Scone Spy: Kicking back with a cuppa at Vin-Tealicious in Arbroath

Vin-Tealicious cafe in Arbroath (Andrew Cawley)

A lovely reader writes, recommending Vin-Tealicious in Arbroath.

Hmm. Now, the last time I was in Arbroath on another spying mission, I think I said the whole place had seen better days.

Dearie me – that was a bit cheeky. I can only apologise to the good people of Arbroath.

Because today, as the sun is shining and the sea is sparkling, it’s lovely. And when I find Vin-Tealicious, I perk up even further.

It’s one of those lovely cafes with vintage china, bunting and chi-chi, wee knick-knacks you can buy.

There’s all manner of good stuff on the menu.

Unusually for a place like this, some of it is Turkish-influenced.

As you know, I can be a simple soul at heart.

And I just can’t see past an omelette with bacon and a nice cup of tea from some lovely china. Two women sit at a table. They’re enjoying their chat.

I can’t help but overhear.

“He disgraced himself. I know it was a wedding and we’d all had a drink, but I was so embarrassed when he fell on the table and knocked the glasses over,” says one.

I may be wrong, but I think her friend conceals a snort of laughter which quickly turns into a cough and a sympathetic nod.

My peace is soon shattered by a gang of young mums coming in with their kids.

I think they are regulars and the toddlers are as good as gold – it’s the mums who are enjoying making some noise!

One of them orders water.

You know how sometimes if you order a glass of tap water, you get the impression the staff aren’t impressed?

Not here. “Ice and lemon with that?” says the waitress.

Mind you, all the workers here seem lovely. The owner’s brother is here for a wee holiday and to see her and she seems to be making him work hard, part of the gang.

Now, that is a good brother. My idea of a holiday is lolling about on a sunlounger and finding new scone discoveries.

A staff member returns.

I don’t know if she’s been off for a day, a week or a month, but the rest of the team act like she’s been away for a year.

There are squeals and celebrations all round.

They give the toddlers a run for their money.

The owner tells me she’s from England originally, but she loves Arbroath and her wee business.

You can tell. It’s the kind of place that you want to hang out and spend time.

That’s why I can run late.

When life is this good, I don’t want to leave the moment.

And I’ve still got the main event, the scone, to have!

And what a treat it is. I’ve chosen cherry, and it comes with lovely wee containers of jam and cream.

I order more tea just to make sure it all slips down a treat, then sit back and enjoy.