Step 1

Heat the oven to 230°C/210°C fan/gas 8 and line a large baking sheet with baking paper. Put the flour, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl, then rub in the butter with your fingers until the mix resembles breadcrumbs.

Step 2

Pour in most of the buttermilk and mix with a butter knife. Add the lemon zest and remaining buttermilk, then form the dough into a ball using your hands.

Step 3

Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead it a few times. Pat or roll out the dough to a 2cm thickness, then stamp out 3-4cm rounds with a scone/cookie cutter (or use the top of a round drinking glass). Bring the scraps together, then re-pat/roll and stamp again. You should have about 20 small scones.

Step 4

Place the scones close together on the prepared baking sheet. Squeeze the lemon juice into a small bowl, then drop in the sugar cubes. Turn them in the juice, then remove to a plate (discard the juice). Push one lemon sugar cube into the centre of each scone. Brush the tops with a little milk, then bake for 12-15 minutes until risen and golden. The scones are best served on the day they’re made, with lashings of butter or jam and cream.