Scone Spy: Our cafe critic checks out Aberdeen's Common Sense Coffee House

The Common Sense coffee house and bar is smack bang on the Granite City’s Union Terrace Gardens and just steps from His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen Art Gallery and the beautiful Cowdray Hall concert venue.

Named after Enlightenment philosopher, Thomas Reid, whose ethos inspired the 18th Century Scottish School of Common Sense at its university, giving this community and arts focussed eatery a try seemed like a no-brainer.

Located in a quirky, oval building at the head of the spectacular gardens – its £30 million makeover recently completed – the cafe is an oasis of calm in the bustling energy capital of Europe.

Scone Spy popped in to on a busy Saturday for a light lunch followed by a bake and was bowled over by the wall of books – free for the taking – that greeted us. With the sun streaming through the curved window, this spy settled down to read and relax.

Lunch – a house salad – was a simple but tasty affair; a deep bowl brimming with spinach, rocket, shredded carrot, spring onion, sun blushed tomatoes, sliced black olives and suya (peanut) chicken breast. Dipping into the salad between page turns made for a lingering but luxurious lunch, as regular diners, tourists, and day trippers swapped stories and plans for the day.

The main event was the scone. While the choice was limited – fruit or plain – the quality was abundant. Packed with plump, juicy fruit and with a soft, crumbling interior, this bake – served with butter and jam and a pot of fair trade tea – was delicious.

The eatery, serving the finest produce from the north-east, is open for breakfast, meals, and pre-theatre drinks.

And it practices what it preaches. Common sense is even applied to its wine list with its eclectic and delicious mix of old and new world whites, reds, and rosé all at a standard price per bottle and glasses – whichever wine you choose.

It makes sense then to book a table for a return visit – off duty, of course!