Scone Spy: Old Town Coffee House, Stirling

Old Town Coffee House, Stirling for Scone Spy.

I’m a great believer in the saying that the best things come in small packages and the beautiful but compact city of Stirling is a prime example.

With its imposing medieval castle, cobbled streets, and deep Scots history, it has always felt like a mini Edinburgh to me.

We spent the day in Braveheart country last week to visit the nearby Battle of Bannockburn Centre which commemorates Robert The Bruce’s victory over King Edward II’s army. I’m a pacifist by nature – More Game Of Scones than Game Of Thrones – but the award-winning attraction was an astonishing insight into the gory conflict. It was like stepping into a history book.

After two hours immersed in the mud and blood of Bannockburn’s dark past, a stroll around Stirling’s Old Town in the sunshine was most welcome.

It was here we came across the family-run Old Town Coffee House, a stone’s throw from the Castle walls.

We arrived as this sweet little cafe was getting busy with a mixture of tourists, who happened to be passing, and locals who were greeted as friends (repeat customers are a sign you’re on to a good thing, right?).

Canine friends are also welcome. One family had brought their perfectly behaved and adorable puppy along.

The menu offered a variety of dishes from fish and chips, homemade soup and sandwich combos, to a lovely selection of sweet and savoury crepes.

I ordered the spiced lentil soup and my companion had a halloumi salad. The food was fresh, tasted great and was well presented.

I was delighted to see the sweet menu included a selection of homemade scones. We ordered two with an (excellent) fresh cup of coffee each.

The bakes came with a side of butter and jam, were generously sized, and not too dry. There was a wee spicy kick to them which I couldn’t put my finger on. After several minutes of trying to guess the secret ingredient, our lovely waitress revealed it was down to a dash of cinnamon.

Proving my point again, this cafe may be small, but it’s perfectly formed.