I’M pretty sure I’ve said this before, but motorways are great things.
If you want to get somewhere in a hurry, that is.
Getting from A to B in the fastest possible fashion, whisking you to where you want to be with time to do whatever it is you want to do when you get there.
They’re not so great at letting you discover – or rediscover – places, though.
They bypass, sideline, shoot right on by.
Similarly, motorway service stations are fine for a quick fill-up, tummies as much as fuel tanks.
Functional. That’s the best description, with their coffee chains and identikit fare (let’s not get started on prices – I just wanted a coffee, not to make a down-payment on the national debt, for goodness’ sake).
Anyway, being as we have a little bit of time on our hands and a desire for something more than corporate quickness, we’ve swung off the M74 and into Lockerbie.
It doesn’t take long to recall that your Spy has been here before.
Café 91 was the munching spot on that occasion. But we’ve heard there’s a new kid on the block in the shape of Just Be.
It opened its doors last year and it couldn’t be more slap bang in the middle of town if it tried. It’s next to the war memorial and directly opposite a quirky collection of five sheep sculptures.
Despite its relative newness, we feel right away that we’re in with the bricks.
That might be to do with the walls being all exposed stone and brickwork with striking black and white mounted prints. Very nice it is, too.
The whole place is smart, modern and classy. There are tables on two other small levels up a few steps, but we pick a window table in the main ground floor area.
The bright red cushions match the roller blinds.
It’s a Sunday morning and we are looking for a hearty breakfast but we notice there are tasty-looking lunch options too – and it’s also open Thursday to Saturday evenings (bring your own bottle).
Although there’s a great value full Scottish for £6, we settle on the pancake stack with bacon and maple syrup and a toasted bloomer with lightly poached eggs.
There are fruit and plain scones and the fruity fellow arrives warmed with butter and jam – we’ve even been asked which flavour we fancy.
Everything is fabulously scrummy and just couldn’t be faulted. Same goes for the super-friendly welcome and service.
And at just £15 for the lot, including hot drinks and a little cake for the road we couldn’t resist, it was a steal.
Next time you’re shooting along the M74 and you fancy some high street hospitality, you could do a lot worse than to let Just Be just be.
Warm welcome: 10/10
Location, location: 9/10
Scone score: 10/10
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