Scone Spy: Sally’s tearoom provide scones too delicious to share

NEVER let it be said the Scone Spy isn’t willing to go the extra mile in pursuit of a scrumptious snack.

On the recommendation of one of our extensive network of Secret Scone Agents (you, the readers), I ventured south of the border to Sally’s in Warwick Bridge, near Carlisle, Cumbria.

I even borrowed a friend for this particular mission a scruffy beast of a dog, aka Canine Scone Spy.

Poking my head through the front door and scanning the immaculately clean cafe, there were no other dogs to be seen and I feared we would be banished to the seats outside.

But, on confirmation she was “very well behaved”, we were welcomed inside with a smile.

As I perused the menu, a gaggle of builders came in to order takeaway for lunch.

“I’ll have a scone please,” the man in a high-vis jacket said.

“Certainly… we’ve got white chocolate and raspberry, treacle, ginger….”

The chap looked thrown by the choice.

“Err just a normal scone,” he said.

“We don’t do normal scones here,” came the proud reply from behind the counter.

This was looking more and more promising.

First I ordered a turkey, Brie and cranberry panini which came with salad and coleslaw (£4.25).

I sat back and read the paper while I waited for the food to arrive.

Scruffy meanwhile said hello to the locals, before stretching out on the tiled floor for a snooze.

The panini was perfect.

Toasted just enough for that satisfying crunch without boiling the filling into a shrivelled submission.

Now it was time for the main event the scone.

I sliced through the middle and lopped it in half to uncover a thick, creamy melted melange of white chocolate and raspberry perched on each piece.

For £2.95 I also got jam and cream which is normally a prerequisite for any scone worth its name.

But with this ready-made layer of sweet delight already taking pride of place, the jam and cream were confined to an undignified peripheral role.

The food was just right and you can be certain that anywhere which welcomes “very well behaved” dogs will be one which goes the extra mile to make sure its customers feel happy and relaxed.

I’d love to tell you I gave some of my scone to Scruffy.

But it was just too good to share.

That’s the way it goes, Scruff.Warm welcome: 10/10 Location, Location: 7/10 Scone score: 9/10