Magnolia Bakery's Chief Baking Officer, Bobbie Lloyd, has perfected the humble scone

The scone. With it’s crumbly, moist pastry, dotted with little pieces of fruit surprises, it’s a cake-lover’s dream and nightmare rolled into one.

Whether you pronounce it ‘s-con’ or ‘s-cone’, put the jam or clotted cream on first, or favour the fruit or plain variety, there’s no doubt about it, the world is a better place with scones in it.

Magnolia Bakery's Chief Baking Officer, Bobbie Lloyd, has baked scones her entire career to date and is more than qualified to give us a few tips and tricks.

We chat to Lloyd (and pick her brains a bit) about scones, her afternoon tea experiences and – the best bit – score the secret MB recipe so you can try it at home.

Tell us why the trusty scone is so popular?

Scones are a natural fit for our concept, but they are also just so delicious. They are a tradition for people all over the world.

What does 'afternoon tea' mean to you?

Afternoon tea is such a civilised tradition. Life slows down for a moment in time. It's not something I do often, but given the opportunity, I do it anytime I can. I took my daughter to London and Paris two years ago and we made it part of our daily plan to stop and enjoy the moments we were experiencing.

How do you make your scones different from all the others out there?

American scones are different to British scones. We use more butter and bake them in a triangular shape. They are meant to be a bit less fussy and approached as something you could eat on the run.

It's an age-old debate, so what's your take? Jam or cream on first?

Jam. We love our homemade jam in the US. I love each season’s bounty of fruit and jam is so easy to make. The whole process is very satisfying.

Ever made scones with your kids?

Scones are incredibly easy to make with kids and almost fool-proof. My daughter has been making scones and biscuits since she was about eight.

There's no denying the calories come with the humble scone. How do you work off the excess?

I'm an avid runner, I run at least one marathon a year. But I also believe all things in moderation. So enjoy a scone when you want to.

Is there such thing as a healthy scone?

Scones can be made with different flours, oats, fresh fruit, and other healthy additions.

Best afternoon tea experience so far?

The plaza hotel in NYC and Fortnum & Mason in London. The experience with my daughter was so special.

When we had tea at F&M, her eyes were as big as the saucers the tea cups sat on. We both enjoyed every moment of the experience. Fortnum & Mason has a spectacular afternoon tea that sets the benchmark very high.