UPPER CRUST
Mince Pie Spy visits The Pastry Section, Edinburgh.
The weather has turned frosty, multi-coloured lights are twinkling in every window, and cinnamon has become the nation’s favourite flavour.
Yes, the festive season is well and truly upon us.
And with Christmas just around the corner, that can only mean one thing for my role as a scone scrutineer – it’s time to branch out and become a mince pie spy. This week I was lucky enough to find myself in Edinburgh, and decided to pop by the vibrant village community of Stockbridge.
There, independent artisan sellers sit happily beside boutique charity shops, and there are more cafes, restaurants and bars than this caffeine enthusiast could ever hope to visit in one lifetime, never mind an afternoon.
However, my search for a pastry fix looked set to be ill-fated when I entered not one, not two, but three cafes and failed to find a single fruit-filled treat!
Thankfully, after much disappointment – and a set of very cold fingers and toes – I happened on a welcoming and very aptly-named café.
The Pastry Section, in Raeburn Place, is a contemporary space that has been decorated in a trendy, minimalist-chic style, with wooden floorboards, simple white walls and modern furniture.
Although I’m probably closer to hip replacement than hipster, I was instantly drawn into the eatery when I spotted the fully-stocked bar, covered with homemade cakes, pastries and bakes.
Sticky cinnamon buns were perched beside shiny fruit tarts and fudgy brownies, but I only had eyes for the single frangipane mince pie left on the counter.
I ordered a hot chocolate, too, and took a seat at the front of the shop, where a huge plate-glass window provided the perfect vantage point for watching passers-by.
Although the service was very friendly, it did take a little while for my drink to arrive – but that wasn’t unexpected as every single table was taken.
When I tucked into my mince pie I quickly realised why there was only one lonely treat left.
The buttery, crumbly pastry was delicious, and the unusual almond topping was a great addition to the traditional mincemeat filling. It was simply divine.
The hot chocolate was rich and creamy.
I couldn’t find fault with the staff, service, atmosphere or bakes at this lovely little café. But if I’m being picky I’d say the loos could do with a little freshening up – there is one unisex toilet and the paintwork could do with patching.
Toilets aside, I’ll definitely be back to tackle another homemade treat as soon as possible, especially if the in-store bakers continue to supply such marvellous morsels.