Scone Spy: Kilau Coffee, Aberdeen

Kilau Coffee, High Street, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen.

Kilau Coffee is just steps from iconic King’s College in the heart of Aberdeen University’s Old Aberdeen campus.

The appeal of King’s College goes beyond its architecture and history. It is famed for its symbolism: the pursuit of knowledge.

So, as Scone Spy is always up for a little learning, we decided to immerse ourselves in campus life, but it took a degree of determination. We headed for Kilau in what was a week of torrential downpours.

Tripping along cobble stones (‘cassies’ in this part of the world) we passed the Old Town house, built in 1788, where the provost and bailies once held court.

The past is palpable in this picturesque part of town where tiny stone cottages neighbour grand Georgian homes.

We were glad to finally get to Kilau Coffee, which sits in a pretty period building, its takeaway on the ground floor and café above.

This innovative eatery is a no-brainer for students, locals and tourists.

The welcome is warm and it has great vegan and vegetarian options, along with tasty offerings for meat-eaters.

Breakfasts are served until noon weekdays, all day Saturday. And the café has a fab crepe and pasta selection along with some of the finest coffee in Aberdeen.

Our party of three were here for the scones but we couldn’t leave before sampling the salmon tagliatelle, Chimichurri spiced chicken mixed leaf salad with sun blushed tomatoes and mozzarella, and a superb selection of fries: halloumi, Cajun and cheddar – delicious!

Dessert was scones; a choice of fruit, cheese, and plain.

We took one of each, with clotted cream and jam, cut into thirds so we could sample each of the bakes, made by café owner, Edwige Adam, from Paris, who runs the eatery with Scots husband Craig.

The bakes, just out of the oven and still warm, were scrumptious. The fruit scone packed with raisins, while the cheese was suitably savoury, and the plain melt in the mouth marvellous.

With soft drinks, our feast for three came to just under £40.

Beautifully baked and fresh out of the oven