Lunch at Woodlands

In need of some warmth and sustenance as the days grow shorter? Our editor finds the ideal daytime retreat.

Situated just outside Paisley town centre, a mere ten-minute walk from Gilmour Street station, this convivial eatery deserves to be more than a popular secret. 

It’s an aromatic oasis of speciality teas, coffees, cakes and freshly-cooked food, a charming destination for all your breakfast and luncheon needs.

The cosiness of Woodlands was just what I needed upon arriving for lunch on a rain-lashed afternoon. It felt instantly welcoming, a comfortably busy, stress-free environment. Dressed in warm, muted browns and caramels, it practically demands, albeit gently, that you order a hot beverage and some food. 

Once I’d wiped the rain and condensation from my glasses, I noticed that the clientele spanned the generation gap. Older ladies and gents quietly rubbed shoulders with younger patrons and families. The staff were friendly and attentive, they’re happy to chat while ensuring swift service (please bear in mind, however, that Woodlands don’t accept card payments; a literally small price to pay).

My lunch-buddy was Paul, a colleague from this parish. NB: It’s important for me to clarify that, otherwise you’ll think I’m referring to myself in the third person during the rest of this review. I haven’t taken leave of my senses.

The well-stocked menu spoiled us for choice, but we eventually found what we were looking for. It was lunch hour, but we didn’t have to wait long for our food to arrive.

I opted for beans on toast (£4.20), which isn’t as dull as it sounds. On the contrary, those delicious baked beans, served in a classy oval receptacle, were garnished with delicately buttered fingers of brown bread. I followed that with a platter of cheese and pickle sandwiches (£3.50), by which point I was fit to burst.

Paul opted for the chef’s speciality, Woodlands black pancakes (£8.10). This mouth-watering confection consists of Scottish pancakes accompanied by sauté peppers, red onion, black pudding, two soft poached eggs and a sprinkling of cracked black pepper. T’other Paul heartily recommends that and his dessert choice, the home-made apple pie.

This was all washed down with a splendid pot of tea for two. By that satisfied point, the rain outside was a distant memory.

Woodlands Coffee House & Tea Room is situated at 44 Glasgow Road, Paisley, PA1 3PW, 07949 842 504. This review was published in Mill issue 2 November/December 2018.