Scone Spy: A top tip from our readers led to some tasty treats in Tyndrum

I do love the west coast of Scotland. When it’s sunny and the sky is blue, you won’t find anywhere more beautiful in the whole world.

And that’s surely a fact, not just humble Spy opinion.

So, when an email arrives from a reader suggesting I take a trip to the Real Food Cafe at Tyndrum, I don’t need to be asked twice.

Actually, it all works out nicely because I’ve got a do in Oban to attend. It’s a posh affair in a restaurant with the fanciest of food and fine wines.

Not that I’d know a fine wine from a bottle of plonk, quite frankly.

I don’t think anyone would describe the Real Food Cafe as posh.

Bossy, maybe, but not posh. There’s a list of rules that you have to abide by.

It’s a new one on me and at first I reckon it’s a bit over the top.

But after a good hour spent watching the comings and goings of this busy wee place, I can see why.

Because it’s got all sorts coming through its doors.

Biker gangs. Bus tours. Families with wee ones. Locals. Foreign adventurers.

It’s a never-ending stream of people. And they all seem to rub along nicely.

So maybe those rules telling you that this is a dog-friendly cafe, but you’ve to dry them off before you come in, keep feet off the seats etc are a winner.

And the dog sitting hopefully by my table is a well-behaved wee thing. When he starts giving me the old puppy-dog eyes, I sneak him some bacon.

Me and my chum are spoiled for choice. What a great menu.

When I ask what kind of cake he wants and he tells me to surprise him, I’m not happy.

This is a pet hate of mine. Just make a decision, man! It’s not rocket science!

It puts me in mind of a friend of mine who, when she drops in to visit and I ask if she wants tea or coffee, always answers “whatever you want”. It drives me insane!

But back to the Real Food Cafe. There are so many cakes, traybakes and scones to choose from, I know it’s a difficult job.

Here’s your surprise, matey. I got you nothing.

Actually, the scone is such a big beast of a thing that we decide to share it.

Before that, though, I have a fried egg and bacon roll and my chum enjoys black pudding on his.

And I’ve got to tell you that this, followed by the scone, is the best meal I have all weekend.

The do I’m on my way to turns out nice enough and the food is good in a lah-di-da way.

But sometimes you just prefer something more down to earth. And the fried egg and bacon roll is a piece of heaven on a sunny Friday morning.

The scone is equally good. I can’t figure out how I’ve never been to the Real Food Cafe before.

It might be the first time but it won’t be the last. Keep those tips coming, readers.

VERDICT

WARM WELCOME 7/10

LOCATION, LOCATION 9/10

SCONE SCORE 9/10

Looking for a scone near you? View our interactive map of Scone Spy reviews: