Poor blog! I was just starting to get into the excuse for coffee out on a regular basis when my computer got ill. So this will have to be a text adventure from someone else's computer...
Has Beans, 261 Canongate, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh (nothing to link to, sadly).
I stumbled in after an options and choices workshop at Edinburgh University, where it turned out that the workload for the access course is not really compatible with regular illness and a lack of burning passion for the arts and social sciences- which is absolutely fair enough, but did leave me in dire need of a good cup of tea and something to eat. Seven different sorts of coffee and eight of tea fitted the bill quite nicely- I had a halloumi pitta with Scottish blend tea, then a generous slice of walnut and granola cake with Assam. All the cakes looked nice, but the walnut and granola was especially interesting, as it was not only gluten free, but also nicely textured and an interesting flavour- I think the green strands in it were courgette, which clearly made it virtuous and good for me.
Cranachan and Crowdie was just up the road, with a sign saying come in and make up a picnic for your walk up to Arthur's Seat. That was far too much effort as far as I was concerned, but I went in anyway in search of something interesting to have with tea. There seemed to be quite a few options, including more gluten free biscuits and cakes than I remember seeing outside anywhere large or specialised, though I do admit that it's not something I have to pay particular attention to. My Mum does prefer it though, so I'm always pleased to see the option. I think it's only M+S that do gluten free crumpets, though... I managed to only come away with a packet of Scotch Bonnet crisps, which probably can't be faulted for being deeply disappointing- left to my own devices, Tabasco sauce or fresh ginger are not safe for very long.
Has Beans, 261 Canongate, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh (nothing to link to, sadly).
I stumbled in after an options and choices workshop at Edinburgh University, where it turned out that the workload for the access course is not really compatible with regular illness and a lack of burning passion for the arts and social sciences- which is absolutely fair enough, but did leave me in dire need of a good cup of tea and something to eat. Seven different sorts of coffee and eight of tea fitted the bill quite nicely- I had a halloumi pitta with Scottish blend tea, then a generous slice of walnut and granola cake with Assam. All the cakes looked nice, but the walnut and granola was especially interesting, as it was not only gluten free, but also nicely textured and an interesting flavour- I think the green strands in it were courgette, which clearly made it virtuous and good for me.
Cranachan and Crowdie was just up the road, with a sign saying come in and make up a picnic for your walk up to Arthur's Seat. That was far too much effort as far as I was concerned, but I went in anyway in search of something interesting to have with tea. There seemed to be quite a few options, including more gluten free biscuits and cakes than I remember seeing outside anywhere large or specialised, though I do admit that it's not something I have to pay particular attention to. My Mum does prefer it though, so I'm always pleased to see the option. I think it's only M+S that do gluten free crumpets, though... I managed to only come away with a packet of Scotch Bonnet crisps, which probably can't be faulted for being deeply disappointing- left to my own devices, Tabasco sauce or fresh ginger are not safe for very long.
Gluten free? I must admit I don't need to eat them, but do rather like the taste and texture. One of my favourite cakes is an almond one - I found the recipe ages ago in a Jewish cookery book and initially made it because it was so simple, just eggs and ground almonds, though I add honey too.
ReplyDeleteI need to go to Arthur's Seat soon, just to prove I can still do it. A picnic will be extra welcome, so I may pay a visit to Cranachan and Crowdie - thanks for recommending it.