Scone Spy barks up the right tree at the dog-friendly Parx Cafe in Aberdeen

Parx Cafe, Rubislaw Terrace (Derek Ironside/Newsline Media)

IT’S early morning on the Granite City’s leafy Rubislaw Terrace and torrential rain is bouncing off the pavements.

Below street level, in the stylish basement Parx Cafe, suited and booted office workers jostle amiably for a table.

It may only be 8.30am but it’s never too early for a scone. And the place is buzzing as businessmen and women are sipping cappuccinos, gearing up for the day ahead, while joggers, ducking out of the rain, order immune system-boosting cocktails of carrot, apple, and lemon juice with ginger.

On a nearby table a gaggle of nursery children – mums in tow – bounce into their seats for a breakfast treat of porridge and pancakes.

Parx Cafe, Rubislaw (Derek Ironside/Newsline Media)

“Kiddicino with cream and marshmallows,” demands one four-year-old who is au fait with the extensive coffee menu, including its imaginative options such as the Chocolate Abyss. And then she spies the photo of a pooch in prime position on a shelf behind the home bakes and bread-laden counter. “Doggy!” she exclaims.

The animal in question is owner Kirsty Moncrieff’s pet Juna who loves nothing better than meeting canine chums in Rubislaw Park opposite.

The eatery welcomes well-behaved dogs, and owners can also make use of its outside seating.

Parx Cafe (Derek Ironside/Newsline Media)

But the cafe is not ideal for people with mobility problems because of the steps down to its entrance. We settle down at a table for two and soak up the scene.

By now a weak winter sun filters through the tall windows, spotlighting artwork lining the walls. The café hosts exhibitions from local artists, changing the displays every two or three months.

This winter’s exhibition Into The Wild has featured screen prints by Ian Thomson.

Parx Cafe accommodates about 40 people and has an earthy but chic atmosphere with walls in sage green and white and floor coverings and fittings in slate and wood.

Staff are always ready to share a joke and a smile – even at this early hour.

And the cafe’s eclectic menu offers everything from health to comfort foods, serving breakfasts and hot and cold lunches.

Breakfast options include rolls (bacon, sausage, egg), scrambled eggs, avocado toast and home-made porridge and granola.

Lunch is an imaginative and tasty affair, with a hot daily special, soups, salads, quiche, panninis and sandwiches. Scone options here are simple – fruit or cheese, served warm or cold and with butter and jam.

I opt for fruit, my friend for cheese. They are baked fresh daily, mostly inhouse but sometimes by the café’s guest baker, Alice.

Mine is melt-in-the mouth delicious and bursting with fruit while my pal’s is a feast of cheese. I go for a hazelnut latte to accompany my treat while my friend has tea. All super-tasty.

We are definitely barking up the right tree!