Step inside new Shorty's Coffee Shop and Gelateria in Aboyne

Shorty’s Coffee Shop and Gelateria is the latest addition to the Aboyne food and drink scene — and the second premises under the recognisable Shorty’s brand.

Located in Aboyne’s former post office, on Charlestown Road, the venue opened its doors for the first time earlier this month.

There are plenty of tray bakes on offer. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Owner Cheryl Anderson launched Shorty’s in January 2017 before opening Shorty’s Ice Cream Parlour in Ballater roughly three months later.

It is one of the most in-demand ice cream parlours in the north-east.

‘It’s been a very long process to get the doors open,’ says owner Cheryl

The Ballater resident was very “hands on with the renovation of the building“.

“It used to be a post office so I had to employ an architect to design a new layout,” Cheryl added.

Exterior view of former post office in Aboyne from Google Maps. — Shorty’s Coffee Shop and Gelateria is located in the former Aboyne post office. Image: Google Maps

The outside of the premises now. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

“The whole inside had to be completely ripped out and renovated.

“The building was a whole entity which has now been split into three. This meant three new water meters, three new electricity meters, three new phone lines, etc.

There are four tables inside. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

The shop is located on Charlestown Road. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

“It’s been a very long process to get the doors open.”

Inside, there are four tables with space for 10 covers. Cheryl says the interior is “bright, cosy and welcoming.”

Dessert fans are in for a treat. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Shorty’s Coffee Shop and Gelateria takes bookings so tables can be reserved in advance.

There are currently nine members of staff, a figure that is hoped to grow come summer 2024.

What’s on the menu at Shorty’s Coffee Shop and Gelateria?

The space offers a varied menu, including all-day breakfasts, light bites and lunch dishes.

The cake counter. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Mint Aero slice, anyone? Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Sandwiches, paninis and bagels are available, as well as loaded nachos, chilli bowls, stovies, burgers and chicken fillets.

Cheryl said: “Our two specialities include a pulled pork sandwich with stuffing and apple sauce from locally reared pigs on Balnault Farm in Crathie, and a sweet potato and miso salad.

Some of the ice cream flavours to expect. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

“This is perfect for vegans as it consists of mixed leaves, roasted red peppers, quinoa, edamame beans and sweet potato pakora with a sesame and miso dressing. It is delicious!”

On the sweet front, there is a wide selection of treats in the coffee shop’s cake cabinet as well as waffles and, of course, Shorty’s ice cream.