Review of Kitschnbake Cafe in Newport, Fife

Just across the river from Dundee, is the sweet little town of Newport, and Cafe Kitschnbake.

I’ve long been a fan of Mary-Jane and her incredible Tunnocks Teacake Brownies, so when she invited me along for a sneak peek of her new cafe last night, it would have been terribly rude not to go. Plus, I reckoned that she’d probably make the aforementioned Brownies.

The cafe is situated near the little harbour, and through the newly installed bifold doors, the visitor can enjoy an unrivaled view over the silvery Tay to Dundee. Fitting the name of the business, the decor is a little bit kitsch, quite colourful and very welcoming. The long wooden counter harbours the cafe’s main draw – the CAKE!

Not for nothing was Mary-Jane awarded the Scottish Homebaking Awards in the categories ‘Best Baker from Home’ and ‘Best Novelty/Celebration Cake’. I spoke last night to Melanie from the SHA, and she told me that MJ’s cakes were not only delightful to look at, they were utterly delicious, which is not always the case when one orders a novelty cake.

Mary-Jane has been baking for many years, and quit her job a few years ago to try turning her hobby and passion into her profession. For the past few years, she has providing cakes to customers in the Dundee and Fife community, and delivering cakes to cafes and restaurants in the area. Opening a cafe of her won’t stop her supplying cakes – in fact she has a waiting list for new stockists.

I suffer for my readers, let me tell you. I was FORCED to try the cake and drink prosecco, while chatting to the lovely team from the V&A Dundee, the owners of Jessie’s Kitchen and some of MJ’s loyal customers. It was a real hardship, but in order to give a good and balanced review, I soldiered on. 🙂

Sticky Toffee Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream & topped with Tunnocks Caramel wafers… just let the thought of that cake lie on the tip of your tongue for a moment. Anyone who knows me knows my love of both Tunnocks and Salted Caramel so I was pretty sure this cake would be a winner. It was what Paul and Mary would have judged a ‘good bake’, and the caramel to salt ratio was enough to give a zing without being overpowering.

My husband was driving, so had an expertly created coffee concoction instead of prosecco with a square of Tunnocks Teacake Brownies which I didn’t steal half of. 

Cafe Kitschnbake is definitely worth a visit, when you are in the area!

Photos by Zoe – see her Facebook page