5 places to enjoy a sweet treat around town
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Where to go for an indulgent sugar fix when you're done shopping – or are in need of the rush to give you the energy for it?
XOKO
Bridge Street
Opening in July 2021 this bakehouse and coffee bar has quickly become something of an institution for many.
Pronounced "shaw-ko" its name comes from the ancient Nahuatl language of Mexico and means ‘the village where the bitter fruit grows’.
It is thought this is the origin of the word chocolate, but that is just the start in terms of the treats on offer here.
Croissants include a range from cheesecake to dulce de leche and cream cheese (divine).
There are also gateaux and tarts the likes of which you simply won't get anywhere else in the city.
This is baking as true craft, all made from scratch in its open-plan bakery.
The Bakery
Tomnahurich Street
This beautiful family bakery has the lot, its hot cross buns and mini egg tarts currently doing the business in the run up to Easter.
According to their social media their French fruit tarts are also proving very popular, including their pastry with mascarpone and orange cream.
A definite cut above, you can see for yourself how their pastry kitchen works simply by popping in
And do keep an eye on their social media which is as much a feast for the eyes as a source of handy information about what they do and how they do it – and what might suffice for your next sugar fix.
Whisk Away
Queensgate
Moving from its original home in Baron Taylor's Street to Queensgate last year, owner Nyomi Dixon has created the perfect combination of enjoyable eats and top quality crafts outlet.
A sweets selection that changes daily, typical offerings include traditional favourites like custard cream, millionaire shortbread, carrot cake and more.
Browse the works showcased by dozens of different craftspeople and artists or let the kids play in the children's area.
Cafe Artysans
Strothers Lane
Endorsed by celebrity chef and broadcaster Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall no less, who paid a visit while in town back in 2021 the social enterprise business on Strothers Lane works with young people to help them develop their career prospects and was previously a recipient of a Trip Advisors Travellers Choice Award.
Getting down to brass tacks, its cakes aren't half bad either!
Girvans
St Stephens Brae
Ending with a true Inverness institution I can't be the only one who doesn't mind the no booking policy for a daytime table here – the longer you have to wait (and it's never that long anyway) the more chance there is to drool over the well stocked display of cakes at the front of shop.
In fact, more often than not I'll let what's on offer there dictate whatever else I have to eat – just to make sure I have plenty space left for sweet indulgence.
