If you are a lover of chocolate and exquisite pastries there is a new place you must visit which is really very special. Last week I stumbled upon Sunday in Scotland on my way to an errand in St Paul's street. It is at the lower end of Strada Santa Lucia, past the jewellery shops, across Merchants Street and onto the stairs. It caught my eye immediately with its bright turquoise façade, orange tables, plants and 'Exquisite chocolate' writ across one side of the double-fronted boutique café and chocolate shop, for that is what it turned out to be, upon close inspection.

It is looking ready to be photographed in colour for a travel poster.

A killjoy part of me told me that I should give it a miss for it is a dangerous place for those, like me, chocolate lovers, on statins. But I wasted no time in hanging around feeling guilty and went straight inside for a closer look. I found there a waiter from Serbia and a young Frenchman from Lyon who were enthusiastic and helpful. This place came as a refreshing antidote to trying to find a parking place, for even outside Valletta proved to be harrowing.

This café boutique felt fresh, optimistic and modern but at the same time it has a veneer of old-world charm about it.

Pity was that I had just enjoyed a substantial lunch with friends and simply couldn't get myself to consume any of the delicate cakes, flans, tarts and éclairs on display - not to mention the array of chocolates. That is until what turned out to be the owner, Amer Mahoud, appeared. Seeing my interest and curiosity he volunteered to show me round.

I told him that I found Sunday in Scotland a rather strange name for a business such as this. In my mind's eye Scotland is associated with haggis, tartan and the Highland fling not with artisan chocolates. Mr Wahoud told me that the concept behind it was conceived on a summer's afternoon in the Scottish Highlands. "It is reminiscent of the Sundays of our childhood - a magical time for dreaming, unwinding and of course, indulging in life's finest treats," he explained.

Behind the innovative concept in business with Mr Wahoud is none other than international hotelier Gordon Campbell Gray whose company has just renovated the Hotel Phoenicia.

And so we climbed to the first floor via an orange wrought iron staircase, where two of the tables were occupied: one by a couple who seemed to be in a trance of love, the other by a business-suited young woman who was into her computer.

The third floor had more tables and chairs and good-looking loos which alone, deserve a Michelin star.

 

Mr Wahoud told me that he had transformed what was once a haberdashery (those of us of a certain age will remember it) into his dream café and chocolate shop. He brought out to Malta two containers with everything needed in them - including doors and floor tiles -  to restore the haberdashery, a fine example of turning a sow's ear into a silk purse.

This is the sort of café that will attract those to whom ambience is important. They don't just want to pop in somewhere for a coffee and a pastizz; they want a pleasant place where they can unwind and eat and drink something good, treat themselves to something a little special

Sunday in Scotland is attracting all kinds of patrons:  some from the world of business who come here with their computer to get their work done in a quiet but pleasant ambiance; lovers, discerning tourists and locals. Some come for a quiet tête a tête, for a civilised coffee, a glass of wine, a drink, a fresh orange juice with an éclair, a chocolate or two or some other superb looking pasta, as we like to call them in Maltese.

Don't ask for a wrap because there aren't any but you should try the ice-cream instead.

This is a place to dawdle. No frantic hustle and bustle here with overworked waiters who simply cannot keep up. The café exudes, like its owner, an air of calm assuredness.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Some come in to enjoy the surroundings and for pure pleasure. The café is full of teasing promises. The attention to detail to every corner, every product,  is outstanding. It is evident that the owner is a perfectionist. A passionate chocolatier, Mr Wahoud has set out to develop a new and refined chocolate concept, with a base in Malta but which is destined to become a global luxury brand. The pastries and chocolates are made here.

He has created a festive gift box containing a bottle of Andersen Tawny Port and different chocolates including a honeycomb millionaire's shortbread hazel cake. And all for 85 Euros. It makes a change from the 'usual' hampers and will be welcomed by those who appreciate quality.

Mr Wahoud insisted I sit down with him and have a coffee and one of the delicate looking cakes. I accepted and had a glass of orange juice and tried a couple of chocolates. They are special. I do not particularly like dark chocolate which it is said, is good for our health but I enjoyed these. I liked the milk chocolate best of all and especially the delicate wafers with milk chocolate in between. Pure bliss.

You could come back here three times a day for let us say, a month and never eat or drink the same thing twice. Everything tempts.

It is ideal for a small gathering of friends who appreciate quality and a subdued elegance.

And I know several people who are fussy about their coffee and would love it here. And when it comes to coffee, Beethovan comes to mind. According to his pupil and secretary Anton Schindler, Ludwig van's  breakfast was coffee, which he prepared himself with great care - he determined that there should be 60 beans per cup, and he often counted them out, one by one, for a precise dose. You may not be as obsessed about your coffee as Ludwig van but this is certainly a place for a good cup of coffee (or tea and indeed hot chocolate).

There is a board outside saying that a cup of something and a cake costs Euros 11. I find it worthwhile as everything you eat or drink here tastes even more special because of the surroundings.

Sunday in Scotland is dedicated to style, innovation and quality. It is all about the fine art of living, the fine art of giving, the art of being unique. I love it.

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