AN eatery needs a platform to build on if it wants to be a success.
Then it has to stay on the right tracks if that’s to continue and keep delivering to a tight timetable.
OK, OK, enough of the train references. The reason is that my never-ending scone search has brought me to a station. Not just any old station, mind you, but Scotland’s largest and busiest.
Glasgow’s Central Station has been at the heart of the city for more than 130 years.
It’s big and grand – and that goes for the station’s hotel, too.
It’s had more than its fair share of famous guests over the years. Sir Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra and Laurel & Hardy are just a few of those who drew the crowds.
We particularly love the thought of Trigger, Roy Rogers’ horse, trotting up the staircase.
“So, that’s a small bale of hay to room 204, sir. Anything else?”
Anyway, so it’s big and grand and unmissable.
However, the café bit, Deli Central, isn’t. It’s tucked away at the side, accessible from the station but also from the Hope Street side that doesn’t have the shops and so isn’t as busy.
First impressions are that it’s big and bright. Striking, too, with a chequerboard floor, big pillars and a high ceiling.
Sadly, things started to come off the rails when it came to the most important thing – the scone.
If a chunky, homemade effort was the high-speed inter-city of trains, this was definitely a two-car local commuter affair.
That’s to say it was on the wee side. The very wee side.
Worse was to come with the butter and jam.
While paying for the scone, tasty wee cake and soft drink, one of the girls was cutting it open – and buttering it.
Now there are rules about scone eating. Some people like it with butter, some with jam and a few who like both.
Your faithful Spy isn’t one of them. And anyway, you’ve got to have the choice.
“Sorry, it should be on the side,” said the not wildly-sympathetic chap at the till. “Would you like another?”
Funnily enough, yes! And a knife to spread the jam or butter with would have been nice without having to ask.
After all that, it was OK-ish.
A bit dry, actually. But then, just one small jar of jam and a portion of butter was plenty to cover and moisten it up.
As I say, this wasn’t a Virgin Trains London express but at just £1 it is a cheapie.
To be fair, the ambience was pleasantly relaxed.
And despite it being lunchtime, there were plenty of tables. Maybe not too many people do know about it.
With its classy look and sheer handiness it would be one to discover – if only something was done about the scones.
Verdict
Warm Welcome 7/10, Location, Location 8/10, Scone Score 6/10
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