Although 4 Coo Wynd is only a few minutes walk from our home it’s three years since we were last here. Goodness, a lot has happened since then! Back then we were bemoaning the fact that businesses in Falkirk didn’t seem to last. This place was called Cafe Trio back then and before that it was Sorocha’s and before that it was Mathiesons and before that, in 2003, it was Sleeves … a record shop – remember them? Having said all that, 4 Coo Wynd is right next door to Thomas Johnston Butchers, established in 1861, so what on earth are we going on about??
Three years ago we were debating the important issues of the day e.g. what jam to have with a treacle scone and would Brexit have an effect on the scone supplies. The answer to the first question was ‘none’, just butter is best. Brexit hadn’t yet happened but we were looking forward to the promised sunny uplands. Still waiting! Didn’t bother discussing COVID-19 because we had never heard of it!
Back to the present. For the benefit of our far flung readers we should perhaps explain the name “4 Coo Wynd”. 
It is simply the address of the cafe which, more accurately is 4 ‘Cow’ Wynd. Coo is simply Scottish pronunciation of “cow”. In the 18th century, Falkirk Tryst was the biggest cattle market in the country. The town was a rumbustious place in those days. However, there is more to Falkirk than just cows … much more.
- This was as far north as the Romans got. They liked it so much they decided to settle here, a sort of shangrila. Emperor Antoninus even built a wall across Scotland and through the town to protect it from less civilised influences. Traces of this period can still be found with the ice cream parlours scattered around the town?
- Falkirk has seen two major battles. The first, in 1298, was one of the major battles in the First War of Scottish Independence … can you believe it’s still going on? The second was in 1746, the penultimate battle fought on British soil but fought for the same reason as the first.
- In 1565 the marriage agreement between Mary Queen of Scots and the Dauphin of France was signed at Callendar House. She would become Queen of France as well as Scotland.
- In the 18th century the town became the heart of the iron industry with 61 foundries. Starting with munitions for the Battle of Trafalgar to the famous red telephone boxes still found all around the world. The inventiveness of these foundries making baths, stoves and sanitary ware led to massive increases in public health and comfort.
- Now the town has the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies and shortly, two distilleries … what’s not to like?
Okay, okay, the world owes a great deal to Falkirk but can we just get on with scones, we hear you cry! We decided to start with a bacon roll from their all-day-breakfast menu, followed by a fruit scone. Probably the best bacon rolls we have ever tasted … excellent! The scone was very good too but, unfortunately just not quite good enough to make the topscone grade. Shame, the service was warm and friendly, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to 4 Coo Wynd.
Predictions
Given the current fiasco that passes for UK government we, perhaps, shouldn’t be all that surprised at the predictions of a recent poll. It says that, at the next election, ALL Scottish MPs at Westminster will be from the Scottish National Party. We did mention earlier that the first battle of Falkirk in 1298 was during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Soooo, do you think that, if this prediction actually came to pass, it would make any difference? Of course not!
Three years ago we also reviewed a scone from Passiontree Velvet in Toowoomba, Queensland. These were the heady days of unrestricted travel and bountiful scones all over the world … ahh, the memories! Once again it looks like our scone adventuring has been brought to a shuddering halt by COVID-19. 4 Coo Wynd will probably be our last for a while. That means we need to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2022 when it comes. You have put up with our rants for a very long time, best wishes to you all!
FK1 1PL Tel: 07477 173117 4 Coo Wynd
///deep.tricky.shower
Always enjoy your news Bill and Pat. Thank you for keeping in touch through allaboutthescones.
Hope all is well with you and your lovely family.
Wishing you a very happy Hogmanay and all the best for 2022.
Sending my love as always
JoyXXX
Thanks Joy and the same to you, hope 22 is great for you and the family.
Just adding my thanks for keeping us up to date on scones, local history and politics through the year! Have a cheery Christmas and raise a glass to a healthier, fairer and happier year to come with continued sconversation from you both!🎄🍾🎅
We’ll raise a glass to that Charl, cheers
Brilliant review as always Bill but didn’t you think bacon rolls Pat made were the best lol think we need to visit next time we come to falkirk we can all say that Pat and yourself are awesome hosts and worth coming just to see you both best wishes and take care xx
Yes, should have thought of that before I wrote about the bacon rolls. She hasn’t complained so far so ssshh! We snoozed everything until April but just give us a ring if you want to come before then. It would great to see you. Merry Christmas and stay safe. X
Memories of auld fa’kirk come flooding back! Looks like a cafe to try when next I’m “home”.
For now, have a happy and safe Christmas!
Ali xx🎄
Wonderful to hear from you Ali, be sure to look us up next time you are back in Fa’kirk, we would love to see you.
Hi Billy & Pat, not often you will hear from me but after reading all your wonderful sconnie reports over the year (keeps Issy & I going) I thought I should just let you both know how enjoyable & informative they are – thank you.
Not only enjoyable & informative but inspirational as well, so much so that at one point when the rules were eased we dusted down the campervan and headed for Kerrera to that isolated tea room you had found. What a braw wee place, all perfect but NO SCONES! Covid was cited as reason but pre-made rolls were purchased & consumed before heading round rest of island, brilliant day, thanks.
Take care both of you and we just want to wish you both a lovely Christmas & all the best for 2022…………….. think I will go and bake some scones.
Many thanks for you kind comments Tom. Great to hear that you were inspired to find the Kerrera Tea Room. Fantastic that places like that exist. Like you we had a great day on the island. Stay safe.
I thoroughly agree with Bill that the bacon roll was indeed one of the best we’ve had. Shame that the scone didn’t follow. Hé ho they can’t all be top scones.
The pictures of the High Street and the Cow Wynd are looking very sparse of folk, its strange to see it like that. It used to be a very different place altogether with lots of shops and people. Changed days.
Merry Christmas and a good new year to all.
Very merry Christmas wishes to you and Pat, and also your wonderful family that we get to see on adventures with you.
Who knows what the new year of 2022 will bring, but hopefully some happiness from all the uncertainty. Ossie and I are making the most of the new year by going to Christchurch for 10 days, really looking forward to different scenery. Looking forward to seeing more of your outings, and very enjoyable entertainment. Merry Christmas and a very happy new year. Xoxo Sue and Ossie
Thanks Sue, hope you and Ossie have a wonderful time in Christchurch.
We seem to have 4 resident moorhens at 3 acre wood now, yegh!