A couple of people had approached me recently, excitedly asking: “Have you been to the new place yet?” – which made me instantly share in that excitement. Funny how I now got used to the thought there would be a new cafe popping up in Aberdeen. Sadly, it didn’t take long to discover that this one came at the expense of another – the Milk Jug did not make it.

And just like the Milk Jug, the new resident of Uperkirkgate premises is shut on Sundays, which has been my Aberdeen exploration day during the wet, grey winter of early 2026. Finally though, my plans aligned to take me into town on a Saturday; and it felt like a particularly busy one, even though I wasn’t aware of any events in the city centre, which also seem to be ramping up (good on you, Aberdeen!) – so it did cross my mind I might not get a seat. Worry not though; there were a couple of tables free and a few more seats at the windowsills, so enough to choose from but reassuring enough that the new place was not lacking in trade.

The interior did trigger some memories, but it somehow felt more compact than in its previous iteration; not to diminish it, however, as the impressive pastry cases made up for the abundant feel and what was inside them was even more impressive – not in Turquoise‘s style, more that the bakes looked truly scrumptious and home made (unlike some of those places that claim the same and present something clearly store-bought). Before arriving I wasn’t sure if I’d have a side with my mocha, but seeing this fare there was no question about it: I would be indulging.

I had already mentally taken the seat in the far corner when I approached the smiling server at the counter who asked if I would like a menu and promptly advised me of the ingredients they were short of – understandable since it was past lunchtime; and no matter, as it was my sweet tooth calling. I briefly scanned the menu – there wasn’t much to it which is rather refreshing, and what was there did sound appealing – reminding me of Grounded without the limiting vegan factor. I ordered my mocha and selected a blueberry and white chocolate cake, fully prepared to take some of the substantial square home – that is, until I bit into it and realised it wasn’t dense and heavy, more like a yogurt or pancake cake, layered with those well balanced flavours. I had no regrets in not even leaving any crumbs behind.

But let’s focus on the coffee, which was served just before the cake and set a positive expectation: the latte art was lovely. The dark colour was a giveaway for the flavour, which was definitely more on the chocolate side – I didn’t notice much caffeine in there. Having said that, it was not sickly sweet but more earthy and rich in a way that still made it an easy drinker.

I traded delight between the cake and the coffee and still took no time in finishing both. Based on this taste experience, combined with the lovely disposition of the staff who were helpful but non-intrusive and gave off a welcoming vibe – I’d say that Töst is fairing better than its predecessor and hope it will prove me right. Surely, if Rosemount can have a selection of good coffee shops, why not the ‘kirkgate!

To learn more about Töst, visit their Instagram page.