Hettie’s - let them eat cake

Mar 8 2011 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

IF your idea of heaven is a big slice of gooey, home-baked cake washed down with a fragrant cuppa ... then look no further than Hettie’s tearoom.

This shabby chic, pink palace is the latest addition to Pitlochry’s bustling tearoom scene. And judging by packed tables of holidaymakers and locals, it’s here to stay.

The brainchild of Nicki Martin (formerly Brig Farm), Hettie’s uses the very best in local suppliers to offer a breakfast, brunch and lunch menu that is served from 10am, seven days a week.

Breakfast baps use produce from McDonald’s Butchers of Pitlochry, the hand-cut sandwiches feature bread delivered fresh every morning from Tower Bakery, and even the soup is homemade with local veggies.

Mother and I both opted for toasted paninis – bacon and brie with ploughman’s chutney, and strong Scottish cheddar with red onion and chutney respectively. Both were delicious, and served with a side salad and Hettie’s “famous red coleslaw” made for a substantial and filling lunch.

After pausing for breath, we decided to sample the homebaking. With everything from cupcakes to traybakes, we felt it would be rude not to!

In the end we both ordered a slice of Hettie’s “Signature Cake” – an exquisite triple layered festoon of all Hettie’s favourite flavours – raspberry, chocolate and vanilla sponge with chocolate grenache and chocolate butter icing. Washed down with copious cups of Earl Grey, it was delicious.