Stoats Porridge Bars

Aware of the current obsession with wheat-free, low-GI, low-calorie diets, one young Scotsman hit upon a simple but clever idea – take-away porridge. Tony Stoat now runs Stoats Porridge Bars from stalls up and down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. He serves pots of porridge with various toppings – from brown sugar and cream to white chocolate and roasted hazelnut – from cute, stainless steel trailers.

Where is the best street food in the world?

Edinburgh farmers’ market – the world’s best porridge, delicious hog roasts, buffalo burgers, wild boar sausages….oh and I love churros from the markets in Spain.

Are you all mates?

All the traders and caterers tend to get on, with stories of events, towing battles, water pumps, and festival experiences to share and laugh over.

Does the fight for a good pitch ever get nasty?

I’m sure it does in some places. Fortunately, porridge doesn’t tend to step on too many toes so I’ve never had any hassle.

What’s unusual about your food cart?

Our trailers’ exteriors are lined with quilted stainless steel, so they look really funky and eye-catching.

How big is the kitchen area on board?

11ft x 7ft.

Any secret ingredients?

The best Scottish organic oats are the core ingredient of everything we do.

Do you get pushed around by the authorities?

The Environmental Health can be pretty strict at times, but that’s a good  thing as it keeps standards high and takes any cowboys out of the game.

Are you rich?

It’s a narrow market and expenses are high.

Would you open a restaurant if you had the chance?

Stoats Hotel, maybe.

What is your signature dish?

Cranachan porridge – raspberries stirred through with some single cream and honey with a sprinkle of sweet toasted oats over the top.

Have you won any awards?

I’m in the Guiness Book of Records for the world’s largest bowl of porridge.