Guest reviewer: Jim Petts

And so to the amazing triangular castle of Caerlaverock on the Northern shores of the Solway Firth. Amazing because inside its traditional castle-like exterior lies the red sandstone façade of a later stately home, looking for all the world like something from Petra. All it needed was Indiana Jones.

And after a quick look round, we meet some of our friends coming back from the tea-shop saying “excellent scones”. Unable to resist the challenge we leap in and sample the wares. A most excellent home constructed scone, firm and brown on the outside and soft and replete with fruit inside. Not served with strawberry jam alas, but with a decent clot of clotted cream and raspberry jam. All served up with a decent pot of tea in a china pot, thus avoiding the stainless steel teapot scalds. Just what the Doctor ordered and a cure-all for sciatica. Top marks for this one.

This blog has not been abandoned. It just looks that way because its winter and day trips to tearooms happen a lot less in the winter. But I am already planning some trips for 2008.

However, to keep some scone action going in the meanwhile, I have decided to start a campaign of eating cream teas in the privacy of my home. There’s no point reviewing the quality of cups of tea that I make, because of course I make a good cup of tea. But I can let you know what I think of the various ready-made scones available in the supermarkets and bakeries of our good nation.

So hold yourself in readiness, and the scone joys will recontinue very soon… –>