Scone Spy: Our café critic visits The Hidden Teahouse in Bothwell

The Teahouse behind Bothwell’s Main Street

One of the best bits of this job is uncovering those hidden little gems across the country. And after so long hidden away myself during the pandemic, it’s amazing to get out and about again and discover Scotland’s scone emporiums once again.

This week, I’m on the road, venturing to lovely Lanarkshire in search of beautiful bakes.

And its in the quaint village of Bothwell, on the banks of the River Clyde, that I stumble upon the Hidden Teahouse.

Tucked away in a little lane behind the Main Street at the back of an old tenament, it certainly lives up to its name. In fact, you would only uncover this wee diamond if you knew it was there – or somebody recommended it.

Thankfully, word of mouth made its way to me as apparently this place has the best home baking for miles.

I can only imagine this is testament to its success because I am hard pushed to get a table. Even booking a day in advance, they were only able to squeeze me in for breakfast. Lunch was full.

With its floral wallpaper, mismatched chairs and china teacups, this little vintage spot looks great.

Taste test

But of course, for me it’s all about the taste, so with a menu in hand, I get ready to order. The early bird menu has such a good mix of savoury and sweet and I find myself spoiled for choice so opt for the morning tea which has a little bit of everything.

When the cake stand arrives on the table, I’m immediately impressed. There are a couple of filled brioche rolls, pastries, a pot of granola and yoghurt and a dish of fresh fruit.

Washed down with a hot coffee, everything is delicious – but the piece de resistance is, without a doubt, the mini scone at the top, served with clotted cream and jam.

If this is mini, I think you’d need to starve yourself all day for a full-sized one!

Firm on the outside yet soft and fluffy on the inside, I devour every last crumb. Quite simply delicious.

I leave thinking this place might be hidden, but the scones are certainly no secret.

And rightly so!