The Tannochbrae Tearoom

The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the 2012 edition.

This Auchtermuchty tearoom, which was used for the filming of Scottish Television’s Dr Finlay, transports diners back in time to post-war Britain when independent teashops, grocers and tobacconists reigned. Its interior is unashamedly retro with its 1940s style decor and memorabilia, yet it’s far from just a novelty experience. Run by local husband and wife team Neal and Jane Robertson, who do all the cooking and baking themselves, the independent tearoom not only serves up afternoon tea and cakes as expected, but opens as a restaurant in the evenings exclusively for those who book in advance. The daytime menu features hot and cold filled rolls and home-made stovies and soup, while the evening menu lends itself to the likes of medallions of pork fillet, salmon filo parcels and breast of chicken, with vegetarians catered for if their requirements are specified prior to the meal.

• High point: A surprising and unique find in Fife
• Low point: Not a venue for those looking for cutting-edge contemporary dining

Listed in The Larder – in the shops now or buy online.

On the quiet streets of Auchtermuchty, Neal Robertson’s tearoom defiantly dances to an old-fashioned tune. Soup, corned-beef stovies, bacon rolls and baking from granny’s recipe book, all made from scratch on the premises, can’t be faulted as honest guid fare, though anyone used to hissing coffee machines and goats’ cheese panini will probably feel a little lost. Look out for references to the tearoom’s starring role in the filming of Dr Findlay’s Casebook, as well as Neal’s challenge for the World Porridgemaking Championships.