Well, this place has been on my wish list for longer than it should have. I remember a good few years ago speaking to a colleague from work about planning a walk close to Aboyne but having already visited the two coffee shops there and therefore looking for inspiration. The question was asked: have you been to the cafe at Something Bridge – at the time I didn’t catch the name, as there are quite a few bridges over the Dee.

Now that spring has finally sprung on Scotland’s east coast, I was definitely ready for a walk away from Aberdeen, but chose a short-ish one that I hadn’t done yet in Aboyne. I renewed my search for coffee in the area, and when Google suggested Potarch Bridge, I was certain that was the one my colleague all those years ago mentioned.

I clicked through and my mind was made up; the venue was recently taken over by some of its employees and the rebrand (I’m assuming the “re” part as I hadn’t seen the previous iteration) looked very cool and swanky for a location in the middle of Aberdeenshire’s countryside.

Having left my walk till quite late on Sunday, I had to pick up my pace to make it back to the car and to the cafe before it closed at 4pm; but I needn’t fret. When I arrived around 3:25pm, there were quite a few patrons hanging about and after I ordered, a few more couples appeared also. Even after I was finished I saw one of the tables being served their burgers and throughout my stay there was no rush or tension to move people along.

The only indication of closing times nearing was the empty pastry case but I was advised that all the labeled spaces had their equivalents in the main fridge; and for once, it was that (and probably the fast-paced walk prior) that had me ordering a side with my mocha, only from reading the labels – and they did read scrumptious. It was a difficult toss up between a white chocolate brownie with sea salt and a Basque-style cheesecake – in the end I settled for the latter, my favourite after all.

I considered sitting outside and basking in the gloriously warm sunshine, but decided to settle in instead, as the decor was superb: a stylish converted barn-like feel, with plenty of wood, the lighting just right for a cosy feel, and tables well spaced out to evoke both feeling of a community space but also privacy. I loved it.

My coffee and cake were served soon after, the mocha in a stoneware mug (not my favourite, but I’m keen to forgive on this occasion) topped with some simple latte art and touch of chocolate sprinkles – and did I spot some salt crystals too?

Now onto the taste-test. The milk foam was a bit fluffy (the visuals suggested as much) but underneath there was a well blended drink with a good balance of caffeine and sweetness. That balance remained even when interlaced with the semi-sweet cheesecake, which was a pleasant experience.

I finished the whole lot rather quickly and departed reluctantly, as I was totally charmed by this spot. Having expected an old-school farmhouse, I discovered a stylish location where I would love to partake in a glass of wine or two in the warmer months (ah, even in winter if there was a fire blazing inside!) – if I could sort out a ride, that is.

With that planning in mind, I will certainly be back sometime.

Learn more about Potarch Café on their Facebook page.