Friday 23 December 2016

Want Some Great Advice? Take A Trip To Funky Scottish In 2017...



And don't just take our word for it... 

“GOOD”
The coffee and caramel short cake are the best in the area and the 2 karens that work there are as mad as each other and always happy and polite.  Good place to get a wedding gift got a plate done one of a kind that the happy couple were delighted with and they will never forget the anniversary as the date is on the plate and reasonably priced.  - Reviewer, Trip Advisor

“Worth Seeking Out!”
We went to this cafe on the recommendation of a local person. On this late afternoon visit we enjoyed tea and tiffin. There was plenty of cake choice to tempt us. It is always a bonus to find a creative place, where one can sit and browse the items for sale, whilst drinking tea. The choice local pottery to cushions and handmade cards, all tastefully displayed. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend a visit here. - Reviewer, Trip Advisor

“Best Cakes In The East Neuk!”

I love Funky Scottish's Cafe. Hands down the best cakes in the East Neuk. I've been told the cakes are made by a baker in Cupar and they are excellent. The carrot cake is fabulous and there are also usually some gluten free or dairy free options as well. There are also sandwiches and soup. The Illy coffee is a bonus and the prices are cheap compared to other local venues. The service is consistently of a high standard and always a smile to go with your food! Lovely items by the proprietor/artist and on a sunny day the best place to sit outside and watch the life of Pittenweem stream by! - Reviewer, Trip Advisor

See more reviews at our official Trip Advisor page. 

Sailing The 7 C's (Secrets To A Funky Scottish Life...In The Low Season)


Just recently, while curled up on the sofa and reading by candle light,  I discovered the craze for a Danish lifestyle concept called "hygge". Apparently, this relaxed and comforting way of life is taking Britain by storm this winter! Yet, many of our extended Scottish clan already do everything mentioned on the helpful 'how to' list provided by Country Living.  It's said there's no literal translation but here in Scotland, I think we'd call it...couthie.  



In fact, the blog below - originally posted at Funky Scottish early last year - demonstrates uncanny similarities between the Danish way and our own cosy culture, especially the coothie little rituals we adopt during our coastal winters.  Take a peek and discover our own secret ingredients for A Funky Scottish Life...

>>>>>

They don't call this time of year the 'off' or 'low' season' for nothing.  Between January and Easter, popular seaside villages become quiet and brooding. The tourist crowds have disappeared, the weather is unpredictable and some people find it all a little depressing.  Others know how to make the most of this special time, especially here in Pittenweem....

Cafe Culture 
There's a unique delight in stepping out of the biting cold, into the warmth of a welcoming cafe and inhaling the aroma of coffee, soups and freshly baked cakes. Funky Scottish is open throughout the winter, so make a date for morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea! If you're unsure of our hours during this quieter season, just give us a call on 01333 312 567 to double check.


Cooking Up A Storm

Alas, none of us can spend all day, every day in cute coastal cafes! So, get into the kitchen at home too.  Now is the time to really nourish yourself and your loved ones with soups for the soul, beautiful bakes and warming one-pots. Make big batches and put in the freezer...'real food' ready meals for a rainy day! 

Creative Retreats
Ahead of a bustling 'high' season and The Pittenweem Arts Festival, our resident artist - Karen Edward - uses this precious, quieter time to work on commissions and brand new projects. Whether or not you consider yourself to be 'artistic'', there's no better opportunity to uncover your own unique creativity. Turn old photos into a beautiful framed collage for your wall. Learn a new, exotic language. Write a short story or just send a heart-felt letter to a long-distance loved one. xo PS. We have a lovely collection of note cards in our cafe-gallery-boutique. 


Cosy Knits & Calming Candles

Bundle up in your cutest, comfiest knits and you'll be more inclined - even eager - to embrace the great outdoors. Or, curl up on the sofa, light the candles and enjoy the simple pleasures of your own little sanctuary. Take a peek inside our boutique, on the high street in Pittenweem, for inspiration.


Coastal Walks

Since Victorian times, the health benefits of tangy, coastal air have been well documented and nowadays science tells us there is indeed a healing magic in the seaside ozone! So, wherever you live, head for the beaches and paths around Pittenweem and the East Neuk...we guarantee you'll return home with an un-seasonal high!

Chips (On A Bench, At The Harbour)

If you're out and about, never miss an opportunity to 'warm the cockles' with a bag of chips, perfectly seasoned with salt and vinegar, perhaps accompanied by freshly battered fish...and enjoyed overlooking local boats tied up in their moorings. Remember, there's no better time to visit the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar....without the massive queues! 


Community Spirit

Whether you're a visitor or year-round resident, it's easy to become caught up in the busy-ness of our own lives.  So, the slower pace of the low season offers a special opportunity to get to know local people a little better.  Take the time to shop locally, visit your nearest pub or cafe, say hello on the high street or offer your neighbour a helping hand.  Who knows, you may forge unexpected friendships to be enjoyed for many seasons to come...


So, call it coothie - or hygge - or something completely different. Either way, it's lovely to see we're not the only ones who delight in celebrating simple pleasures.

About...

Living by the sea, Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish is naturally drawn to coastal themes and has developing her own unmistakable flair for showcasing the unique character of the East Neuk. Her favourite subjects include the houses, animals, boats and seascapes she observes in and around the fishing villages. Karen will also happily paint bespoke ceramics reflecting your own unique character and interests. Choose a gift or crockery collection to celebrate special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. If you'd like to order your own exclusive, hand-painted piece, please get in touch!  

Wishing You...A Funky Scottish Festive Season!


So, here it is…

Merry Christmas Everybody...(& Happy New Year too!)

We wish to thank all treasured friends of Funky Scottish - regulars and occasional visitors to our cafe-gallery-boutique - for your ongoing custom and support.

If you’re in Pittenweem during the festive holidays, we hope to see you. We are open from 27th - 31st December. We’ll then take a short break for Hogmanay celebrations before returning to Funky Scottish refreshed and ready for 2017!

Meanwhile, have a wonderful festive season and best wishes for a Happy New Year and beyond….


With love from Karen & the team at FunkyScottish xoxoxo

Tuesday 13 December 2016

Funky Scottish Loves...


Funky Scottish Loves...

...coastal-inspired kitchenware by our founder + resident artist, Karen Edward.

(serving suggestion: festive canapes on our pretty platters)

Discover more in the Funky Scottish cafe-gallery-boutique

We're just off the market square in our picture-perfect fishing village, Pittenweem. xo




About...

Living by the sea, Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish is naturally drawn to coastal themes and has developing her own unmistakable flair for showcasing the unique character of the East Neuk. Her favourite subjects include the houses, animals, boats and seascapes she observes in and around the fishing villages. Karen will also happily paint bespoke ceramics reflecting your own unique character and interests. Choose a gift or crockery collection to celebrate special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. If you'd like to order your own exclusive, hand-painted piece, please get in touch!  

3 Wise Mantras (For Choosing Funky Scottish Xmas Gifts)



* Seek original, independent, local boutiques

* Remember...beautiful art is for life, not just for Christmas

* Take your time and make time for...

... coffee, cake, conversation, community + celebration

We have a sackful of beautiful, hand-picked gifts ideas in our collection. 

Take a peek inside our cosy little FunkyScottish cafe-gallery-boutique.


We're just off the market square in our beautiful seaside fishing village, Pittenweem....






Funky Scottish Loves...


Funky Scottish Loves...

...sparkly + stylish stocking fillers (for #her).


Discover our hand-picked collection of jewellery in the FunkyScottish cafe-gallery-boutique in Pittenweem. xo

Funky Scottish Loves...


Funky Scottish Loves...

...stylish + original stocking fillers (for #him).

Discover our man candle range in our FunkyScottish cafe-gallery-boutique in Pittenweem. xo


#christmas #gifts

Sunday 4 December 2016

Santa Claus Is Coming To...Pittenweem


On Thursday 8th December, join us for an enchanting village gathering, featuring...

* the switch-on of our Christmas Lights in Market Square at 4pm
* a magical meeting with Santa at Funky Scottish from 4.30pm
* ...and a sack full of seasonal festivities! 

 Our celebrations will also include:- 

* market stalls in the village square
* carol singing from local school children
* a fundraising raffle.

Chance your luck in Funky Scottish this week - we are selling tickets at £1 per strip. The draw will be hosted at the event on Thursday.

Our 'meet & greet' with Santa is £2 per child… ...and there’s a gift for all the good boys and girls!

All monies raised will be donated to the Community Council Christmas Lights Fund. 

Santa Claus, Funky Scottish and friends look forward to seeing you there for an evening of community - and of course, Christmas - spirit! :) xo

Wednesday 23 November 2016

Seasonal Sparkle...By The Sea!




It's (almost) that most wonderful time of the year - and there's no better place to embrace the sparkly season than beautiful Pittenweem! 

Invigorating walks by the harbour, past west shore and up the braes sets the scene for a coastal Christmas-time, the historic wynds lead the way to our quaint high street, market square and an eclectic mix of artisan shops...and the eye-catching, twinkly, festive window at Funky Scottish invites visitors to take a closer peek!

Beyond, discover our collection of imaginative gifts by our hand-picked designers and makers, hand-painted ceramics and kitchen-ware from our resident artist Karen Edward and a warming menu of cafe treats including nourishing soups, classic savoury rolls, home-made cakes, refreshing teas, Illy coffee and hot chocolate!

Hope to see you soon for a truly sparkling festive experience! xo

Friday 18 November 2016

A Special Gift For Santa (& Other VIPs!)


This Christmas, treat a special someone to a delightfully original gift...created especially for them!

We think Santa Clause deserves to enjoy a well-earned supper after delivering all those gifts - he's worked hard for it - and we're sure he'd appreciate a few treats served on his very own hand-painted plate!

In fact, our one-of-a-kind ceramics - designed and painted by Karen Edward at Funky Scottish - would be a fabulous present for any VIP to open on Christmas Day!

We also take commissions for birthdays, weddings and all kinds of special occasions - all year round!

See more via the gallery at www.funkyscottish.com



About...

Living by the sea, Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish is naturally drawn to coastal themes and has developing her own unmistakable flair for showcasing the unique character of the East Neuk. Her favourite subjects include the houses, animals, boats and seascapes she observes in and around the fishing villages. Karen will also happily paint bespoke ceramics reflecting your own unique character and interests. Choose a gift or crockery collection to celebrate special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. If you'd like to order your own exclusive, hand-painted piece, please get in touch!  

Monday 7 November 2016

Feeling Chilled Out? Embrace Our Cosy Comforts...



Do you feel the sharper chill in the air?
Don't let it keep you from walks beneath crisp blue skies!
Time to bundle up in knitted hats and cosy scarfs...
...discover our hand-picked collection - and many more seasonal comforts - at Funky Scottish. xo #cafe #gallery #boutique

Tuesday 25 October 2016

Our 6-Step Magic Spell For A Happy Halloween....


Happy Halloween!  This time of year is of course best known for ghosts and ghouls, witches and the other-world - which can be lots of fun if you're into that sort of thing! On the other hand, if you find yourself easily spooked, take solace in some of the alternative traditions associated with the festival. 

According to the old Celtic tradition of Samhain, which preceded Halloween, this time of year has its roots in honouring the end of summer and the beginning of winter.  Samhain literally means "summers end".  This is a bewitching time of year to wander up and down the wee wynds in our enchanting coastal village. Witness the breath-taking elemental magic of stormy seas, gold dust sunsets, starry skies and moonlight over the water.  Artists and art lovers adore the colours and changing light of this season. In fact, it's a great time to put down the broomsticks and pick up a paint-brush!  

Alternatively, here are six more funky ways to celebrate Halloween with style...

Invoke The Light...


According to one version of Halloween history, in the olden days people carved out turnips and pumpkins as a way to light a path for lost souls. Well, whether or not that's your intention, we can just as easily cast the customary halloween glow with lots of pretty candles!  Set them in your window and in darkened corners of your room to create a comforting, atmospheric space.  It beats clearing up the mess of post pumpkin creativity!  We have some gorgeous candles in the Funky Scottish boutique on the high street in Pittenweem...

Be Creative With Your Cauldron...


This is the very best time of year for creating a soul nourishing soup.  Use home-grown goodness from your garden or locally grown vegetables; butternut squash makes an especially delicious, autumnal soup! Get the recipe here.

Alternatively, visit the Funky Scottish Cafe for a delicious bowl of our own warming soup, and an indulgent slice of cake...all hand-made with our feel-good ingredients and sprinkles of magic dust....


Commune With Nature...


The ancient celtic origins of Halloween - Samhain - was deeply rooted in the celebration of nature.  The occasion marked the turn of the season from summer to winter and the beginning of a new celtic year.  So, this is a rejuvenating time to get out there and connect with the simple pleasures of fresh air and sunlight. As an artist, I love living by the sea where, as if by magic, the unique play of light and colour on the water always sparks the imagination...

Watch A (Not So) Scary Movie...


One of our favourites (and yes, it's a girlie classic) is Practical Magic with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman!  It's an enchanting film with just a smattering of spookiness to make it acceptable Halloween viewing...

Create A Magic Potion - Strawberry & Rum Spellbinder

 Ingredients

1 shot of rum
a big squeeze of lime juice
a glug of strawberry liqueur (homemade jam works well)
crushed ice
a dash of soda water

Whiz all the elements together in your magical cocktail shaker (or mini blender) and you have a beautiful drink which, if you close your eyes, will magically transport you back to a summer's day! Also, it tastes suspiciously like a strawberry daquari.... 

Image via pinterest.


Work A Spell Of Your Own...



Nope, eye of newt is not required! Simply, get really clear on what you want to create in your life and...make a wish! Even modern science is beginning to accept the good ole' fashioned power of visualisation and positive thinking. So, surely it's worth a shot...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! 

Tuesday 18 October 2016

Funky Scottish Loves...


...these gorgeous, coastal-inspired shoppers!

The totes - handpicked for our boutique - are a stylish and eco-friendly way to shop local in an eclectic mix of shops in gorgeous seaside villages all along the East Neuk. 

Here's our quick-look directory of what you'll find here in Pitteweem....

Pittenweem Pharmacy 
Barnett's Bakery 
Post Office
Chemist
Grocery Shop
Pittenweem Chocolate Company
The Woolly Brew 
art galleries + gift boutiques (including Funky Scottish!)
and don't forget the sweetie + ice cream shop on the harbour

Kick off you spree at Funky Scottish cafe-gallery-boutique on the high street in Pittenweem. xo

Thursday 6 October 2016

Have You Had A Funky Scottish Experience? Review Us On Trip Advisor...


Funky Scottish is excited to confirmed that we are now on Trip Advisor.

If you've had a Funky Scottish experience, please leave a review!  Take a peek at our profile and you can read our very first review too...

"I love Funky Scottish's cafe. Hands down the best cakes in the East Neuk. I've been told the cakes are...."

Keep reading at Trip Advisor.

Sunday 2 October 2016

...As Featured In 'Living' Lifestyle magazine.


Have you seen the gorgeous lifestyle magazine for Tay and Forth? We were delighted to receive a complimentary copy through our letterbox a couple of weeks ago. 'Living', a new publication from DC Thompson also featured a piece on the East Neuk and we were very excited to discover that Funky Scottish was given a lovely mention!

Take a peek below...




Remember, our cafe-gallery-boutique is open throughout the year!

Our seasonal opening hours for Autumn are Tuesday - Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

Stay up-to-date via our facebook and twitter pages!

Discover more at www.funkyscottish.com

Thursday 22 September 2016

Funky Scottish loves...


...spinning rings!
(and stylish shopper totes, bold jewellery, Breton stripes, coast + country tweed cushions, bright scarves, coastal chic kitchenware, seasonal candles...)
Discover more from our hand-picked boutique collection at Funky Scottish cafe-gallery-boutique.

Thursday 15 September 2016

Sailing Into A Funky Scottish Autumn...


Funky Scottish loves....
crunching through golden leaves, bracing walks on the beach, cosy afternoons in a #funkyscottish cafe, battening down the hatches, snuggling up to watch a favourite film, wrapping yourself up like a fish supper...and then eating one from Anstruther Fish Bar, warming bowls of home-made soup, the sound of the fog horn, boats emerging from the haar into safe harbour, fireworks and bonfires, a wee dram, starry skies...
...Autumn.
Our Funky Scottish cafe-gallery-boutique is moving to our seasonal opening hours of Tuesday-Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Join us and celebrate this Funky Scottish season. xo
ps. Go here to revisit 'Falling For Autumn - 7 Secrets Of A Funky Scottish Season'

Monday 29 August 2016

Coffee, Cake, Art...And The Friendliest People!


"Funky Scottish was our welcome to Pittenweem and Scotland! A lovely little shop featuring work by local artisans and EXCELLENT illy coffee to accompany a delicious homemade slice of cake.
It was a dream to lounge there, sipping coffee and getting ready for our day of adventuring the coastal trail, all the while chatting away with Karen and her daughter Marina - the friendliest people! If you're lucky you'll get to meet their pup Loki. I know my two little boys enjoyed that.
The only hardship you will have is deciding which piece of art to take home. Highly recommend!" 

- Review by Stef Stan, Summer 2016

Sunday 21 August 2016

Full Steam Ahead...


It's just over a week since the annual Pittenweem Arts Festival sailed out of our seaside village - and we've finally caught our breath!
THANK YOU so much to all of our regulars and newcomers for visiting our Funky Scottish cafe-gallery-boutique! Thanks to our fabulous exhibiting artists and of course, our hard-working team too!
So, the biggest event of the year may be behind us but it's full steam ahead for the coming months...
Here are a few DATES FOR YOUR DIARY...
+ artist John Kelly will return to Funky Scottish to teach his art classes from 29th August
+ our popular Artists Lunch will start again on the 1st Wednesday in September
+ and remember - Funky Scottish is open all year round!
During the summer months, Funky Scottish is open 10am-4pm. Find us on the villlage square, high street, Pittenweem.
Also, our RESIDENT ARTIST, Karen Edward, takes commissions for her hand-painted cermaics all year round. See more atwww.funkyscottish.com. xo

Wednesday 3 August 2016

The Art Of Celebration...Pittenweem Arts Festival + Our Cafe's Birthday!!!


This weekend, as the Pittenweem Arts Festival bursts into life, Funky Scottish will be feeling especially jubilant…

We're celebrating our cafe's 1st birthday!  In a flurry of activity, we launched this exciting element to Funky Scottish on the first day of the festival in 2015. One year on, we’re delighted to confirm that our experiment in blending arts and cafe culture has been a fabulous, adventurous success!

THANK YOU so much to all regulars and visitors for your ongoing support. We also want to say a special thank you to Isobel Bonnes - our talented baker. Isobel's utterly scrumptious, hand-made cakes have won endless praise and continue to delight our customers. 

Now, as a cafe-gallery-boutique, Funky Scottish is really excited to be part of another Pittenweem Arts Festival. Here are a few highlights:-

CAFE

Naturally, our cafe will be serving up classic savoury treats including soup, filled rolls and toasties, alongside our selection of Isobel’s tempting cakes. We also serve world famous Illy coffee, a selection of teas and chilled refreshments. Cast your eyes over the art from our bistro style tables inside, or enjoy our alfresco tables on the village square.  Want to know what makes us special? Discover the secret ingredients to our cafe's success. 



GALLERY

Our gallery will be exhibiting collections by some of the finest artists at the Pittenweem Arts Festival.  Come and see exhibitions of work by:-

Karen Edward (our resident artist + owner)

(Note: Liz Gourlay and Laura Gourlay - regularly featured at Funky Scottish -  will be based at their joint garage venue on Browns Close as part of the Pittenweem Arts Festival Fringe.)



BOUTIQUE

Our boutique will showcase an eclectic, hand-picked collection of gifts, jewellery and homewares (including kitchenware and ceramics by our resident artist, Karen Edward)



BEYOND THE FESTIVAL…

Looking ahead, we'll have plenty more art experiences in Pittenweem for you to enjoy. 

+ artist John Kelly will return to Funky Scottish to teach his art classes from 29th August
+ our popular Artists Lunch will start again on the 1st Wednesday in September
+ and remember - Funky Scottish is open all year round!

Meanwhile, we look forward to you joining us at Pittenweem Arts Festival - a celebration of visuals arts from Saturday 5th to 14th August. 

Don’t forget to celebrate our cafe's birthday with a piece of Isobel’s cake too...

Funky Scottish is open 9-5 throughout the festival - find us on the high street!

Are you a new visitor to Pittenweem? Discover more about this Funky Scottish village by the sea! 

Karen + The Team at Funky Scottish xo 




About...


Living by the sea, Karen Edward @ Funky Scottish is naturally drawn to coastal themes and has developing her own unmistakable flair for showcasing the unique character of the East Neuk. Her favourite subjects include the houses, animals, boats and seascapes she observes in and around the fishing villages. Karen will also happily paint bespoke ceramics reflecting your own unique character and interests. Choose a gift or crockery collection to celebrate special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. If you'd like to order your own exclusive, hand-painted piece, please get in touch!  

Friday 29 July 2016

Coming Soon! Pittenweem Arts Festival - 2016...


One week to go! Will you be joining us in our gorgeous little seaside village for the Pittenweem Arts Festival?

Discover more about the local + visiting artists featured in the 2016 event via the facebook page.

Also, we'll update you very soon on what's happening inside our venue - the Funky Scottish cafe-gallery-boutique... xo

Thursday 21 July 2016

Introducing....A Collection By Liz Gourlay


Funky Scottish is now showcasing the puffins and seaside-inspired work of talented, local felt artist, Liz Gourlay. 

Liz, who is self-taught, started out as a dry needle felt artist and uses a colourful coastal palette of merino wool, to create pieces inspired by the East Neuk.

Discover a homeware collection - including cushions, cards, framed art and mugs - by Liz in our cafe-gallery-boutique on the high street in Pittenweem.

Sunday 10 July 2016

Coastal-Inspired Summer Entertaining! Serve Up In Style...



Give summer entertaining an impressive + elegant twist with our original, coastal-inspired kitchenware collection by Karen Edward, resident artist at Funky Scottish...

Serve up nibbles on our canape platters, stack bbq'd feasts onto stylish square plates, roast your mediterranean-style vegetables in the generously sized baking dish and delight guests with big mugs of warming hot chocolate at late night alfresco gatherings.

See the collection at Funky Scottish cafe-gallery-boutique on the high street in Pittenweem. xo