERIENCE
Scone Spy enjoys a cuppa with a difference.
IMAY have become a tad complacent with my hot drinks choices lately.
Cappuccinos, the odd latte, and a traditional cuppa have been comforting staples through the chilly winter months.
But with so much choice on offer these days, maybe I should be more adventurous.
Luckily, The Burnside Teapot is the perfect place to discover a new brew.
This is one of those quirky cafes that almost feel like a home away from home.
Being tucked under a bridge, ideally placed next to the Burnside train station, makes the tiny tearoom feel even more the hidden gem.
Inside, it’s nice and cosy with just five tables, and dozens of teapots crammed on to any spare shelf space available.
On the subject of tea, there’s a wide selection of fancy loose varieties to choose from.
I go for the “Tea of the Week”, a caramel cream tea promising hints of butterscotch and vanilla... sounds more like a whisky!
I take a sip as a train gently rumbles overhead.
It’s very nice and delicate, with a subtle taste of those sweet flavours.
This is a cuppa to savour, not gulp, and I like that it’s served in its own little teapot with a strainer and dainty teacups.
It’s breakfast time, so I opt for a stack of pancakes, which the lovely owner Julie
whips up from scratch behind the counter. Oh, you can taste the difference.
Served with syrup or butter and jam, they are exceptionally light, fluffy and sweet. I wish I could make pancakes like this at home!
I indulge myself with a scone on the side, a plain, homemade, buttery number served with jam and butter. It’s nice and sweet, if a little crumbly.
It could do with a dollop of cream to hold it all together but I appreciate the Beast From The East caused chaos with this wee tearoom’s supplies. In fact, some of Julie’s regulars even offered to go out to get her bread and milk when she was in manning the café on her own.
I’d battle through snowstorms for a perfect scone – or those pancakes, too.
The tables fill up quickly. Julie knows most customers by name but is equally warm and friendly with new faces like me.
I get the impression she’s poured her heart and soul into The Burnside Teapot over the past four years.
As well as the great homebaking and friendly service, I reckon many are lured by the personal touches.
Take the Teapot Free Library, where folk can help themselves to a book and return it with a review inside, or the brollies for customers to borrow if it’s raining.
One thing I do regret is coming here so early, as I hear they do a fantastic afternoon tea packed with cakes and sandwiches for £18.
Now that’s worth a return visit!