Continuing my re-exploration of Deeside, following the visit to Newton Dee Café, where purposely I refrained from any food, I decided to give one more venue a go, since it was conveniently located on the return leg of my Old Railway Line loop.

It was on that green trail that the coffee shop was first pointed out with a very fitting prop – a bike sign (although further up the track Newton had the same advertising idea). That instantly took me back to Banchory and Ride, so I had good expectations of the place – even more so when I crossed its doors. I liked the decor: a modern mix of eclectic and grunge, which I could see fitting with the cyclist theme; and the combination of large windows and mirrors made this a bright and vivid interior.

It was an hour to closing, so the place was empty and they were starting to clean up, but I was in no way rushed. When ordering my mocha, I had a choice of milk or dark chocolate; quieting the voice of reason, I went for the milky one and took a seat at the concrete window sill, where I briefly became a passive participant in a wasp hunt – giving you an idea of how chilled out the two front of house were.

It was a big cup when it arrived, but the colour of the concoction – sans latte art – took me back to Perth, so I dove in eagerly… and emerged burnt and disappointed.

Firstly, the brew was too hot to enjoy. Secondly, it seemed there was hardly any chocolate in it! So much for making the right choice there, I thought; I kept stirring it, thinking that (despite the temperature), the cocoa was sticking to the bottom and not well dissolved – but my efforts hardly made any difference to the taste. It was just a bland mug of very milky coffee!

That was quite a deflating experience, because the build up was really positive. Once again, North Deeside Road disappoints* ; and, alas, I am surprised to say that when it comes to walking the railway line, my vote would be going to the community centre!

*I visited Blether again a couple of months ago and things have not improved since Covid – it was one of the most bitter coffees I’ve had in a while!

To learn more about GROUND Bike and Coffee, visit their Facebook page or website (under redevelopment at the time of writing)