This post is special - it focuses on the dessert scene in London (and outskirts) and Scotland. But its special not just because of these two gorgeous destinations but also because much has happened behind-the-scenes to be able to bring to you this post. Endless research on the internet, making lists of bakeries we must attend, talking to locals, miles & miles of walking with just a map & our own iffy sense of direction, tasting (with constant battles between what I would consider my work & my diet) and then taking photos like a lunatic. It was no less than a treasure hunt. And I could not have done this without A - I thank God each day that he was born a foodie & with a sweet tooth. He’s my partner in crime.
Despite all this effort, we didn’t even scratch the surface! Because UK is like that - baking is everywhere, as are small, charming neighbourhood bakeries. It’s part of local life, cuisine & public culture. And so this post no way claims to be exhaustive. We didn’t get to complete that list, and we ended up going to places that were not part of it. But that’s how travel should be - planned but with room for the unplanned!
| Scottish cuisine has had much French influence, maybe owing to the ‘Auld alliance’ which granted dual citizenship in both the countries, back in 12th century! And of course, the dessert scene is in parts seamless with the English cuisine as well. Like everywhere in Europe, breads of course play a massive role. With endless variety that too, be it sourdough, cinnamon rolls (in various shapes & sizes), bagels (a healthier version of a doughnut, but which is used for sandwiches), baguettes, pies (we had one of the best at Mum’s in Edinburdh, Scotland), pasties (mostly savoury & with meat filling) or croissants, muffins and of course, scones! Scones are different from muffins in that these are less sweet, drier, have a different mixing technique and usually eaten with a spread of fruit jam or cream. During our visit, markets were flooded with fresh raspberries. Fruit tarts & fruit based cakes were rampant through many cafes. We had one of the best wholesome breakfasts with artisan bread sandwiches at Milk at Edinburgh, Scotland. |  French Macarons in a random bakery in Inverness |
 |  Fruits tarts are just everywhere! |
A unique item that you will find across UK is shortbreads. This started way back in 12th century and soon was not just limited to Scotland. You can know more about its history here. Today there are wide variety of shortbread biscuits and not just limited to a Christmas or festival treat. And thank God for that because these are delicious, keep well & make ideal gifts for folks back home.
From L to R: Traditional Scottish Shortbread, Millionaire Shortbread & Chocolate shortbread with marshmallows
| Now one thing that we cannot miss in UK, and especially in London, is the afternoon tea. More an occasion than a drink, it provided women the chance to network & gossip, with the first one starting back in 1830s by Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford. The food offered is plenty, right from dainty sandwiches, cookies, cakes and desserts, among others. Scotland has its own hearty cuisine, which is not necessarily as unhealthy as it may seem. Their traditional desserts are not part of the popular tourist culture though. Some of these include Clootie Dumpling (a steamed, rich fruit cake), Cranachan (layers of oatmeal, cream, honey & raspberries), Edinburgh Fog (a rich, cream based dessert), Tablet (a type of fudge made of condensed milk, sugar & butter). Sadly, we didn’t get to eat most of these and think we’d probably would have had to self- invite ourselves to a local household for the same. |  Afternoon tea at a popular resort in Bath, UK |
Surprisingly, what one does get in touristy restaurants (may be to cater to the Americanised touristy palate) is a Fried Mars Bar, batter fried Mars bar served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. Just as a treat for those of you interested in cooking, here’s a page that includes recipes of some of the most popular traditional items.
When one finds bakeries in every nook & corner, it is difficult indeed to find the best ones. I leave you with some of our better finds (in no order of significance). But while the goodies taste oh-so-good, these bakeries also had much character and oomph. Feel free to add to this list in the comments section below, with the hope that we would visit (and re-visit) them again! Clicking on some of these pics may you take you to their business page, in fact. Prior warning - there are high chances you will drool on your keyboard. So beware. I know I am drooling as I write this post.
Until next time, enjoy!
Until next time, enjoy!
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