Our Scone Spy cafe critic has a Good & Proper taste of Edinburgh cafe

There’s nothing quite like having a free weekend to potter around, browse the shops, and spend time with family and friends.

So, that’s exactly what I did when I recently found myself with a spare afternoon in our fair capital.

With no clocks to watch, buses to catch or meetings to sit through, I decided to take a little “me time” – bliss.

I visited the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh just a few months ago, and so enjoyable was that trip, I decided to pop by again.

Thankfully, the weather was a little less bracing, so I used the opportunity to wander around some of the local independent shops, getting a feel for the neighbourhood and indulging in some retail therapy.

Well, I had to do something to work up an appetite, didn’t I?

© Andrew Cawley / DCT Media

The area has a vast array of lovely charity shops and, as the old saying goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

I rummaged through some rails, picked up a few vintage pieces, and then settled on finding some scone-shaped sustenance.

Housed in what was once a rather sad-looking Chinese takeaway, I found a sleek, ultra-modern and yet instantly welcoming little café-cum-deli.

Opened in April last year on the main thoroughfare, Raeburn Place, Good & Proper Deli Co. offers a selection of fresh food, small plates and larger dishes, including an ever changing specials board.

At the service counter, bowls of freshly chopped, glistening salad instantly caught my eye, and I was sorely tempted to ask for a plate piled high with natural goodies.

But just to the side sat a crumbling, perfectly plump scone that had my name written all over it. So the salad had to wait for another day.

I ordered a hot chocolate to accompany my fruit scone, and took a seat by the window.

You would be forgiven for thinking all scones are made equal – after all, how many ways can there be to mix milk, sugar and flour?

Well, I’ve tasted enough scones in my time to know there is a fine art to creating the right texture.

And I’m pleased to say the baking elves at Good & Proper have honed their skills admirably.

Served warm with a delicious homemade blackcurrant and cherry compote, my scone had a good crumb, a nice crust and a suitably fluffy interior.

With not a crumb left on my plate and only dregs left in my stylish, Nordic-chic coffee cup, I could not have been happier.

That was until I took a closer look at the surrounding décor.

With white walls, stylish light fittings and beautiful chevron wooden flooring, this compact café is a treat for the eyes.

I’ll certainly be back to sample more tasty morsels, but next time I’ll bring a good and proper appetite.

Good & Proper Deli Co, 74 Raeburn Pl, Edinburgh

Verdict

Warm welcome 8/10

Location, Location 9/10

Scone Score 9/10