Sands a Place by the Sea — Restaurant in Scotland

The Forth Valley Scone Rangers made a flying visit to Sands Cafe at the Silver Sands, Aberdour. It was a beautiful day, so even at 11.30 in the morning there was a lively buzz in the place even if the beach (looking as good as I remember) was fairly deserted. The coffee and scones did not disappoint. The scones were home-made, large and sported a splendidly crisp exterior - just the way I like them. We weren’t so enthusiastic about the jam - strawberry and very unexciting, and so only 4 stars rather than 5. It’s a lovely place to visit with beautiful views over the Forth. Highly recommended, especially at this time of year. 13/03/24 We’ve returned two or three times since I posted this review. We still really love this place with its view across the river to Edinburgh. Staff are always lovely and the place is clean and cared for. Of course, for us, it’s all about the coffee and scones. The coffee is fine, though they have the loudest steamer in Christendom, and the scones are every bit as good as the first time we visited. However, the scone ‘accessories’ are still a disappointment - pre packed jam and cream. The clotted cream is clotted enough to require brute strength to get it out of the plastic container. Once on the scone it’s ok. But the jam is the main culprit. It’s as plastic and appetising as it’s packaging. Other cafes seem to manage to provide quality jams and often in a variety of flavours. I don’t know. Is it a question of cost or convenience? Either way, it’s an enduring disappointment. Come on Sands, set your sights just a little higher. We’ll continue to visit nonetheless. We like it so much, but I’d love to be awarding you full marks on the whole scone package, and not having to keep on moaning....

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Sands, A Place By The Sea in Aberdour and I must say it was a wonderful experience. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with the most warm and welcoming service by Laura and her amazing Team. Their genuine smiles and their attention and smiles immediately made me feel valued as a visitor.

The highlight of my visit was the recommendation to try their strawberry tart with my coffee. It was absolutely spot on! Each bite was pure bliss. It was more than just a dessert; it became a catalyst for relaxation and a reminder to savour life's simple pleasures.

What sets Sands apart is not only their exceptional views and service but also their dedication. The experience helped to reduce my concerns at this time and created a perfect escape from my challenges.

Sands, A Place By The Sea, will become my go-to, and I highly recommend it to anyone in need to escape from the stresses of life. Whether you seek a peaceful stroll along the beach or just experience the hospitality and good food and coffee, you will find solace in this special place.

In conclusion, my experience at Sands, guided by Laura and her incredible Team, was nothing short of breath of fresh air. Their warm and welcoming service, great recommendations like the strawberry tart, and commitment to creating a place of relaxation make Sands a truly remarkable destination. I hope that others will discover this gem and find the same warmth, care, and tranquillity that I did during my visit. I have only one regret, that I didn't ask the names of more of the Team, but I do know I'll be back again whilst here...

I was on the beach with my two young girls and my partner went to the restaurant to buy a hot drink, she followed 2 strangers into the restaurant who both went straight to the toilet, but my partner was stopped in an abrupt fashion and told she had to order and pay for first. My partner did not wish for confrontation so she left and called me, we all went again as a family and waited outside behind a piece of rope used as a barrier for a long time as we were ignored while they continued to take orders from other customers for take away. I eventually had to say excuse me can we enter and was informed we will get a member of staff to seat you. My partner went to the toilet with my both children and I was seated and given a printed sheet of the menu and asked to complete a section of the menu for track and trace purposes, which I did, 2 min later a staff member approached my table and said she could take my order,which I replied I couldn't, she asked why and i replied, because my family was at the toilet and they haven't had a chance to see the menu, my partner returned from the toilet to inform me that when she approached the toilets the same staff member from previously stepped into her path and said in an abrupt way, I have already told you you can't use the toilet until you order and complete the track and trace, my partner replied would you please go to my partner who is seated outside who is ordering food, the staff member then said is he and then stepped aside, we left immediately, terrible experience and totally...