Lunch at The Farm at No. 12

Our famished editor treats himself to a mouth-watering spot of lunch at this converted farmhouse oasis.

I’ll stick my neck out and wager that The Farm at No. 12 is the only café in Renfrewshire with an adorable menagerie of alpacas, micro-pigs and mini-ponies as neighbours. Just a short drive from the centre of Paisley, this charming outpost is an ideal stopping-off point if you fancy enjoying a delicious lunch while surrounded by calming rural pleasures.

Upon arriving with my usual lunch-buddy Paul, I was immediately struck by the café’s warm, welcoming, cosy atmosphere. This small yet spacious converted farmhouse is a rustic delight. An open kitchen looks out over the main dining area, which was packed with satisfied customers during our lunchtime visit. The Farm at No. 12 is clearly a popular destination for people eager to get away from it all for an hour or so.

Photo by Brian McGuire, paisley.org.uk

Despite being very busy, the staff couldn’t have been friendlier as they attended to each table. Paul and I were tempted by the specials – elegantly chalked up on a wall-mounted blackboard in time-honoured style – but we eventually opted for something from the varied lunch menu.

Regular readers will know that I’m one of those new-fangled vegetarians they have now, so I eagerly settled on the chili cheese and veggie special pizza (£6.95) plus a side order of salt and chili chips (£3). This expertly homemade discus o’ pleasure was hot and spicy but not overbearingly so. Washing it down with an icy bottle of sparkling water and a Diet Coke (both £1.50) was a mere formality. I couldn’t quite finish it all, but that says more about my delicate disposition than the faultless food itself. My myopic eyes are bigger than my belly. 

Photo by Brian McGuire, paisley.org.uk

Paul, a carnivore, opted for the quite magnificent smoked mozzarella cheese burger (£7.95), which he garnished with a rich BBQ sauce alongside a standard side-serving of onion rings, chips and salad. Paul has a much more impressive appetite than I, plus I don’t do dessert, so he followed that feast with a sweet Oreo tart while I had a coffee.

This farmhouse retreat provides a most agreeable morning and afternoon dining experience; you won’t regret your visit. What’s more, alpacas!

The Farm at No. 12 is located at 12 Brownsfield Holding, Barnsford Road, Inchinnan, PA4 9LZ, 07989 999228. For more information, visit their Facebook page. This review was published in Mill issue 4, March/April 2019.