Along the Crow Road, through Anniesland and into the affluent outpost of Bearsden. Keep going and very suddenly the terraced houses, 1930s tenements, fly-overs, traffic lights and rows of shops disappear, replaced by the jagged edges of hills, winding country roads, farm land and sweeping views.
Three Sisters Bake in Killearn village is around 30 minutes drive from Glasgow. The cafe is nestled in the modern extension to the village hall with an enviable view down towards Loch Lomond. The nearby wooded glens and braes look particularly moody this time of year.
This is the second cafe operated by Gillian, Nichola and Linsey Reith alongside their band of friendly and enthusiastic servers, bakers and chefs. The sisters first found success in Quarrier’s Village near Bridge of Weir and have been a presence at pop-up events and markets in Glasgow and across Scotland.
Their mantra is fresh, colourful, local food bursting with flavour. It’s a very modern take on the country tearoom offering hearty dishes alongside a selection of impressive cakes.
This month, they have transformed both cafes into winter wonderlands. Combining modern design sensibilities with traditional Christmas decorations, both are embued with an infectious, fun type of festive.
We notice families at lunch and friends enjoying a glass of wine have mirrored the theme, wearing Christmas jumpers and elf outfits for the toddlers. The staff are in on the act. They’ve even recruited Mrs Claus, Santa’s dedicated wife, who is hosting a Storytime Brunch.
We’ve tested out the Festive Afternoon Tea, available throughout December, Monday to Sunday, 10am-4pm, for £14.95 per person or £20.50 with a glass of prosecco.
The selection, presented on a tiered plate stand, is a mix of savouries and sweet treats. It plays to the strengths of the kitchen with variations on Scottish winter staples alongside mini versions of their beautifully constructed, showstopping bakes.
While there are ample portions for everyone at the table, if you are visiting with a group, pay particular attention to the white chocolate and cranberry tiffin and individual Victoria sponge. The sweets were, indeed, a treat, but the stars of the show for us were the pulled turkey and cranbery BBQ sauce sliders and the goats cheese stuffed figs wrapped in prosciutto. Both were examples of innovative preparations of familiar flavours.
Three Sisters Bake provide the very definition of destination dining, two cafes with a strong sense of place, connected to a rural setting but designed for visitors from Glasgow who want to enjoy some time with friends and family.
There’s also a cookbook, Three Sisters Bake: Delectable Recipes for Everyday, so you can try out their signature cakes at home. It makes a good Christmas present.
