Scone Spy: Our cafe critic tries out Glasgow Fort's Tinderbox

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a day at the shops.

Covid led me into the world of online shopping, getting what you want the next day at the touch of a button. I’ve become so used to this digital way of life that I didn’t realise how much I have missed it.

But wandering through stores full of colourful summer clothes has got me in the mood for a holiday. Or, at the very least, some sun of our own. After hours of sifting through the rails with an old pal, we’re parched. It must be time for a coffee and a scone.

We spot Tinderbox and decide to give it a whirl. It looks like a big greenhouse, a round pod with floor to ceiling windows – perfect for watching the world go by.

Inside, its modern with a retro twist. Quirky coloured chairs and pendant lights give a contemporary feel against the old-school menu boards.

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The sundaes and milkshakes sound amazing and I’d happily sample any of the cake choices, from rocky road to salted caramel cookies, but I opt for a hearty bowl of soup, a coffee and, of course, that all important scone.

My fellow diner tries a croissant and a “dotty” cookie.

The sun is streaming in and it’s just lovely to kick back and relax for a moment or two before we tuck in.

The huge bowl of chicken and rice soup with doorstep worthy wedges of bread and butter on the side go down a treat. And the flat white coffee hits the spot.

The huge croissant and cookie are devoured across the table.

But the scone is the real treat. The chunky bake, served with a couple of slabs of butter, looks like a big boulder on the plate. It’s so big, we decide to share it.

I have to ask for jam – and they only have apricot, which is a little disappointing. The scone is perfectly firm on the outside, and a little dry on the inside, but still tasty nonetheless.

As I hoover up the last of the crumbs, we gather up our shopping bags and prepare to hit the rails one last time. I’m confident the sun will come soon…and there’s a pair of Bermuda shorts in that window with my name on them!