Scone Spy: Our cake critic checks out the cafe at Coatbridge's M&S

Why is it always when you’re wandering around a supermarket, trying to think of dinner options for the week that hunger strikes?

To be fair, it’s almost lunchtime and, having skipped breakfast, I’m fairly famished – and haven’t even had enough coffee to get me through the day.

It’s just then, while wandering through the fresh fruit and veg aisle, that I spot the M&S Cafe lying in wait. And decide to treat myself.

Abandoning the basket I have yet to fill, I decide to refuel before beginning the food shop frenzy. If anything, it means I’ll have a clear head – and a full tummy – for the supermarket sweep!

It’s self-service, so I grab a tray and peruse the menu.

From breakfast rolls to baked jacket potatoes, bowls of soup to baguettes, there’s plenty to choose from.

I spot a scrumptious looking toastie so I grab it, along with a coffee and a plain scone, with butter and jam. They only have fruit scones in the selection of sweet treats but the server tells me I can take a plain one from the in-store bakery and she’ll ring it through.

As the lunchtime rush starts to build in a queue behind me, I take my full tray and pull up a pew at one of the few free tables and tuck in.

It’s a pleasant little spot, with the winter sun streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, lots of white and wood. In spite of the busy shop beyond, it’s peaceful and relaxing.

The toastie, filled with ham and cheese, is super tasty.

And then its time for the all important scone.

It’s still warm to the touch, on the large side and perfectly formed. Light and fluffy with a firm crust, and covered with lashings of butter and strawberry jam, it really hits the sweet spot.

With a latte on the side, it’s simply perfection.

I’d go so far as to say it’s not just any scone, it’s an M&S scone!

And with that, it’s time to grab that basket again and start filling it.

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