Callan’s Café Johnstone lunch review by Robert Blair

Our core team of Robert and Paul visit Callan’s Café at their new home in Johnstone for a wholesome and hearty meal

Never underestimate the power of vision. It’s what transports a person from their beginnings into what they’ll aspire to become and with enough drive and imagination, anything can happen. 

When the team at Callan’s Café first stepped into the premises that would become their pride and joy, it had been vacant for 12 years. A former convenience store, the place was in a ruinous state and as they recalled, everything they touched “crumbled”.

Yet with hard work and an unwavering desire to bring their business to life, Callan’s was born. 

Soup at Callan’s Café, photo ©Mill Magazine

Although still in its infancy, the café on Graham Street had already cultivated an inherently amiable, near familial atmosphere.  

Named after owner Beth’s grandson who resides in Australia, the place is already becoming a firm favourite among locals, pulling in everyone from old dears out for a cup of coffee and a gab to young mums meeting up with friends for an affordable lunch and a little respite from the stresses of day to day life. 

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For Paul and I, our trip fell on a hectic day where neither of us had so much as had a bite to eat. Suffice to say, we were excited and our expectations were met, if not even exceeded. 

In Paul’s case, he opted for the chicken, chorizo and cheese panini. A dish that came highly recommended, Paul promptly devoured it alongside a bowl of homemade lentil soup which was immensely flavourful. As for the panini itself, Paul praised how packed it was, before he also lauded the side of coleslaw that he gave “top marks”.

Photo ©Mill Magazine

As for me, it was a rare instance where one of the vegetarian dishes also happened to be one of their signature offerings. When the baked macaroni cheese arrived, I could instantly see that there was a perfect crumb adorning it and as that’s the hallmark of any good incarnation of this dish, I was immediately enthused.

Sure enough, it was among the best I’ve had in recent times, immensely enjoyable without being too heavy. 

Mini cakes, photo ©Mill Magazine

A testament to this was that we were still actually capable of eating desserts. 

Made right there in the café by resident baker Paul, we were treated to the six mini cake selection which enabled us to get an insight into everything to offer. Featuring a lemon drizzle,  jam and coconut, chocolate brownie and salted caramel slice among others, it was evident that these were made not only with a great deal of professionalism, but care too. The lemon drizzle in particular was majestic.

Despite being in their embryonic stages, Callan’s has got off to a flying start and the whole community should be excited to see the progress they’ll make from here. 

Callan’s Café, 25 Graham Street, Johnstone, PA5 8QZ, 07594 025597, follow on Facebook and Instagram.