Up until now, top-notch Scottish grub has been hard to come by here in the capital. But luckily for us, the first-ever Scottish cafe in London has just opened, where you can enjoy a refined taste of Scotland and its renowned cuisine.
Auld Hag’s first brick-and-mortar location in Angel called The Shoap offers a fantastic selection of seasonal dishes throughout the year, with classic deli offerings made with the best Scottish produce.
What began as a catering business defined by bicycle deliveries and food market trading, this brand-new cafe and deli continues its mission to champion Scottish cuisine, serving up delicious delicacies and iconic flavours from oh, mighty Scotland!
The adorable addition to St John Street, The Shoap boasts a bright, white exterior with industrial vibes inside honouring Glasgow’s past. As for the food, you’re in for an absolute treat.
From morning Glaswegian rolls, baked in-house and stuffed with tasty fillings, to delicious sweet treats like shortbread, Dundee cake, and Ecclefechan tarts, The Shoap has got you covered if you’re looking for somewhere new to indulge in a fabulous breakfast or lunch.
However, it’s the Glasgow morning rolls that are staple to The Shoap, filled with everything from square sausage to tattie scones, Portobello haggis to black pudding, and beyond, with your choice of ketchup or brown sauce.
As for lunch, enjoy hot sandwiches jam-packed with fresh Scottish produce, including Aberdeen Angus topside, fantastic cheeses, and more. There are also picture-perfect pies, including the alluring steak and haggis, as well as pork and black pudding sausage rolls.
There’s plenty to drink too, with beers on-draught or canned from a range of Scottish breweries including Newbarns, Tennent’s, and Simple Things Fermentations. The coffee is also Scottish if you love their brekkie, made using beans sourced from Caora Dhubh Coffee Company on the Isle of Skye, with all milk options sourced from Scotland. And of course, we can’t forger the Irn-Bru!
Further evolutions are on their way, with the deli planning on opening in the evenings later this spring, offering drinks and Scottish snacks like Mince N’ Toast, which is slow-cooked Aberdeen Angus beef mince on a toasted piece of plain loaf.
Also, with their drool-worthy season specials popping up on occasion, you can make every visit to The Shoap completely different to get an authentic taste of Glaswegian and Scottish scran.
You can find The Shoap at 406 St John Street, Angel, EC1V 4ND, open Wednesday through Saturday from 8am. For more information, click here to visit their website.