How did we end up here at Ale & Pate in Dalgety Bay? You know how sometimes we go to the cinema in the morning and then go on somewhere in the afternoon. This is one of those days. 
Weird films
We went to see the movie “Poor Things” at the Hippodrome in Bo’ness. There’s been a lot of fuss about it recently but we still weren’t sure if we actually wanted to see it. It’s almost two and a half hours long and when it finished we were kind of left wondering what we had seen. Set in a fantastical 19th century with gorgeous sets and brilliant acting it’s sort of hypnotically fascinating to watch and a bit weird all at the same time. We think we are glad to have seen it although not 100% sure.
Afterwards we thought we would follow the advice we had received when we posted from the The Bruce Arms in Limekilns. Tracy, the barmaid, had highly recommended the scones at Ale & Pate in Dalgety Bay. Although it is not more than half and hour by car from home we had never been there. The main road skirts past the town so unless you have a good reason to visit you just don’t. We’ve never had a reason … until now!
Originally it was just the little fishing village of Dalgety but then it was redeveloped in 1962 and became Dalgety Bay. Interestingly (or not) the tiny village of Dalgety (pop 252) almost became the capital of Australia. Not this one but one in New South Wales. Eventually, in 1908, it lost out to Canberra. Boo, we would have voted for Dalgety!
Back in Scotland we were trying to find our destination amongst all the 60s style houses that give it that kind of “new town” look. Eventually we tracked it down to a small utilitarian looking unit in the middle of a housing estate. It was above a fish and chip shop, sandwiched between a couple of Indian restaurants and next door to a dental practice. We didn’t know what we had expected but it wasn’t this! 
Anyway, if we had any lingering doubts about the place they were soon placated by our first sight of the scones – they just looked fab!
Weird scones
There was a choice of “fruit” or goodness gracious, “date and orange”. It had to be one of each. Pat was already making favourable noises by the time I got started on mine. Lately, we’ve had a run of what we term “weird scones”. 
Not nasty weird, just different. There was “cranberry” scones at The Bruce Arms then ‘milk chocolate and strawberry’ scones at Callendar House, and now ‘date and orange’. What is going on – weird films, weird scones? No cream but both these really fresh scones had been gently warmed and mine even had a drizzle of icing on top … delicious. Our original disappointment at first sight of Ale & Pate was more than compensated by the friendly service and the excellent scones. Yet another topweird scone.
Not having been in Dalgety Bay before we decided to explore after leaving Ale & Pate. For all its ‘newness’ it does have a fair bit of history. Things would have been very different here over the centuries. DalgetyBay is built on Donibristle Estate, the seat of the Earls of Moray .
In fairness it has to be said that there were fewer witches burned in Dalgety than in other villages along this Fife coast. Having said that in 1649, Isobel Kelloch was put to death. She had offered a head scarf to another woman who then suffered a headache. At the same time, and perhaps in the interests of equality, they also burned Robert Maxwell. He was considered an “ignorant” man and a warlock. Imagine how many people we could do away with if these views still prevailed? The mind boggles!
Weird world
///myself.half.backyards
Looks like another tick for the bucket list!
We’ll take you!
Strange name and strange looking place.Fortunately looks better inside than outside.Anyway glad you enjoyed your scones and exploring the area .
I think the name comes from the names of the Italian owners sons but not sure.
I completely agree with your synopsis of Poor Things. The acting, costume and set design were extraordinary but still not sure how I feel about the film overall. Having said that, I’m happy to have seen it-Mark Ruffalo is one of my favorite actors and I think he gave an excellent performance
Yes Wendy, we thought all the performances were excellent but still quite a difficult film.
i think i am convinced not to see this movie – but I definitely like the idea of ‘weird scones’.
Hi there another interesting post, good to see you getting out and enjoying yourselves even if it is questionable films and places.
Your cafe reminds me of many visits I had to that chip shop. A bike ride to Dalgety bay, chip shop and Aunt Mary’s a couple of streets away on Coulston drive. Her house had great views out over the Forth, and she always enjoyed her fish supper, still have 2 cousins in Dalgety bay.
Prior to the new town being built uncle Dick was the joiner/handyman for the Donybristle estate, I loved visiting them as they lived in a big house at the end of the aerodrome. The spitfire pilots were always trying to see who could knock off the chimney pots with their wheels. That house was close to location of your cafe. Happy days.
I had no idea about any of that David. Fantastic information!
Thoroughly enjoyed our scones and the staff here were really nice. The film we had seen, well not to sure about that one, it was definitely weird.