Scone Spy: Our cafe critic checks out Coppa Coffee in Aberdeen’s West End

Your spy popped in to Coppa Coffee on a busy weekday just as secondary school exams were in full swing.

The cafe in the heart of Aberdeen’s West End was buzzing and we were lucky to find a table for two in a quiet corner. Its young staff were busy with a small queue at the counter, so your spy decided to people watch.

On the table opposite a young mum cradled her newborn, stirring her coffee with one hand while proud dad tucked into bakes, and grandparents spoiled grandkids and busy mums chatted as their wee ones pored over board games provided by the cafe.

Nearby, students on study leave and armed with laptops were busy swatting for National Fives and Highers while slurping juice and munching toasties, oblivious to the hubbub around.

This cafe is clearly a haunt for all generations and we can see why. The welcome we received from its young servers was warm and enthusiastic and the atmosphere laid-back with mood music to suit. Its refectory style tables comfortably seat large groups, while tables for two and four offer a more intimate alternative.

Considerately, it includes a three-metre area where those who are vulnerable or who still wish to can continue to socially distance. And to top it off, the walls are strung with art and photography by local talent – so what’s not to like?

The scone choices when we visited were plain, cheese and fruit and all were baked fresh on the day. We went for the cheese and plain varieties, served with butter and jam. Although a little smaller than we’ve enjoyed in some other places, they were delicious and surprisingly filling.

The cheese option was just cheesy enough and crumbled scrumptiously on the tongue while the fruit was equally tasty. With a pot of tea to accompany the scone choice our final bill came to just £6 – which has to be the some of the best value for money we’ve experienced.

While staff say they can accommodate wheelchairs and people with disabilities, the two basic but clean toilets are on a lower level and accessed by stairs and not disabled-adapted.

Overall though Coppa Coffee gets scores high on this test.

Scone score

Hand baked from fresh every day and very tasty.

7/10