New Lanark Mill Cafe
NewLanarkWorldHeritageSite,NorthLanarkshire
There’s something magical about going back to visit those places you went when you were wee.
Those places full of fun and memories, where you went with your parents or on a school trip?
Well today, I’m taking a trip down memory lane with a stop off at New Lanark, a definite day trip highlight in my younger years.
From the old classroom to the terraced houses and the old mill where cotton was spun, there’s plenty to see as you whittle the hours away learning what life was like in the village of New Lanark, which was founded in the 18th Century.
And after a stark and very interesting history lesson, I’m famished, so decide to scope out a scone.The truth is some things haven’t changed since 1785 – and explorers need good fuel to best enjoy their adventures.
The Old Mill Cafe, housed in one of the old mill buildings, proves the perfect pit stop.
It’s a light and airy cafe, with painted stone walls and wooden furniture and a nod to the days gone by. Mill machinery lines the ceiling, and old black and white pictures are dotted on the walls.
We pull up a pew and head to the counter, where we’re delighted by a smell that has my mouth watering before I’ve even seen what’s cooking!
With baked potatoes, paninis and pizzas alongside sandwiches and homemade soup, there’s plenty to choose from.We go for the macaroni cheese and a baked potato with tuna mayo and devour every last bite of the huge portions. We’re almost full, but then spot the bakery menu – and decide there’s a little space left for a wee sweet treat.
The cream scone is first on the tray, followed by a big slab of caramel flan – the one with the chocolate hundreds and thousands on that we used to get at school.
As you can probably guess, the scone – firm on the outside, and fluffy inside laced with cream and strawberries – has done a vanishing act in minutes.And the caramel flan across the table doesn’t last long either. It’s absolutely delicious and really takes my fellow diner back.