Top Ten Farm Cafés and Restaurants
From cosy cafes and havens of home baking, to stunning restaurants, these are some of the best in farm to fork dining. Taste sensational food from the fields nearby and delight in sustainable, local dining.
1. Castleton Farm Shop, Aberdeenshire
Ross and Anna Mitchell’s farm is between Dundee and Aberdeen: and this is berry country. Fields of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries abound but there is also an orchard of cherry trees - one of the most northerly in the country.
The farm shop and café showcases a range of local delicacies alongside the farm fruits, and the menu features hearty family meals with berries a stand out in the baking and puddings. There’s plenty seating indoors and outdoors and a play park to keep younger visitors entertained.
2. Finzean Estate, Aberdeenshire
These beautifully repurposed farm steadings near Banchory are now a showcase of local food and drink. And with plenty walking and cycling routes around the estate, there’s no excuse not to build up an appetite. The restaurant’s menu features unmissable meat and fish platters alongside sandwiches, salads and home baking - all served up with magical views across the Feugh Valley. Beef and venison from the estate are particular specialities.
3. Peel Farm, Angus
Situated in the enchanting Angus Glens, this pioneering farm coffee shop opened more than 30 years ago and continues to serve popular café dishes with as few food miles as possible. Alongside a menu that includes everything from breakfasts, seasonal soups and home baking, there’s an afternoon tea option. The farm shop features crafts alongside beef and lamb from the farm, and cottages and glamping pods are available to stay. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the nature trail along the River Isla.
4. Drift, East Lothian
Just a short walk or cycle ride from North Berwick, this café is made from recycled shipping containers and has heart-stopping views over the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock. With an all day menu, there’s an emphasis on East Lothian produce with breakfasts, brunches and great coffee, their speciality. Takeaway is available or you can relax at the outdoor seating and take in those remarkable views.
5. Cairnie Fruit Farm and Mega Maze, Fife
This Fife berry farm has long been a destination for families who come to let off steam in the outdoor Funyard or find their way around the seasonal maze. Alongside the pick your own (currants, berries and cherries), there’s a farm shop selling gifts and local food and a bustling café. There’s a good range of family favourites here including lunch box options, daily specials and an outstanding selection of home baking. Don’t miss the famous strawberry tarts! Indoor and outdoor seating and tepees ensure this is a day out for all weathers.
Visit Cairnie Fruit Farm and Mega Maze
6. The Heron Farm Shop and Kitchen, Lanarkshire
Good provenance, seasonality and freshness are the driving forces behind this captivating farm shop and café set on a 122-acre sheep farm. With an emphasis on produce from Lanarkshire and Ayrshire, the café serves breakfast, lunch and everything in between with a core seasonal menu and home-cooked specials. In addition to the oak-framed indoor area with views over the farm’s fields, there’s a covered outdoor seating area.
Visit the Heron Farm Shop & Kitchen
7. Comrie Croft, Perthshire
This sustainable café and shop is a favourite amongst cyclists with its own mountain bike tracks and bike repair and shop. There are loads of accommodation choices from eco-camping and kata tents to cottages and steadings with enchanting woodland areas to explore. The Tea Garden is open seasonally and features cakes, salads, soups, pies and plenty of free-from options, with vegetables and salads grown on the croft.
8. Errichel House and Cottages & Thyme Restaurant, Perthshire
With enchanting views towards Aberfeldy, Errichel is home to a series of cottages and a stunning restaurant with rooms. The menu showcases the meat and eggs produced on the farm and uses chef-owner, Paul Newman’s culinary experience from across the world to infuse international flavours in dishes likes venison tagine or African street food-inspired Perthshire Lamb, Tomato and Onion Curry. There’s also the option to buy produce direct from a small retail area by the entrance.
9. Loch Leven's Larder, Perthshire
This well-stocked and award-winning farm shop overlooks Loch Leven, with its popular walks and cycle routes. The Larder Café and Greenhouse Café offer a great range of dishes, particularly those that make use of the vegetables grown in the surrounding fields. There’s a spacious indoor area, outdoor seating and even a small adventure playground. New for 2021 is “The Pier” another Loch Leven’s Larder outlet for delicious takeaway food further round the Loch Leven.
10. Craigies Farm, West Lothian
Just a short drive from Edinburgh, this farm shop is a popular escape from the city, offering sensational views towards the Firth of Forth and carefully sourced produce. You can Pick Your Own fruit and vegetables in the summer and autumn and there’s a specialist butchery counter too, featuring a range of local beef, lamb, pork and game. The café has a children’s play area and serves up a full menu from breakfast rolls, warming stovies and delicious burgers, to homemade soups and paninis.
