AIBU about the National Trust 'stunt scone'?

[FizzBuzzBangWoof]

AIBU or is it NT policy in all their cafes to display an enormous and fantastic looking scone on top of the counter, but when you order a scone they get you one from the back which is a pathetic and distinctly inferior specimen of about half the size (and then add insult to injury by charging 75p for a teaspoon of jam)?

Or is it just at Nostell Priory that they always do this?

You need to go to the properties where you can select your own scone.

Ooooh sneaky. No option to say 'i want that one' and point at it? Does the stunt scone stay there for days?

I haven't seen this at any NT property I've been to, just a pile of scones to choose from.

I just wish they would give a choice of plain or fruit scones as they never seem to have fruit-free scones these days.

Crustaceans you are right of course but the NT website does not specify if the cafe let's you choose your own cake!

DS2 thinks there should be GF scones as standard. Obviously these would be inferior to the normal scones (or stunt scone) but he’s always really disappointed to be palmed off with a pre-packaged brownie.

The baking is a bit hit and miss at many properties, isn't it. The jam sponge is often really sorry for itself at the end of the day. Sometimes getting a morning coffee and cake works better than turning up for tea at 4 or so.

That is exactly the sort of info the website should provide @FizzBuzzBangWoof.

Alongside photographs of any play area(s) so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s worth driving there with your 9 year old.

It's probably varnished and glued to the plate.

I'm picturing OP making an unseemly grab for the stunt scone next time and bringing the entire edifice - counter, displap cabinet, crockery, little box of paper napkins and a wave of tiny Tiptree jam jars crashing down on top of her.

Sparkling I don't think the stunt scone is always the same one as it always looks fresh but I don't go often enough to know

I've tried pointing but the staff ignore you

Its clearly a conspiracy

Display cabinet. Not sure what a displap cabinet is but it sounds...messy.

I've never been to a NT that doesn't have the cakes out for pick-your-own!

TheTit I can totally imagine that happening, such is my desire to get my chops round the stunt scone

Everytime i go to a National Trust place they've sold out of Soleros. I do love a Solero after a day looking at ponds and old paintings. I think its a conspiracy. Maybe English Heritage are sneaking about pinching all the good ice cream and chunky scones to try and get us to switch our memberships over? The world of stately home management is very cut throat these days....

My mum works at a NT property. According to her they always make too many scones and at the end of the day the cafe brings a bucket of left scones to the office for the staff to help themselves to. Maybe they're keeping all the good scones for themselves, including the stunt scone, and palming the public off with the abominations*.

*Abominations being the official word for pancakes or baked goods which don't turn out as desired, or at least it is in my house.

"Stunt scone"

Does it have dead wasps in? (Another thread)

I love the idea of a stunt scone.
Cheered me right up!

75p for a blob of jam

I think you need to visit more NT properties, in my local ones, you chose your scone, and you get free jam, cream and butter.

And they've just started making bacon scones!

We've got a lovely NT place by us, very rustic and unspoiled and more about the outside space than the grand house. But the cafe is a nightmare.... it's made out of some old RAF buildings, and the main eating areas are outside next to an orchard. As a result, you are plagued by wasps and you take your life in your hands sitting there. And you can't take dogs inside, so we rarely get chance to have a coffee unless it's winter. I wish they do something about it, as we'd happily add a £10 to their coffers each time I would be very happy with a small scone!!

I’m my experience English Heritage vending machines cafes are always dire, @Boom45. The NT is winning on the cafe front, even without soleros.

It’s very hit and miss (much like the NT’s dog policy).

Had a very dry and underwhelming slice of Victoria Sponge at Cliveden last month. It was only about 1.45 pm too so no excuse for it to be dry. Shall take my own next time.

I was just going to put a word in for cheese scones, but:

And they've just started making bacon scones!

is an abomination unto Nuggan (and probably should be re-purposed as paperweights to avoid further offence to Nuggan by saving his holy paperclips from undue stress...........)

Mind you, my baking should almost always be re-purposed as paperweights, being of the weighty rather than feathery light and delicious variety. Obviously my oven is a very correct devotee of Nuggan...........

Our local NT place does nice teas where you can choose your own scones, but it is laid out so you have nowhere to rest your tray until you get to the hot drinks point. Given the queue doesn't move very quickly it isn't enjoyable to stand with a tray, plates, 3 cakes, and a carton of drink while you wait ...

We were at Belton House on Sunday. I definitely got to pick my own scone. You had to get the scone about half way back down the counter before the jam / cream / butter but they were self service.

If they wander off to get your scone from the back, then you are duty bound to change your mind and have toasted tea cake instead.