The three bridges crossing the River Forth at Queensferry were beginning to emerge from the mist. It was a stunning day with a cloudless, blue sky. There was, however, a chill in the air – it was mid-February – and after a walk on the beach and around the quaint harbour a warming cuppa was called for.

I’ve been at functions in The Orocco Pier before but never dropped into the restaurant/café. It is stylish, has morning papers and a live TV news feed, comfortable seats and a sensational view. We were fortunate enough to select a window table and you can see the view from our table in the picture.

Service was slick and my grand-daughter plumped for a bacon roll. They listened to her diet concerns and delivered. Our tea was piping hot and serviced in a china pot.

We enjoyed the experience and will be tempted back to savour some of the food which was being served. The fish looked particularly good.

Orocco Pier, 17 High Street, South Queensferry EH30 9PP (t: 0870 118 1664) www.oroccopier.co.uk

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Experienced news, business, arts, sport and travel journalist. Food critic and managing editor of a well-established food and travel website. Also a magazine editor of publications with circulations of up to 200,000 and managing director of a long-established PR/marketing company with a string of blue-chip clients in its CV. Former communications lecturer at a Scottish university and social media specialist for a string of successful and busy SMEs.