On a sunny spring day, there’s no better feeling than getting out and about, particularly when you can feel the warmth of the sun on your face.
And, of course, its even better when you stumble upon a little hidden server of scones!
Today I’m in the hamlet of High Blantyre, and while the Greenhall area isn’t far from civilisation, it’s so leafy and open, it feels a million miles away.
After a walk around the gorgeous Greenhall Park, we spot a farm up on the hill which, it turns out, doubles up as a cafe and gift shop.
Greenhall Country Cafe’s big, glass-fronted house sits in the middle of fields full of llamas, goats and cows, offering great views while you sip a coffee and devour one of their delicious homebaked cakes.
But if you’re feeling hungry, there’s a menu of breakfasts and lunches, from a full fry up to mac and cheese and chicken Milanese.
After spotting the size of the scones, I plump for a mini breakfast, with wagyu link sausage, potato scone, bacon, beans and a fried egg. My fellow diners choose pancake stacks with fresh berries and chocolate spread.
Every bit of the breakfast gets the thumbs up and I’m pretty stuffed. I can’t imagine how big the “big breakfast” is. The pancakes are fluffy and sweet and hoovered up in a matter of minutes.
Then it’s on to a caffiene fix – and dessert. The cakes, from salted caramel loaf and creme egg filled cookies to Rolo-filled doughnuts and whisky liqueur cheesecake, look so delicious I would happily take one of each.
But, being a scone lover at heart, I opt for a plain scone with cream and jam instead. It’s huge and the texture is perfect…firm on the outside and nice and soft inside. Smothered with cream and strawberry jam and washed down with a latte, it’s just perfect.
Looking around, I see the detail is not just saved for the food. Old cart wheels have been turned into chandeliers, horse shoes into door handles and there are stirrups and saddles on the walls. On the way out I grab a bag of lettuce and carrot scraps and feed the resident goats, Snap, Crackle and Pop. They’re gentle and fun and clearly just love life on the farm.
And I feel the same. I’ll definitely be back now that spring has sprung.
Scone score: 4/5
Firm on the outside, soft on the inside. Textbook!
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