The Butterfly & the Pig Tea Rooms – Glasgow

With two trips to Glasgow in one week, I’m at risk of being disloyal to my beloved Edinburgh, particularly given I’ve profoundly enjoyed both trips. But I’m willing to take it on the chin, as I feel compelled to share the joy I experienced on my trip to The Butterfly and the Pig’s Tea Rooms, earlier today.

One of my esteemed colleagues has been trying to get me to pay this place a visit for a few months, but the opportunity has never quite arisen. But today was the day, so I toddled down Bath Street, with an Easter spring in my stride.

I was welcomed in to a simply beautiful set of tea rooms, classically appointed with a heavy emphasis on wood and china. Service has a family feel, like the staff are proudly welcoming you in to their exquisite home.

From their extensive menu, which comprises all-day breakfast, brunch and lunch fare, along with afternoon tea and tempting cakes, I opted for a bowl of their chicken and leek soup, which came under the heading “Warm Your Day Dishes”. This was accompanied by their homemade rustic wholemeal bread.

It arrived in the blink of an eye, in a characteristically smart bowl. From the first spoonful, I knew that I was dealing with something rather special. Numerous soft chunks of chicken were suspended in a richly creamy soup. It was thick and nourishing, and completely superb. Put simply, it was the best bowl of soup I’ve eaten in 2012, so far.

When the lovely waitress came to collect the bowl, she proclaimed that she wouldn’t even have to wash it, as I’d hoovered and soaked up every last drop of it, leaving a completely clean plate. It would have been a travesty to treat it in any other way.

It was with a heavy heart that I took my leave, after rounding things out with a good espresso, and turned my attention to obtaining safe passage on the next available eastward-bound clickety-clack.

Overall, I was blown away by the tea rooms at the Butterfly & the Pig. Next time, I’ll bring MJ and we shall perhaps drink cups of tea. Or we may explore their pub, next door. It’s safe to say that I’ll be back, at the earliest possible opportunity.

Scores

Blythe scores The Butterfly and the Pig:
5/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
4.5/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving a total of 17.5/20

Today’s quester was: Blythe

I ate: cream of chicken and leek soup

I wore: the classic questing outfit of blue pinstripes and purple striped shirt

I drank: espresso, water

Total cost: c.£6.50