Deep-fried yule logs prove a festive hit

This festive season Reivers Fish Bar in the Scottish Borders is selling deep-fried chocolate logs, mince pies and even Christmas puddings, to the delight of a demanding public.

But at an estimated 950 calories a serving, the delicious treat is only for the truly decadent.

Rona Johnston, 50, who runs the shop in Duns with her partner Andrew Mitchell, 52, said the deep-fried treats have been going down extremely well with the customers.

She said: “It seems like it would be a bit too weird, but a deep-fried yule log is very tasty indeed. The customers love it.

“The cream deliciously melts right into the chocolate sponge.”

The mince pies sell at three for £1, the Christmas pudding sells for £1.50 and the yule log – their most unusual treat, is £2.50.

Miss Johnston, who has been running the shop for the past three years, said: “The mince pies and the puddings are also really popular.

“All the Christmas treats are going down fabulously. We serve each pudding with Scottish cream. They make everything very tasty.”

Reivers Fish Bar previously gained a reputation on account of its deep-fried Oreo cookies, which are available throughout the year, and special battered Cadbury’s Creme Eggs for Halloween.

Miss Johnston said she would try to deep-fry most things, as long as it does not ruin the frying oil.

She said: “People often come in asking me to fry the strangest things. If it’s possible, we’ll give it a go.”