WE’VE just been feeding the ducks and swans on the loch at breathtaking Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire.
The gardens of this National Trust for Scotland property are a paradise for visitors and locals. And a tour of the interior doesn’t disappoint, either.
It’s a magnificent example of Scottish Baronial architecture whose rooms are stuffed with antiquities, armour and beautiful oil paintings.
But we’re here to sample its scones, so we’re heading up to the castle’s tearooms, also known as the Butler’s Pantry.
As the gravel pathway crunches beneath our feet, we realise we could be treading in the footsteps of Robert the Bruce and Charles I who were among the 800-year-old fortress’s guests.
We arrive around 11am, just before the rain comes on and to a welcome as warm as the oven that turns out bumper batches of plain and fruit scones, along with specials such as apple & cinnamon and cheese.
As always I’m watching my waistline – a hazard of the job. I know, it’s tough, but someone has to do it!
But I’ve brought my small back-up team to help with tasting duties. We will each sample a little of what takes our fancy – at least that’s the plan.
Our order is taken by the lovely Erica, while Maureen and Yvonne in the kitchen exercise their culinary skills.
The team and I can’t sing their praises enough.
The scones are melt-in-the-mouth delicious, especially the fruit variety.
But accompanying them are home bakes fit for a queen – Victoria sponge, carrot loaf, coffee & walnut cake, chocolate brownies, gingerbread and tray bakes.
It’s the Victoria sponge that has me bowled over on this occasion – a huge wedge with light, fluffy sponge, jam and cream oozing from the centre.
I cave in to temptation and polish off the lot, to be immediately told I have willpower with the breaking strain of a KitKat. Guilty as charged.
And better is to come – the carrot loaf is the best I’ve ever tasted, and the same applies to the very moist and tangy lemon cake. OK, I know, but it’s research, right?
But while the baking is fit for royalty it doesn’t take a king’s ransom to pay for it. All the prices are reasonable for what is lovely, quality fare.
There’s something very special about these tearooms.
The Victorian tiled interior and copper pots and kettles that dangle from the ceiling hint at the grandeur of a time past.
The staff are always ready with a smile and go quietly and effortlessly about their duties.
They tell me this is “the loveliest place to work” and “the people here care for customers, each other and the castle.”
The glow is almost as warm as that of the coppers on the ceiling.
Now that is a sweet feeling.
VERDICT
WARM WELCOME 9/10
LOCATION, LOCATION 9/10
SCONE SCORE 9/10
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