Alexander Taylor Bakery & Deli

It’s worth every extra drop of fuel to make the detour to Strathaven (pronounced ‘Stray-ven’), a colourful market town set around a traditional square, just south of Glasgow. The castle ruins and independent shops are ripe for exploration while the beautifully manicured park is perfect for a breath of fresh air. Stroll around town before rewarding yourself with a visit to the fantastic Alexander Taylor Bakery, facing the river. It was established here in 1820, and six generations of the Taylor family have been producing a vast range of delicious breads and baked goods on the site ever since.

Buy an organic sour dough loaf, pretzel or Opera slice to take away, or have a seat in the rustic tea room across the road to enjoy a bowl of Kype-a-leekie soup (made from St Brides free-range chicken and home-grown leeks), crisp cheese toastie or hot bacon roll made with Ramsay’s Ayrshire bacon. The coffee is great and best paired with a pineapple tart or treacle crumpet. A hearty pit stop.