Lunch at Bernie’s Café Deli

Although our Paisley-born editor had only been to Bridge of Weir once before, his visit to Bernie’s has given him plenty of reason to return. 

Some places go beyond just catering to the local community and become a pillar of it. Rather than reducing the café experience down to its transactional nature, these eateries conjure up an atmosphere that allows you to unwind and recalibrate. And in the case of Bridge of Weir’s Bernie’s Café Deli, you’re made to feel at home from the very moment you cross the threshold. 

The former premises of Campbell’s Electricians, the structure otherwise known as Neva Place has been reborn as one of the village’s finest locales. A bustling hub of activity, we laid eyes on patrons of all ages as we took our seats near the window. Embedded into the social calendar of many repeat visitors, the walls are adorned with song lyrics and other inspiring sloganry as chosen by the very people that come there to eat, drink and decompress. Unbiasedly awarded bonus points for the St Mirren badge that takes pride of place in the middle of the display, our designer Paul and I were bowled over by the array of options on offer. I sprung for their veggie club (£7.45) while my colleague heeded the gluttonous call of Bernie’s Bad Boy (£9.95) pictured below. 

Bernies Café Deli Bad Boy Burger, photo ©Mill Magazine

Accompanied by the sort of thick seasoned fries that my gran commonly referred to as “real chips”, my sandwich brought its flavours together in harmonious fashion. Never overpowering one another, the meeting between cheddar cheese, basil pesto and its sun blushed tomato counterpart made for one of the most flavourful lunches I’ve had in ages. Across the table, Paul looked giddily at the gargantuan burger that had been placed in front of him. Indulgent in the all the right ways, the robust handmade patty was flanked by cheese, crispy onion rings, vine tomatoes, lettuce, barbecue sauce and, as the pièce de résistance, a liberal helping of bacon and luxury mayo. 

Feeling full but by no means defeated, we sojourned over to the dessert counter and found a cornucopia of delights on display. After some toing and froing, I hearkened back to my childhood with a hearty slice of old skool (£2.65) while Paul couldn’t see past the Malteser cake (£2.65) that he freely admitted was the “best he’s ever had.” 

No matter if you frequent Bridge of Weir or are scantly in the area, Bernie’s Café Deli and the food that’s on offer is worth making the pilgrimage for. 

Bernie’s Café Deli, Neva Place, Main Street, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PN, 01505 614333. This review was published in Mill issue 8 November/December 2019.