Scone Spy falls for a cosy spot by the seaside

AS you know, Scone Spy isn’t afraid to travel far and wide on the quest for scone perfection.

I’m exploring the seaside village of Portpatrick in Dumfries and Galloway.

The harbour looks pretty as a picture, with the calm, turquoise water in the harbour shimmering in the sun.

The view across the North Channel is so clear I’m sure I can make out the Northern Irish coast from my clifftop vantage point.

After making my way down a multitude of steps to the bay (slowly, to better enjoy the view, of course) and having a nosy around the shops, which are like little treasure troves in themselves, I’m eager to find a cosy spot to fill my belly.

Just a short walk from the harbour I find The Port Pantry.

There’s a warm welcome from owner Amelia and pick a table by the window.

As drinks are served, a nice frothy cappuccino for me, when three lifeboat crewmen settle down at the table beside us.

If this place is a favourite with the local seafarers, it’s good enough for Scone Spy.

Speaking of the sea, from thick rope, seashells, and lifebuoys on the wall to a wee plastic crab and lobster perched next to our table, this place has clearly run with the seaside theme.

But it’s not kitsch in the slightest, and instead feels bright, welcoming and fun.

Actually, it turns out The Port Pantry is much more than a café.

They have a full lunch and dinner menu, which looks delicious, and lots of lovely wee knick-knacks for sale stacked against the back wall and windowsills.

The breakfast menu boasts all the usual suspects but as my belly is rumbling something awful, I opt for the full breakfast.

Now you might think there’s not much art to a breakfast fry-up but this is a delicious and filling feast of bacon, sausage, egg, tomato, beans, and toast served on a separate wire rack.

And it’s made even better by a thick round of haggis I chose as an add-on.

Of course, despite the generous carb-fest, there’s always room for a scone.

After admiring The Port Pantry’s cake display my companion goes for a generous slab of Victoria sponge sandwiched with a huge layer of cream and ample jam.

It’s a little too sweet for me, but he wolfs it down like a hungry boatman!