Looking at these summery dishes I’m transported back to warmer times…

I am a little behind with my features due to taking on a new business, although I have almost caught up now (thankfully). So it’s with my apologies to The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant who invited me as a guest, that I finally get around to talking about their lovely food.

Our visit started off a little haphazardly, first they thought we were there for Afternoon Tea, and then after switching tables our poor waiter dropped the soft drink over the table. He was mortified and apologised profusely while we helped him mop up, he was only a young lad and we felt a bit sorry for him.

The first thing you notice at The Scottish Cafe is how pretty the dishes are – just look at the colours! My friend had the salmon dish above and I just love the way they have presented it in ribbons with little pink onions and nasturtiums – almost too good to eat.

I had the whipped goats cheese with a tangy little Bloody Mary sauce and chickpea crackers. The whole thing was fresh and zingy with a perfect blend of flavours and textures.

I have had the pork belly here before and I just couldn’t resist revisiting again. It was just as good as the first time, they do pork really well here.

We visited The Scottish Cafe after a period of refurbishment at the gallery and everyone (including the owners who happened to be there) seemed relieved they were back up and running.

My friend had the lamb which was blushing pink and served with plenty of veg. A fair few of the ingredients for the menu are grown in their kitchen garden, and a lot of effort is made to source remarkable local ingredients – this effort can definitely be seen in the end product.

Desserts were just as pretty and colourful, we had one ‘proper’ dessert and then opted for a plate of petite fours. Both were delicious and we enjoyed our chat with Victor and Carina. It was Victor’s birthday back then, and given how long it’s taken me to write this, he is probably due another one very soon!

I recently featured The Scottish Cafe in Opulence Magazine as my pick of somewhere to go in those first few days of New Year. The food is great and there’s just a nice fresh vibe about the place. Worth a visit.

Find out more about The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant here.